Things to Do on a Road Trip in Normandy, France

Normandy, located in northern France, is a region rich in history, culture, and natural beauty. The coastline is particularly striking and tells so many tales across history. We recently visited Normandy as part of the Stephen Ambrose historical tour, focussing on the D-Day beaches and WWII history. However, we were able to visit some other parts of the area too, so here are our recommendations for things to do on a road trip in Normandy, France.

Things to Do on a Road Trip in Normandy

From Paris, hire a car and head west. You will wind your way to the coast and follow it as far down as Mont Saint Michel, before turning back inland and returning to Paris.

Giverny

Giverny is home to the famous gardens and house of Impressionist painter Claude Monet. The vibrant gardens, with their iconic water lilies, inspired many of Monet’s masterpieces. Giverny is a popular day trip from Paris (a 1.5-hour drive / 1-hour by train), and tourists flock to see the landscapes that inspired this genius painter. There is also an impressionist art museum, so your day in Giverny will be a truly illuminating experience.

Tickets start at €11, and there is a carpark opposite the house.

Highlights – Monet’s House and Gardens, Musée des Impressionnismes, scenic walks along the Seine.

Rouen

Next up is Rouen, Normandy’s historic capital. This charming city blends medieval architecture with vibrant energy. We were captivated by the Gothic cathedral, lively markets, and quaint cobblestone streets lined with cute half-timbered houses.

Rouen is known for its connection to Joan of Arc. Visit sites like the Joan of Arc Historial (at the  Archbishop’s palace), and the Place du Vieux-Marché, where she met her fate. Whether you’re a history buff, architecture-lover, or just seeking a taste of French city life, Rouen delivers.

We recommend you spend a night or two in Rouen during your road trip – try the Ibis Rouen Centre Rive Droite Pasteur for a car-friendly option; or the Hotel de Bourgtheroulde, Autograph Collection, for a luxury experience.

Highlights – Rouen Cathedral, Gros Horloge (Great Clock), Place du Vieux-Marché, Joan of Arc’s memorial.

Étretat

Now head out to the coast, to the dramatic white chalk cliffs and natural arches of Étretat. These breathtaking coastal views have inspired many artists and writers. Gustave Flaubert describes this coastline in his novel Madame Bovary, and Gustave Courbet painted Étretat and the play of light off rugged cliffs.

Just across the English Channel are the White Cliffs of Dover, and Étretat is the French equivalent. A perfect place to let the Channel winds blow the cobwebs away.

Highlights – The Cliffs of Étretat, the Aval Arch, the Needle (L’Aiguille), Étretat Gardens.

Honfleur

Honfleur has the cutest port. Tall skinny buildings are crammed along the waterfront, with restaurants lining the sidewalks. Amongst the cobblestone streets you can find the largest wooden church in France, the 15th century Sainte-Catherine Church. Made by the ship builders of the city, the church has a separate wooden bell tower opposite, located at a distance to protect the main church building from fire in the event of a lightning strike. 

Recommended hotels in Honfleur include: ibis Styles Honfleur nearer the highway, or Hotel Du Dauphin for something more traditional.

Highlights – Vieux Bassin (Old Harbor), Sainte-Catherine Church, Honfleur museums and art galleries.

Caen

Caen is home to the impressive Caen Castle and the Memorial Museum dedicated to World War II and the Battle of Normandy. Don’t miss the D-Day Wings Museum on the outskirts of the city either.

Highlights – Caen Castle, Abbaye aux Hommes, Abbaye aux Dames, Memorial Museum, D-Day Wings Museum.

Bayeux

This charming medieval town is best known for the Bayeux Tapestry, an incredible 70-meter-long embroidery that depicts the Norman Conquest of England in 1066. The tapestry is one of the most extraordinary and well-preserved artefacts from the Middle Ages. At 70-meters (230-foot) long, the embroidered cloth tells the story of the Battle of Hastings, where William the Conqueror, Duke of Normandy, defeated the English King Harold II.

Bayeux is definitely an historically important place to stop on your road trip around Normandy. For accommodation, try the Hôtel Le Lion d’Or for great food and reasonable accommodation.

Highlights – Bayeux Tapestry Museum, Bayeux Cathedral, medieval city streets.

D-Day Beaches and Normandy American Cemetery and Memorial

Normandy’s coastline is home to the historic D-Day landing beaches of World War II. Visiting these sites offers a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made during the Allied invasion. We had the honor of attending the D-Day memorial on the 80th anniversary of the landings. It was a day we will never forget.

While it’s a sombre area to visit on vacation, it’s important that we keep this tragedy in our mind to ensure nothing like it happens again.

Highlights – Omaha Beach, Utah Beach, Juno Beach, Pointe du Hoc, Normandy American Cemetery.

Mont Saint-Michel

We didn’t get as far as Mont Saint-Michel on our road trip, so we asked Hannah from HH Lifestyle Travel to write about this amazing landmark

This iconic medieval abbey perched on a rocky island is one of France’s most famous landmarks. Surrounded by tidal waters, Mont Saint-Michel is a fairytale marvel that has to be seen to be believed. Accessed by a bridge over a causeway, visitors can take tourist buses, the traditional maringotte horse drawn carriages, or just walk over the bridge (for the best photos). Read more about the practicalities of visiting Mont Saint-Michel.

I recommend staying overnight near Mont Saint-Michel so you can enjoy the incredible sunset over the abbey. Pick a balcony room at Relais Saint-Michel for the best views!

Highlights – The Abbey, medieval streets, panoramic views, tidal phenomenon.

After your visit to Mont Saint-Michel, you can either continue on down the coast into Brittany, or circle back through Normandy to Paris. If you have time, stop in Falaise on the way back to Paris – it was the birthplace of William the Conqueror!

A Road Trip in Normandy, France

A road trip in Normandy, France, showcases the rich history of the area, stunning landscapes, and charming towns. From exploring medieval castles to walking on the D-Day beaches, Normandy offers a diverse and enriching experience at every turn. Don’t miss some of great food and drink from Normandy either – we recommend the apple cider and Calvados!

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