Camping Normandy

The boardwalk in Deauville is legendary, encouraging visitors to follow in the footsteps of movie stars in between a spot of wonderful shopping in the town's prestigious establishments and a visit to Normandy's number one attraction, Mont-Saint-Michel. However, as wonderful as it is, this emblem of monastic painting does not completely overshadow other outstanding Norman artefacts.

When you visit Normandy, you'll find idyllic landscapes abounding with exquisite cheeses, breathtaking cliffs steeped in folklore, and pristine beach villages immortalised by Impressionist painters. There are vast sandy beaches, some of which serve as monuments to major WWII events.

Normandy is located in northwestern France, near the French capital - Paris.

Due to its unique geographical location and richness of resources, the Duchy of Normandy has played an important role in the history of both England and France. Possession of this prized country, which included one-fifth of the riches of the whole French realm, resulted in a terrible history and a slew of notable figures: Rollo, William the Conqueror, Richard the Lionheart, Joan of Arc, etc.

By the Agreement of Saint-Clair-Sur-Epte in 911, the King of the Franks, the unfortunate-named Charles "the Simple," was forced to relinquish all his possessions "from the Epte to the sea" to Rollo the Viking. After a few decades, the Vikings, now known as the "Normans," set about reorganising their large territory. The heir would be William the Conqueror, who was born in the Normandy town of Falaise. The Duke of Normandy would become King of England in 1066 after a combat trial at Hastings. The Bayeux Tapestry depicts the narrative in exquisite detail.

Rouen

Visitors to Rouen's old town will enjoy the mediaeval atmosphere found in the meandering cobblestone streets flanked by Maisons à Colombages (half-timbered houses). Gothic churches may be found at every turn, and many of them are masterpieces of mediaeval architecture.

Claude Monet painted the town's spectacular Cathédrale Notre Dame in a sequence of paintings that display the fine intricacies of the cathedral's exterior at different times of the day. The Gros-Horloge clock tower in the city center is another notable landmark in Rouen.

Evreux

The town of Evreux, about an hour's drive south of Rouen, is worth a trip. The Cathédrale Notre-Dame, built in the 11th century, is the principal tourist attraction. The grand nave of the cathedral still features Romanesque-era arches, although it was restored in the Gothic form in the 13th century. The sanctuary is illuminated by magnificent stained-glass windows, which were made between the 13th and 16th centuries and are regarded as masterpieces.

Le Bec-Hellouin

Le Bec-Hellouin, one of the most beautiful settlements in Normandy's rural scenery, is classified as one of the Plus Beaux Villages de France (Most Beautiful Villages of France). This small country community is nestled in a tranquil valley with plenty of open green space and lush trees.

Honfleur

Honfleur, with its gorgeous mediaeval harbor on the Seine river, is one of Europe's most attractive cities. The village, about 25 kilometres from Le Havre, boasts atmospheric brick lanes and numerous historic half-timbered buildings.

In the 16th century, adventurers went on expeditions to Canada from this historic nautical harbor. The 16th-century Lieutenancy building, the historic governor's mansion, is built on the ruins of the town's ancient gates on the north side of the port.

Bayeux

There's grand architecture, exquisite restaurants, and stores galore, but the Bayeux Cathedral is the first thing you see when you arrive. Bayeux's famous old town goes back to Norman times. Bishop Odo, William the Conqueror's half-brother, dedicated the Cathedral in 1077. It's a nice place to roam around in. There are many winding, tiny streets, half-timbered buildings, and ancient landmarks.

Beuvron-en-Auge

Beuvron-en-Auge is a charming Norman town near Caen, located in the agricultural area of Normandy. It's one of France's "Les Plus Beaux Villages." It's a lovely Norman town known for its cheese and cider. It's difficult to discover a more real French village.

Beuvron-en-Auge, which looks like a movie set, features a central mediaeval square bordered by colourful 16th-century half-timbered dwellings. The most well-known is the Vieux Manoir, which dates from the 16th century.

1. Mont Saint-Michel

The Mont Saint-Michel is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and an important mediaeval pilgrimage site. This designation protects both the 11th-to 13th-century Abbey of Saint-Michel and the Bay of Saint-Michel.

The Abbey of Saint-Michel has a legendary aspect, rising more than 100 meters above the sea. As the location begs tourists to traverse the ominous Bay of Saint-Michel, the awe-inspiring Gothic spires seem to rise towards heaven.

2. Giverny: Monet's Garden

One of the best day excursions from Paris is a visit to Claude Monet's residence and garden at Giverny, which is about an hour's drive from Rouen. Monet's Garden is an intriguing destination to visit for fans of Impressionist art since the rich flowering property inspired many of the artist's paintings.

Claude Monet designed the Le Clos Normand garden in front of the home. This garden dazzles with a profusion of brilliant blossoms from spring to fall, including daffodils, pansies, tulips, irises, peonies, daisies, roses, poppies, hollyhocks, and dahlias, placed naturally to seem like wildflowers.

3. Étretat

On Normandy's Côte d'Albâtre coastline, the coastal village of Étretat is located at the foot of white limestone cliffs. The cliffs exceed 90 meters in height, and the views from the top are breathtaking. Claude Monet was drawn to the grandeur of Étretat and spent a winter there in 1868, capturing the spectacular vistas and gleaming shoreline in his paintings.

During the summer, the beaches of Étretat attract sunbathers, and the ocean provides a source of income for fishermen who collect fresh seafood that is commonly used in the local cuisine.

4. Fécamp

Fécamp, a popular beach vacation location on the Côte d'Albâtre, is one of the best places to visit in Normandy for a peaceful vacation. Fécamp, founded in 1832, was one of France's earliest beach resorts, attracting a sophisticated and high-society audience. Today, sunbathers and socialites alike enjoy the cool coastal breeze.

Aside from the fishing harbor, the primary tourist attraction in this town is the mediaeval abbey church of Sainte-Trinité, which was originally erected in the 12th and 13th centuries. The interior is awe-inspiringly enormous, with a magnificent choir and Renaissance altar.

5. Caen

Caen is a vibrant university town rich in history that was largely decimated during the 1944 Battle of Normandy.

However, some historic structures were preserved, while the remainder of the town was rebuilt in the 1950s and 1960s. As a result, the Vageux district is a mix of old and new, with some stylish stores and lovely public squares.

The Chateau de Caen is a doughty mediaeval stronghold erected by William the Conqueror and is located in Caen. The chateau, which is turreted and surrounded by a moat, is one of Europe's largest and oldest military structures. The Caen Memorial Museum is a must-see for WWII enthusiasts. It stands at the location of an important German command post during WWII.

1. Sit Under A Beach Parasol In Deauville

Deauville is one of the best places to visit in Normandy. The beach in Deauville is spectacular, especially if you take a day excursion from Paris to get away from the heat. Arriving early is essential for any photographer due to the morning shadows generated by the rows of colourful parasols. Take a stroll down the long beach and the famed boardwalk, and, of course, go for a dip.

2. Savour Oysters Perched On The Beach At Quiberville

You may be drifting down Normandy's Alabaster Coast when Quiberville emerges out of nowhere. A bakery, a promenade, a beach, and an oceanside Huiterie (oyster shack) are all available.

3. Stroll Through Veules-les-Roses

Veules-les-Roses, named one of France's most beautiful villages, is a charming, tiny village in Normandy. Roses cascade and rise against the backdrop of the River Veules, which runs past historic mills. Veules-les-Roses was historically significant as the landing station for British and French soldiers in WWI's Battle of the Somme.

4. Stop By Varengeville-sur-Mer

Painters have always been drawn to this place. The French painter and sculptor Georges Braque resided here and left a lasting impact. Modern stained glass windows produced by the artist are a joy to see in the 12th-century church of Saint-Valery. Georges Braque is also buried at this cemetery.

5. Admire the Bayeux Tapestry.

The over 1000-year-old Bayeux Tapestry depicts the Battle of Hastings in 1066 when William the Conqueror became King of England. It is a one-of-a-kind masterpiece, 70 meters (230 feet) long, depicting historical events and 11th-century life.

Food is one of the main reasons why many people come to visit the region, which is renowned as one of the top gourmet attractions in France.

Normandy is a genuine pantry of dreams and a country of abundance in terms of fresh fruit, famed for its native cheeses, which include the renowned camembert, cream, and apples.

While you're eating some of Normandy's best vegetables, wash it down with some cool cider, poiré (pear cider), pommeau, or calvados, our local apple brandy. Most restaurants here will recommend le trou Normand ("Norman hole," a tradition of sipping calvados as a palate cleanser between dishes).

Day Trip to Mont-Saint-Michel from Paris

The abbey at Mont-Saint-Michel, one of Europe's most renowned pilgrimage destinations, is a UNESCO World Heritage site that is towards the top of most travellers' itineraries during their visit to Normandy. This tour includes not only your admission ticket to the walled city but also transportation from the French capital, Paris, in a luxury air-conditioned coach. You'll have the option to halt at a mediaeval Norman town and walk through the small, cobbled streets before continuing to the mouth of the Couesnon river, where you'll get your first glimpse of Mont-Saint-Michel.

WWI Somme Battlefields

Not only was most of World War II fought on French land, but so was much of World War I. On this full-day excursion to the Somme Battlefields, you may pay your respects to those who died in the First World War.

On this tour, you'll learn about all of the important memorials, cemeteries, and battles of the Somme, as well as much intriguing information about World War I at Péronne's historical museum.

In Caen, there are two marketplaces. The bigger of the two is on Sunday mornings along the waterfront, and the smaller is on Friday mornings on Place Saint-Sauveur, both of which provide a magnificent 18th-century environment for your shopping!

The historic city of Bayeux is the ideal setting for its markets, which are held on Wednesdays in the pedestrianised Rue Saint-Jean and on Saturdays in the Place Saint Patrice (where they have been held since Roman times). In addition, on Thursday nights in the summer, there is a Norman arts and crafts and local food market in front of the town hall.

Night Shows At The Mont-Saint-Michel

Since 2018, the world-famous Mont-Saint-Michel Abbey has been lit up at dusk throughout the summer. Make your way through the maze of monastery structures, see the "Chronicles of the Mount" night show, and experience an evening of mystery, introspection, and spirituality.

Rouen Cathedral Light Show

Every summer, after nightfall, the majestic cathedral in Rouen comes to life with a stunning light show projected onto its façade. In line with the Normandy Impressionist Festival, this year's light display will be titled "First Impressions," and it is likely to excite visitors of all ages.

Anniversary Of D-Day And The Battle Of Normandy

Every year, the tourist offices along and near the D-Day Landing Beaches collaborate to organize the D-Day Festival, which includes commemorative events and festivities on the five D-Day Landing Beaches as well as in Sainte-Mère-Église, Bayeux, and Arromanches-Les-Bains (Gold Beach sector), to name a few.

Normandy has many campgrounds both in the countryside and by the seaside which cater to all budgets and tastes.

Perfect for vans, campervans, RV's and caravans stopovers (aires de camping-car) are fully equipped with a range of facilities and services.

Some campgrounds have a couple of excellent glamping options that sit within their quiet, small-scale fields. A vintage tractor will chug you and your belongings across the car-free site to where you can find a pair of gipsy caravans tucked among the trees, furnished with a double bed, a bunk-bed, a table, chairs, and cooking equipment. As well as the château itself, which houses the toilets in atmospheric stone rooms, there's also a natural swimming pond that forms a real hub of fun within the site.

You'll stay in a semi-detached duplex or single-storey home with a terrace or balcony, an appealing apartment with a balcony or loggia and views of the Normandy countryside, or a semi-detached duplex house with a balcony or terrace, depending on the region. It's up to you to find a cosy place to stay on your vacation!