Welcome to Normandy!
Each page opens with an inspirational video. If you have the time, sit back and enjoy. These filmmakers have an incredible passion for travel and we want to share their talent. After watching, we hope to give you a reason to read on….
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About Normandy
Normandy (French: Normandie) is a geographical and cultural region of France, roughly coextensive with the historical Duchy of Normandy. comprises mainland Normandy (part of France) and the Channel Islands. It covers 30,627 square kilometres (11,825 sq mi) with a population of almost 3,500,000. The inhabitants of Normandy are known as Normans, and the region is the historic homeland of the Norman language. Large towns include Rouen, Bayeau, Le Havre, Honfleur, and Cherbourg.
One of the biggest draws to the area is the World War II Battle landmarks. We highly suggest Battle of Normandy Tours with Ed Robinson. He will offer you a personalized tour that you will remember for a long time to come. To stand on Omaha beach is surreal. There are no words to explain, other than you feel the sacrifice.
It is about 2 1/2 hours by train. You can grab a cab in one of the villages. We took the train to Caen and then to a beautiful and affordable chateau, Isle St Marie in Picauville. You will feel like you stepped back in time. We had Ed from The Battle of Normandy Tours (info on this page). Other popular and lovely towns to stay in while visiting these historic landmarks are Bayeaux and Rouen.
There. is so much to see and do in this region. From Normandy, you are only about 1 1/2 hours to Mount St. Michel, the famous abbey perched atop an island that can only be reached at low tide. There is also the well-known cider route, where you can visit farms and taste the hard cider they produce. And don’t forget to look into lovely towns in the north like Cherbourg, and the port town of Honfleur.(Wikipedia: Normandy)
There is. so much to do and see in Normandy. It is only a train ride away from Paris and worth adding. to your itinerary. For Americans, it is quite a poignant place. The D Day beaches and American Cemetary will leave an indelible mark. There is also the incredible town of Mont Saint Michele, the many apple farms along the Cidre Route, and quaint small towns along the way. A special think you to Normandie Tourism for this video.
This video is incredibly moving and an essential part of Normandy’s history. If you have 30 minutes, you will be astounded at the photography and reenactment of D Day, 75 years later. Thank you to Visual Escape in 8K for this inspirational video. If you want to view other spectacular places around the world visit Visual Escape.
Area Planning Guide
Maps & Other Resources
This interactive Normandy Map is available by clicking Explore Maps. There is much to cover in this western region, including the beaches of World War II, port town of Honfleur, quaint villages of Bayeux, Rouen, the Cider Route, and Mont Saint Michel.
Eat Play & Stay
For some of our top recommendations and off-the-beaten-path suggestions, check out the slider below. We have vetted these based on past stays or future bucket list goals. There are many other choices that fit each style and taste, so be sure to click the additional links below to narrow down options on things to do, and where to eat & stay.
Feel free to click on the slider or the icon at the top right to stop the slide and the arrow to continue.
The name says it all. The location is on the beautiful harbour of Honfleur, and of course, the view is spectacular. It is a great stop for lunch, espcially while touring the Cider Route. Honfluer is a quaint and walkable town.
This restaurant is one of the most highly rated in Normandy. It is on our bucket list next time we travel to Bayeaux.Charming restaurant on a sunny quiet terrasse along the river. Direct in front of the Tapestry Museum, close to the cathedral and the historical town center.
We cannot recommend Ed Robinson enough for a personlized, customized tour through the historic World War II sites with Battle of Normandy Tours. Ed will customize, especially if you have a family connection.We have recommended this tour to friends as his dynamic personality and extensive historical knowledge will leave an impact on you. Do book ahead as he fills up quick. Click on Explore More to be taken to Tripadvisor where you can find his direct website.
The Benedictine Abbey of Mont-Saint-Michel is one of the most remarkable examples of mediaeval religious and military architecture and was one of Christianity's most important pilgrimage sites from the 8th to the 18th century.The Abbey comprises a superb ensemble of clerical buildings including the abbey church, the cloister, the refectory, the monks' ambulatory and the gardens of what has been known as the ""Merveille"" (Marvel) since the 12th century. In summer, the Abbaye du Mont-Saint-Michel is best seen in all its splendour after sunset during the special “sons et lumières"" shows. Designated world heritage site by UNESCO. Check out more information below.
This was a find on our trip to Normandy and so afforable! We stayed here in 2015 and many friends have visited based on our recommendation. This stunning Chateau is a Bed & Breakfast. Two other sets of friends have stayed in this amazing place. It is not too far from Omaha Beach and near a few lovely towns. Ed Robinson from Normandy Tours picked us up in his SUV for one of the best experiences of our lives. Check that out on a previous slide. The chateau has been renovated with a lovely breakfast in the morning. We met people all over the world in their living room area.
This location is near the town of Bayeux and nearby many historic sites. The reviews are very good with a lovely and responsive host. We had intented to book here on our next trip, before the pandemic. The best part is if you are going with a group they have a newly built annex wiht lovely rooms overlooking the country side.
The Old Farmis situated at Cauquigny, just 4 km from the historic town of Sainte Mere Eglise, famous for where paratrooper John Steele was caught on the church spire and the location is central to where the majority of the airborne invasion began as relived on the famous television show ‘Band of Brothers‘. They are just a moment’s walking distance from the memorial to Charles D Glopper and a 10 minutes walk from La Fiere. The owners have been raved about and this quaint farm is really worth a look!
For the most comprehensive travel guides out there, click Trip Savvy and Culture Trip below! These travel sites hire local writers and expert travelers to share the most relevant articles and best tips in the industry! Branding belongs to each respecitve company.
Get Your Guide Options
Local Spotlight
International Kitchen put together a great video on Normandy which provides inspiration and history which will help you narrow down your itinerary. For an added bonus, they touch on the unique and incredible food of the region. Check out the link below to learn about their food tours.
Rick Steves is a staple for all things Europe. This video takes you to the main sites and allows you to spend time with the locals. Click Explore More for an extensive travel guide full of podcasts, videos and articles.
This documentary will put D-Day into perspective. If you are planning a visit to Normandy, it is an important film to watch. If you are looking for the best personal experience, look up Battle of Normandy Tours. Ed Robinson picked us up at our hotel and showed us some of the most meaningful points of the day. It will be unforgettable, and in our opinion, the best way to experience the sacrifice that was made.
Amateur Traveler
Travel to Normandy
The Amateur Traveler talks to Michael Kenney. Michael talks about at least two different invasions associated with this region of France.
Join Us in France
Operation Overlord
Annie Sargent has one of our favorite podcasts related to all things France! She spends time explaining the history around Normandy.
Off the Beaten Path
Mont Saint Michele
Mont Saint Michele is an incredble town built on a rock that relies on the flow of the tide to enter or leave. Its monastery is imposing. Normandie Tourism created this inspirational video to share the experience of high tide and to view this spectacular place. To find out more about Mont Saint Michele and a trip to this magical location, click Explore More.
The Normandie Tourism site offers some great information on the suggested tour through the western part of France. Calvados is an amazing apple liquor that can be tasted along with crisp cider along the way.
Join Us In France
The Cider Route
Annie Sargent has a terrific podcast on all things France! if you are planning to visit, these are a must. Plus her website narrows down the hundreds of podcasts in the archives.
