Discover Normandy: A Feast For the Senses

Rolling green pastures, peaceful Normande cows, apple orchards heavy with fruit, serene beaches, imposing cliffs, and charming fishing villages… Normandy is a feast for the senses. Add to that the storybook half-timbered houses, elegant architecture, magnificent churches, and historic treasures like the Bayeux Tapestry.

History Is Just the Starting Point

Normandy’s role in World War II is what brings many visitors here first — and it’s impossible to ignore. But the region’s story stretches much further back. There are layers of history visible in everything from medieval fortresses to the legacy of William the Conqueror.

Honoring the Past, Welcoming the Present

For many, Normandy is often the first stop after Paris — a reflection of the deep bonds formed during WWII. The history is impossible to ignore, but so is the hospitality. The language barrier fades quickly, conversations come easily, and locals are proud to share not just what happened here, but what life here is like today.

You could spend your entire trip visiting WWII sites alone, but we suggest balancing the heavy with the light, weaving history with nature, culture, and even fashion.

Top Places to Visit

Étretat: Monet’s Cliffs

Marvel at the spectacular cliffs immortalized by Monet and countless other artists. These dramatic formations are even more breathtaking in person.

Caen: City Tour

Explore Caen’s rich medieval past, its impressive castle, and vibrant city life — all steeped in centuries of history.

Bayeux: The Tapestry

Step into the past with the Bayeux Tapestry, a masterpiece of storytelling that brings the Norman conquest to life.

WWII Tour

From Omaha Beach to Pointe du Hoc, walk through history and honor the incredible bravery and sacrifices made on these shores.

Barfleur: Fishing Village

Wander through one of France’s most beautiful villages, where colorful boats bob in the harbor and the sea breeze carries whispers of the past.

Cherbourg: Parapluies

Famous for its umbrellas (and the film Les Parapluies de Cherbourg), this port town offers charm and maritime history.

La Hague: Coastal Walk

For lovers of unspoiled nature, La Hague’s wild coastal paths invite exploration.

Granville: Christian Dior Museum

Step inside the childhood home of famed designer Christian Dior and experience a touch of elegance by the sea.

Mont St Michel

No visit to Normandy would be complete without witnessing the magical Mont St Michel, where tides and time dance in harmony.

St James: Classic Apparel

Visit the birthplace of the iconic Breton stripe shirt and bring home a piece of timeless French fashion.

Suisse Normande: Nature Area

For outdoor enthusiasts, Suisse Normande offers lush landscapes, rivers, and plenty of opportunities for adventure.

Normandy Food and Drink: What to Try

From the Sea

Normandy’s coastline offers up some of France’s finest oysters, mussels, and other shellfish. Blue Lobster is said to be even more flavorful than its North Atlantic cousin. With an abundance of seaside towns and fishing villages, the freshest fruits de mer are plentiful.

Hearty and Traditional

For something more rustic, seek out Tripes à la mode de Caen. This slow-simmered stew made with herbs, apple brandy, cider, and four parts of a cow’s stomach may be an acquired taste — but it is an honored local specialty, simmered gently for hours in a traditional tripière.

Brioche du Vast

A rich, buttery brioche that feels as special as it tastes. This local favorite is dense yet tender and pairs beautifully with a morning coffee.

Try with a dollop of Confiture de lait, Normandy’s answer to dulce de leche — thick, sweet, and lovingly made from milk and sugar.

Apple Country in Every Glass and Dessert

Normandy is apple country, and the fruit finds its way into nearly every corner of the cuisine.

Start with Cidre, the region’s beloved fermented apple cider. Before dinner, locals often sip Pommeau, a gentle aperitif made from Calvados and apple juice. And for those who enjoy a stronger finish, Calvados — Normandy’s iconic apple brandy — is the perfect digestif.

Apple desserts shine as well. Tarte aux pommes feels familiar yet distinctly Norman, especially when prepared with local apples and often finished with a light glaze or cream.

Sweet Moments

If you have a sweet tooth, Normandy has you covered. Sablés — buttery cookies made with the famously rich milk from Normandy cows — are simple perfection. That same milk is also used to craft the region’s luxurious Caramels, soft and chewy with just the right amount of salt and sweetness.

Normandy Cheeses: A Tasting Journey

Normandy’s cheeses are as diverse as its landscapes: Together, they form a tasting journey all their own — best enjoyed with a crisp glass of cider and a view of the rolling Norman countryside.

Camembert de Normandie — creamy, soft, and coated with its classic bloomy rind.

Livarot — soft and washed-rind, with a more pungent aroma and robust flavor.

Neufchâtel — charmingly heart-shaped and rich, yet slightly crumbly.

Pont-l’Évêque — soft and square, with a subtle balance of smooth and savory notes.

Not Everything Can Be Tasted or Toured

Not all of Normandy’s impact comes from what you see or taste. Some moments land quietly and stay with you — not because they were planned, but because they felt personal.

One moment that really stayed with me was seeing the photos of the Legallois family at their orchards at Ferme de la Sapinière during the Liberation. These were ordinary people going about their daily lives when history arrived quite literally at their doorstep. Exploring Normandy in person brings these moments vividly into focus.

Ready to Start Your Detour?

Whether you stay for a week to see the iconic sites or linger for two weeks or more to discover local gems, Normandy will reward you at every turn. From touching moments of remembrance to sun-dappled orchards and coastal breezes, this is a place that will stay with you long after you leave.

Planning Your Visit

Normandy is easy to love — and even easier to explore with a little planning.

Where to Stay:
Choose a base that fits your priorities:

• Bayeux for WWII sites and walkability
• Caen for a livelier city feel
• Honfleur or Trouville for coastal charm and food

How Long to Spend:
A long weekend covers highlights. 5–7 days lets you slow down, mix history with food, and see more of the region’s quieter side.

Must-Sees to Consider:

• WWII: Omaha Beach, Pointe du Hoc, American Cemetery
• Culture: Bayeux Tapestry, Mont-Saint-Michel, Rouen
• Food & Nature: Apple orchards, cheese towns, cliff walks

Renting a car gives you the most flexibility, but trains and tours can work between major towns. Many attractions close mid-day or off-season, so double-check hours.

Need Help Planning It Right?

Traci Parent is a seasoned France travel planner who knows Normandy inside and out — not just the landmarks, but the local spots, small towns, and how to make the most of your time. Whether you need a full itinerary or just help refining your plans, she can tailor a trip that’s truly worth remembering.