Welcome to Magnificent Normandy!
France’s Legendary Coastal and Countryside Escape
The Normandy region combines a stunning 360-mile coastline—highlighted by the dramatic WWII landing beaches—with a lush interior dotted with farmland, market towns, and historic cities like Caen, Bayeux, and Rouen. Here, you’ll find culinary delights (cheeses, cider, and Calvados brandy) alongside centuries of pivotal history. Truly, welcome to Normandy!
Quick Normandy Facts
- Butter Worth Bragging About: That pat of butter you enjoy in a Paris restaurant is very likely from Normandy, known for its high-quality dairy from Normande cattle.
- Major Shipping Port: The port of Le Havre is France’s largest international shipping hub. In the 19th century, Cherbourg was the main departure for European immigrants heading to America.
- WWII Turning Point: On June 6, 1944, over 300,000 Allied troops landed along Normandy’s beaches—an invasion that helped decide the outcome of World War II in Europe.

The D-Day Landing Beaches
The largest military landing in history unfolded on Normandy’s coast on June 6, 1944. Museums, bunkers, and memorials stretch along these shores, honoring the Battle of Normandy. Nearby, the medieval town of Bayeux—the first town liberated by the Allies—offers a superb base for exploring these beaches. Its majestic Cathedral of Notre-Dame and the famed Bayeux Tapestry (depicting William the Conqueror’s 11th-century conquest of England) make it a must-see stop.

We offer both day trips and overnight tours from Paris, giving visitors an in-depth look at the pivotal D-Day sites while immersing themselves in the region’s rich history and charm.
The Caen War Memorial
An excellent orientation for D-Day travel, the Caen Memorial traces the political origins of World War II and continues through the Cold War. It’s an in-depth, thought-provoking look at the 20th century’s turbulent conflicts and the pursuit of peace.
Notable Towns in Normandy
Giverny
A short train ride from Paris (to Vernon station) leads to the enchanting village where Claude Monet made his home in 1890. Tour Monet’s house and gardens—open April through October—and visit the nearby artists’ colony and local museum of Impressionist works.

Rouen
Famed for its connection to Joan of Arc and its splendid Gothic architecture (the Notre Dame Cathedral, Abbey Church of Saint-Ouen, Saint Maclou, and Parliament), Rouen’s medieval center is pedestrian-friendly and steeped in history. Don’t miss the Gros Horloge, the Fine Arts Museum (second only to Paris for Impressionist collections), and the enthralling Son et Lumière show that projects Monet-inspired imagery on the cathedral porch each summer.
Bayeux Tapestry
Tapisserie de Bayeux is an 11th-century masterpiece, 200 feet of embroidered storytelling about the Norman invasion of England.
Dieppe, Fécamp, Etretat
- Dieppe: France’s oldest seaside resort, with a castle-turned-museum.
- Fécamp: Famous for Benedictine liqueur at the Benedictine Palace & Museum and a lovely marina.
- Etretat: A picturesque village nestled between iconic white cliffs—breathtaking from above or below.

Deauville, Honfleur, Trouville
Dubbed the “Flowered Coast,” these enchanting towns like Deauville ooze old-world charm.
- Deauville: Luxury hotels, a noted film festival, casinos, golf courses, polo grounds.
- Trouville: A quieter fishing village just across the Touques River.
- Honfleur: The birthplace of Impressionism, with its 11th-century harbor and half-timbered houses that once inspired artists like Monet and Baudelaire.

Alençon, Haras du Pin, Bagnoles de l’Orne
- Haras du Pin: Nicknamed the “Versailles of horses,” a must for equestrian enthusiasts.
- Alençon: Its Fine Arts and Lace Museum houses 17th- to 20th-century lace treasures.
- Bagnoles de l’Orne: A leading spa center surrounded by serene forests.
Mont Saint Michel
The abbey of Mont Saint Michel caps a 264-foot island connected to mainland France by a causeway. Encircled by towering walls and narrow medieval lanes, it’s the second most visited site in France (after the Eiffel Tower). Known for intense tidal surges—“galloping horses” is the local phrase—this UNESCO site is an extraordinary spectacle. Take a Mont Saint Michel Day Trip from Paris to witness it yourself.

Getting to Normandy from Paris
- Location: Approximately 155 miles west of Paris to reach the D-Day beaches.
- By Train: Direct trains from Paris St-Lazare to Rouen, Le Havre, Caen, Deauville, and Cherbourg. For Alençon and Mont Saint Michel (with a transfer), trains depart Montparnasse station.
- By Air: London flights land in Caen, Rouen, Le Havre, and Deauville (multiple airlines).
- By Boat: Ferry services from England arrive at Caen/Ouistreham, Cherbourg, and Le Havre.
- By Car: Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport is about two hours’ drive from Normandy.
Savoring Norman Gastronomy
Normandy’s apple orchards produce France’s finest cider and Calvados brandy. World-famous dairy cows deliver prized butter, cream, and cheeses like Camembert, Livarot, and Pont l’Evêque. Seafood is equally notable—think oysters, mussels, and salt-marsh lamb near Mont Saint Michel. Even a typical 2- or 3-course lunch might offer half a dozen local oysters. Many villages boast Michelin-starred dining, where skillful chefs highlight regional products in both rustic and refined recipes.
Sports and Outdoor Adventures
- Sea & River: Cruising and fishing are common along the Seine and the coasts (Le Havre is also a major cruise port). Deauville, Trouville, Fécamp, and Granville are prime for sailing and windsurfing.
- Hiking & Biking: Explore the rolling hills of Suisse Normande, the Cotentin Peninsula, or the scenic Seine Valley. Normandy has over 7,500 km of signposted paths for all skill levels.
- Horseback Riding: From rural trail rides to prestigious races at Deauville’s track.
- Golf: Play on 37 courses, including cliffside fairways at Etretat and top-tier clubs in Deauville, Le Vaudreuil, and more.
Ready for More?
Explore all of our Normandy tours and excursions. Whether your passion is D-Day history, Impressionist art, or culinary delights, Normandy promises an unforgettable journey through France’s coastal and cultural heart. Bon voyage!