NORMANDY, FRANCE
Normandy, a region in northwestern France, is known for its beautiful beaches cliffs, and tumultuous history. It is the site of the D-Day landings, which marked the beginning of the Allied liberation of Western Europe from Nazi German occupation during World War II. Some of Normandy’s most popular attractions include:
- Mont Saint-Michel, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and tidal island with a Benedictine abbey at its summit.
- D-Day beaches, the site of the Allied landings on June 6, 1944, with museums and memorials that tell the story of the landings.
- Étretat, a seaside town known for its dramatic cliffs and arches, popular with artists and photographers.
- Honfleur, a town at the mouth of the Seine with a working harbour and more art galleries than it needs. Characterized by its houses with slate-covered frontages, painted frequently by artists.
- Bayeux museum, home to the famous Bayeux Tapestry, a medieval embroidered cloth that depicts the Norman conquest of England in 1066.
Normandy is also a great place for foodies, known for its seafood, cheese, and cider. Be sure to try local specialties such as moules frites (mussels and fries), camembert cheese, and Calvados cider. It is a beautiful and historic region with a lot to see and do.
Traveling to Normandy from Paris? The easiest way to get from Paris to Normandy is by train from Gare Saint-Lazare to cities like Caen, Bayeux, or Rouen, which takes about 2, 2.5 hours.
Travel Tips:
-Book train 3, 6 months in advance for best fares. Book via SNCF Connect for lower fares.
-For D-Day Tours reserve guided tours (especially to Omaha Beach, Pointe du Hoc, and American Cemetery) well in advance, they book out quickly.
-Mont-Saint-Michel: Book shuttle transfers and entrance (especially the abbey) ahead of time. If driving, reserve parking and consider staying overnight to see it after crowds leave.
Suggested 2-3 Day Itinerary for Normandy, France
Day 1: Paris → Bayeux (Local Exploration)
Morning:
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Take a morning train from Paris Saint-Lazare to Bayeux (~2.5 hours).
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Check in at a central hotel or guesthouse (like Hôtel Reine Mathilde or Château de Bellefontaine).
Afternoon:
- Visit the Bayeux Tapestry Museum (TAPISSERIE DE BAYEUX is UNESCO-listed, seasonal entry available past 6pm, though always check website to confirm).
- After museum walk the old town and cathedral; enjoy shops and locally made ice cream. We like Glaces Moustache since they have a variety of options including vegan flavours, though wherever you find it’s bound to be delicious.
Evening:
- Dinner in town and to bed for a full day tomorrow! Dinner Suggestions: La Rapière or L’Angle Saint-Laurent (book ahead).
Day 2: D-Day Beaches and Memorials (Full Day)
- Take a small group guided tour (book in advance).
Top options: Omaha Beach, Pointe du Hoc, Utah Beach, and American Cemetery at Colleville-sur-Mer.
Additional places: Arromanches (Mulberry Harbors), Longues-sur-Mer battery.
Evening:
Return to Bayeux. Light dinner or cider tasting (Normandy is famous for cider and Calvados), keep an eye out for Domaine Dupont cider, a local favorite. Note that French ciders are more fermented and less sweet than many western ciders.
Day 3: Mont-Saint-Michel or Honfleur Day Trip
Mont-Saint-Michel is a tidal island (meaning it’s best accessible at low tide if you want to get out and tour the sandbanks around the island.).
- Early train and shuttle or day tour (long day: 10, 12 hours round-trip).
- Visit the abbey (book entry in advance), explore the medieval village.
- Optional overnight near Mont for striking sunrise views that inspired many impressionist painters through the years such as Monet.
Gluten Free restaurant recommendations in Normandy:
La Rapière (53 Rue Saint‑Jean)
Has clearly marked gluten‑free options on the menu and welcoming with safe handling of allergens.
Le Moulin de la Galette (38 Rue de Nesmond)
Creperie offers 100 % buckwheat galettes (naturally gluten‑free). Highly recommended for GF burgers too!
L’Insolite (16 Rue des Cuisiniers)
Offers buckwheat savory and sweet pancakes on request.
Garde Manger (Hôtel Restaurant)
On-site restaurant that uses local products and can accommodate dietary needs. Some gluten‑free-friendly dishes (e.g. burgers with GF bread) are available, always check with staff about options.