Planning a trip to Normandy? As a Fora Travel advisor I can help and hopefully add in some perks too =)
When to visit
Traveling in the summer months is ideal to fully enjoy the beaches and warm weather. Although, Normandy is charming and beautiful no matter the season. There’s plenty to see and do even in the less crowded, winter months. Click here to compare data on temperatures, tourist volume, and average hotel prices throughout the year.
Where to stay
Experience seaside glamour in Deauville.
Barrière Hotels offers three hotel options (Hotel du Golf, Le Normandy, and Le Royal Deauville) in the glamorous seaside resort town of Deauville. Beaches, the Planches Boardwalk, golf, tennis, horseback riding, polo matches, restaurants, cafes, spas, shops and casinos are right outside your door. The American Film Festival, open to the public, wraps up summer in September.
Experience chateau life in Bayeux.
Hotel Tardif Located in the medieval town of Bayeux, Hotel Tardif was once a privately owned mansion. The building, which includes a pool and cathedral views, dates back to the 18th century. It’s conveniently located near the Bayeux Tapestry Museum, as well as, shops and restaurants.
Chateau D’Audrieu Located between Bayeux and Caen, Château d’Audrieu boasts 50 acres of park and 12 acres of gardens. Enjoy the quiet setting of the countryside while being conveniently located to Normandy’s main attractions. Unwind at the spa or heated outdoor swimming pool and dine at Le Séran, the on-site restaurant.
Hotel la Chenevière Located on the Norman coast between Bayeux and the WWII landing beaches, Hotel la Chenevière, offers an elegant and convenient location to base your exploration of the Normandy region. The chateau has an accredited helipad from which you can enjoy helicopter tours of the region. Bicycles are available free of charge and the outdoor pool is heated May – September.
What to do
Visit the World War II landing beaches and memorials.
On June 6, 1944, the allied forces landed on the beaches of Normandy and began the invasion of German occupied France during World War II. D-Day was the largest amphibious invasion ever undertaken and marked a turning point in the war. Although a success, the invasion came with a high cost of life. Monuments and museums are located along the coast and five landing beaches code named Sword (UK), Gold (UK), Juno (Canadian), Omaha (US), and Utah (US). For a complete description of the beaches and museums to visit click here.
Visit Mont Saint Michel.
Surrounded by tidal flats and located in the bay between Normandy and Brittany, Mont Saint Michel is one of France’s most iconic images and a UNESCO World Heritage Site (www.whc.unesco.org). The Benedictine Abbey was built between the 11th and 16th centuries. Explore the abbey, shop, and eat at one of the restaurants on the island.
Visit Bayeux.
The Bayeux Tapestry depicts the Norman conquest of England in 1066 by William the Conqueror. William the Conqueror was also present at the Cathedral’s consecration in 1077. The picturesque town was mostly saved from destruction during World Ward II and the Battle of Normandy.
Visit Giverny.
My wish is to stay always like this, living quietly in a corner of nature – Claude Monet
The artistic town of Giverny is where artist Claude Monet lived until his death in 1926. You can visit his house and gardens with lily ponds that inspired Les Nymphéas. The paintings are on permanent exhibit in Musée de l’Orangerie in Paris.
Visit Rouen.
Normandy’s capital city is steeped in history from the Vikings to William the Conqueror and Richard the Lionheart to Joan of Arc. City highlights include Historial Jeanne d’Arc, a museum housed in the Archbishop’s Palace next to the Cathedral and the monumental town clock, GrosHorloge. Tall ships gather on the Seine for the Armada Festival held during June 6-16th.
Helpful websites
For more details and a complete list of Normandy’s “must sees” visit Normandie Tourism.
