Camembert from Normandy
What is Normandy most known for? If you ask an American, he or she will likely say D-Day, the decisive battle of World War II. But if you ask the French or other Europeans, in addition to D-Day, they may tell you horse racing or cheese.
Surprised? How about apples? Normandy is the leading apple region in France, with 800 varieties and many products made from them. Some of these products are Calvados (apple brandy) and cidre, a beverage traditionally served with crepes.
The region of Normandy
Historically, the dukes of Normandy had as much power as the monarchs of France, unlike today. Modern Normandy reminds you of a peaceful pasture studded with picturesque towns and green hills.
Normandy is also the main area in France for Camembert cheese and the supplier of most of France’s dairy products overall. Whether or not World War II history is your interest, there are many destinations in Normandy that are worthwhile. Enough for an entire road trip!
Oliver’s France Road Trip
If you’re starting in Paris, you can count on around two hours to reach the Normandy coast driving straight through. But you wouldn’t want to do that. Of course, you’ll prefer to stop along the way.
Rouen, Normandy
Your first stop will be Rouen (see post for more details), which is about an hour and forty-five minutes’ drive from Paris. Stay at least a day, enjoying the half-timbered buildings in the old town and small canals here and there. This is the town where Joan of Arc was burned at the stake in the 15th century, and there is a modern church in her honor.
When you leave Rouen, head north to the coast where, in about an hour, you’ll arrive in the town of Fécamp. It’s a coastal resort town, complete with stunning white cliffs (the tallest in Normandy) and plenty of history. Here you can also visit the Palais Benedictine, a gorgeous palace where you can take a tour of the Benedictine distillery.
Etretat, Normandy
From Fécamp, head west for about 25 minutes and you’ll arrive at the idyllic town of Etretat, one of the most photographed towns in Normandy. You’ll want to stay there a day or two and drink in the beauty and fresh sea air.
After that, you’ll head south toward le Havre in about 30 minutes. Here you can visit the modern art museum (Museum of Modern Art Andre Malraux) http://www.muma-lehavre.fr/ It’s one of the best museums outside Paris for Impressionism. Le Havre is one of the largest cities in Normandy.
Honfleur, Normandy
Whether or not you visit Le Havre, you should certainly see Honfleur (45-minute drive from Etretat.) The Old Port may look familiar since it’s been painted by masters such as Claude Monet and photographed by many since then. You’ll want to take in the medieval architecture, seafood, and history.
The next stop will be Deauville, if a lively seaside resort is your craving. You can get there from Honfleur in about 25 minutes. In Deauville, you can join the crowds on the beach, visit the casino, go to horse races, and enjoy the good life!
Drive from Deauville slightly southwest for about 50 minutes and you’ll reach the city of Caen. The main attraction here is the fascinating and moving Caen Memorial Museum, a World War II museum dedicated to France’s involvement. You’ll want to spend at least a couple of hours here before moving onto your next destination, Bayeux.
Bayeux, Normandy
From Caen, drive northwest for about 30 minutes to arrive at Bayeux. You’ll definitely want to spend a day and night in this lively, interesting town. It boasts the famous 13th-century tapestry depicting the Norman invasion of England in 1066 as well as the magnificent Cathedral Notre-Dame de Bayeux. Otherwise, the medieval cobbled streets and half-timbered houses of the Old Town will likely entice you to stay an additional day.
Or more than an additional day, because if you want to visit the D-Day Beaches, this is a good jumping-off spot. You can drive northwest for 25 minutes to the coast from Bayeux and spend the day visiting Omaha Beach, which is the wartime code name for a 5-mile stretch of coast between the towns of Sainte-Honorine-des-Pertes and Vierville-sur-Mer. Nearby is the American Cemetery.
Le Mont Saint Michel
If you want to visit Le Mont Saint Michel (and you should definitely see it at some point!) drive southwest for about 1 hour and 45 minutes. It’s a long drive, but well worth it. Bayeux is a good base for this as well.
If you’ve rented a car in Paris, going back from Bayeux will take about 3 hours. If you prefer to take a train from Paris to Rouen and rent a car there, that will only take an hour and a half for the train ride. The drive from Bayeux back to Rouen will take an hour and a half. You can stay an additional night in Rouen then head back to Paris the next day.
Heading north can be unforgettable!
I highly recommend Etretat. That hike up the hill is a killer but the views are worth it! Imagine standing in the same spot where Monet painted.
Hi Cathi, I loved Etretat, too! It has a small-town feeling, then once you go up to the hillside you are so right, the view makes it worth it. In fact, the views are wonderful from the bottom, too! I’d love to go back.
Mont St. Michel is really well worth visiting. I only wish I had more time to visit, but running the D-day marathon along the beaches of Normandy was quite a memorable experience! I was able to run with other locals who welcomed me into their group!
Hi John, that sounds like an amazing experience for you! I’m glad you got to see le Mont St. Michel, too. I hope you can go back and spend more time there. It’s pretty impressive, even if it’s so popular with tourists!