10 Best Towns and Resorts in Normandy

A place often defined by war, Bayeux is perhaps best known for the tapestry which shares its name. The 68-metre-long tapestry depicts the events of the Battle of Hastings and the Norman conquest of England. Bayeux is also close to some of the D-Day beaches, specifically Gold Beach, which is home to a museum on the subject.

A half-hour drive from Caen, Bayeux has a beautiful old town with a rich architectural history. The Romanesque and Gothic-style cathedral sits alongside beautifully preserved timber frame houses. The old town also hosts markets on Wednesdays and Saturdays so you can pick up the freshest local produce.

Your first glimpse of Mont Saint-Michel, a gorgeous island community, will take your breath away. A major pilgrimage destination in Europe for centuries, the holy island and beautiful bay is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. After a slightly steep climb, a walk around the ramparts will reward you with the best coastline views.

Around a 50-minute drive from Saint-Malo, Mont Saint-Michel Abbey is also well worth exploring with its exquisite architecture and stained glass. The omelettes and crepes on Mont Saint-Michel are legendary but be prepared to pay premium prices when you buy them on the island.

Get away from it all at Dormy House Hotel, a charming hotel restaurant set within 4 hectares of gorgeous greenery. You’ll be able to relax and unwind as you look out across the coastline. For a real indulgence, consider taking one of the deluxe sea-view rooms with a private jacuzzi so you can relax in style.

Located in Étretat, Dormy House also has 2 restaurants, a bistro specialising in home-cooked comforts and a panoramic restaurant which offers fine dining, incredible wine and stunning views. If the weather is nice, you can unwind with a drink on the bar terrace and enjoy the beautifully landscaped gardens.

Les Andelys was formed when 2 villages, Le Grand Andely and Le Petit Andely, merged to form 1 riverside village in an area of natural beauty. With high cliffs and the Seine winding through the countryside, the landscape here is picture-perfect.

Around a 50-minute drive from Évreux, Les Andelys is home to Château Gaillard, a castle constructed by Richard the Lionheart in record time. Now a ruin, it is still well worth visiting, with guided tours available. The views across the Seine Valley from this vantage point are particularly special. Les Andelys is also the birthplace of classical painter Nicolas Poussin and there’s a museum dedicated to his work.

Honfleur looks like a postcard with its beautiful, colourful streets and charming cafes and restaurants. The Vieux Bassin harbour is the heart of Honfleur with timber-frame houses framing the boats in the port. If these views capture your imagination, you can find out more about the town’s sea-based history at the Maritime Museum.

Located in the Calvados region, Honfleur has inspired several impressionist artists over the years, including Monet, who tried to capture the way the light danced across the Seine River. Head to Mont-Joli hilltop to take in some views of the Seine estuary and Honfleur, which are particularly impressive at sunset.

If you’re looking for somewhere to stay while you explore the attractive town of Rouen, the Hôtel Mercure Rouen Centre Cathedrale could be perfect. Every room here is equipped with air conditioning and private bathrooms and there is also a gym on site. A full breakfast is included to help you fuel up for a day of exploring.

Located in the heart of Rouen, this hotel is just 160 metres from the Notre Dame Cathedral, a Gothic cathedral which acted as a source of inspiration for Monet. Place de Vieux Marché and the Gros-Horloge astronomical clock are also within walking distance. Parking in Rouen can be tricky, but the hotel has an underground car park guests can use.

Without Monet, you may not notice this sleepy village that lies on the bank of the River Seine. Yet this charming location is the inspiration for one of Monet’s greatest works: the water lilies series. Monet settled here and spent over 40 years drawing on his local surroundings to create breathtaking works.

You can still visit Monet’s house today to gain an insight into his private life, which he shared with his wife and children. Keep an eye out for paintings by some of Monet’s friends: Cezanne, Renoir, Signac and Caillebotte. The Clos Normand gardens are also a magical sight.

In the heart of Deauville Centre, this hotel is perfect for a trip with friends or as a couple. The building itself is beautiful with iconic, Norman timberwork on the outside and modern, renovated rooms internally. Some rooms even have a balcony or terrace which gives you beautiful views of the town.

Just a couple of hundred yards from the Trouville-Deauville train station, the hotel is also close to the picturesque harbour, restaurants and casino. The staff are on hand to give you local tips and you can look forward to homemade recipes and local produce for breakfast each morning.

Framed by 2 craggy cliffs which have been carved by nature over the years, the small village of Étretat is a truly stunning location. In fact, these views have been immortalised by artists such as Camille Corot, Eugène Boudin, Gustave Courbet and Claude Monet. You can get close to these incredible rock formations by paddleboarding around the bay.

Located on the Alabaster Coast, not only are these cliffs breathtaking but they lead to interesting destinations. If you walk to the west, you’ll find an 18-hole golf course where you may struggle to focus on the game because of the views. Walk to the east and you’ll get to the Jardins d’Étretat, pretty, Japanese-inspired gardens.

Treat yourself like the king or queen you are by spending a night in the Château La Chenevière, an 18th-century manor house surrounded by greenery. The hotel itself is steeped in history, allowing you to step back in time without compromising on quality. With a pool and spa on site, you’ll find it easy to switch off and relax.

Nestled between Bayeux and the World War II landing beaches, Château La Chenevière has the charm of an English country house. The high-quality hotel restaurants are just another reason to stay here. Le Botaniste offers a refined, seasonal and innovative menu which celebrates local produce while Le Petit Jardin is more rustic and includes ingredients grown on site.