Hello, traveler! Ready to discover the wonders of Normandy? While residing in France, I spent numerous days visiting this unbelievable area, and I’m excited to share my experiences via this 4-day Normandy itinerary!
From the enduring Mont Saint Michel to the historic D-Day Beaches and the fascinating medieval tapestry of Bayeux, Normandy is stuffed with unforgettable landmarks and tales.
In this information, you’ll discover every part that you must plan your journey, together with recommendation on the place to remain, easy methods to get round, and extra. By the tip, you’ll be set to take pleasure in this journey to its fullest!
Make certain to e book your motels early, as the most effective ones are likely to replenish rapidly. Let’s get began!
● Days: 4
● Cost: €800 if touring on a good finances, round €1,200 for mid-range vacationers, infinity and past in case you are a luxurious traveler
● Transportation: automotive (finest), prepare, bus, journey sharing
● Best luxurious motels within the itinerary: Le Havre, Caen
● Best mid-range motels: Le Havre, Caen
● Best finances lodging: Le Havre, Caen
Quick Picks for Your Stay
Can’t learn until the tip? No worries, right here’s a fast overview with all of the stops on the itinerary:
- Day 1: Rouen & Étretat
- Day 2: Deauville, Cider Route, and Caen
- Day 3: Bayeux, D-Day Beaches
- Day 4: Mont Saint Michel
And right here’s a map that includes all of the stops on this Normandy itinerary:
Day 1: Rouen and Étretat
● Why go to: historical past, pure landscapes
● Key exercise: Visit Rouen Cathedral, marvel on the dramatic Étretat Cliffs
● How to get there from Paris: driving is ~€95 (automotive rental, fuel, tolls), prepare is from €9
● Time: 2 hours by automotive, 1 hour 37 minutes by prepare
● Estimated every day finances: €300
Normandy is without doubt one of the most visited areas of Northern France because it’s tremendous near Paris. In truth, you’re doubtless beginning your journey from Paris!
Normandy has the historical past, beautiful seashores and villages, stunning landscapes, and scrumptious gastronomy, nearly every part you want for a memorable journey!
You can do that complete itinerary on 4 (and even 3) day journeys from Paris, however you can too embark on a full-time journey and sleep within the area. I made the route versatile and grouped points of interest which might be close by so you may manage your journey nevertheless you want.
I did this itinerary on day journeys from Paris by automotive, and it was tremendous quick and handy, so I like to recommend a automotive rental earlier than anything. But in the event you don’t drive or are on a finances (rental prices round €70 per day, and fuel is round €120 for all the journey), you may nonetheless get to most locations by prepare or automotive sharing. These choices are less expensive!
BUDGET TIP: If you wish to lease a automotive however are on a finances, it can save you considerably by taking a prepare from Paris to Caen after which renting a automotive there! You’re round €150 financial savings general (1 day much less for rental + no fuel charges for the longest components of the journey, particularly on the final day if you’d must drive from Mont Saint Michel to Paris for 4+ hours).
Ideally, depart from Paris early within the morning, round 8 AM, both by prepare or automotive. If you drive, the journey to Rouen takes as much as 2 hours with out stops (take the A13 quite than the A15 street, it’s a lot sooner).
If you are feeling prefer it, you may make a cease at Giverny, this beautiful village recognized for being the hometown of Claude Monet, France’s most well-known impressionist painter. You can go to his home, now a museum. It has completely gorgeous gardens which might be so good to take pleasure in in summer time!
As for Rouen, the spotlight is for certain its cathedral from the twelfth century (map). It’s so spectacular that it has even been featured in lots of well-known work. I liked visiting in summer time as they function these stunning mild reveals within the evenings, it’s so enjoyable to simply sit close by and watch.
Claude Monet painted the Rouen Cathedral over 30 instances!
The stunning historic city, outdated markets, and, for historical past buffs, the Donjon of Rouen, are different must-see points of interest. Rouen is fairly small, and you’ll see the principle landmarks in simply over 2 hours. Then, round 1 PM, hit the street for Étretat (which is able to take round 70 minutes).
Ideal for nature lovers and hikers but additionally for stunning sundown seekers, Étretat certainly is an inspiration! Especially with its dramatic white cliffs and pure archways! I caught a sundown right here, and it was one of the romantic experiences I’ve needed to date!
You can freely stroll right here for 2-3 hours, have lunch/dinner, after which hit the street for Le Havre (the place it’s most handy to remain in a single day).
FOODIE TIP: La Flottille (map) is an incredible conventional restaurant simply by the seaside in Étretat, it’s supreme for lunch!
Day 1 in Rouen & Étretat
- Walk via the outdated Rouen on a tour and benefit from the medieval structure
- Marvel on the Rouen Cathedral
- Visit Place de Vieux Marché (map) and its colourful buildings
- See the Donjon of Rouen (map) the place Joan d’Arc was held earlier than the execution
- See the principle cliffs of Étretat, Falaise d’Aval (map) and Falaise d’Amont (map)
- Catch a sundown on the seaside in Étretat (map)
Where to remain on Day 1
As for sleeping, it’s finest to get to Le Havre within the night and discover a good resort there. This is the largest metropolis within the space, and it’s only a brief 35-minute drive from Étretat. You can seize a pleasant dinner right here as properly!
Here are my 3 high resort suggestions in Le Havre for all budgets:
- Hôtel Saint-Delis ($$$) – This citadel resort is barely exterior of town middle, but it surely’s supreme in the event you’re trying to spoil your self on this trip!
- Odalys City ($$) – A well-liked resort amongst {couples} and households with a superb breakfast and a central location.
- Holiday Inn Express ($) – Situated proper in downtown Le Havre, this resort is ideal for backpackers and informal vacationers on a finances.
Day 2: Deauville, Cider Route, and Caen
● Time: 50 minutes
● Distance: 43 km (27 mi)
● How to get there from Le Havre: automotive is €85, bus is round €5
● Why go to: stunning nature, medieval fortresses
● Key exercise: Go cider tasting, see the Caen Castle
● Estimated every day finances: €250
On Day 2, depart from Le Havre within the morning after breakfast and go straight to Deauville. If you don’t drive, you may catch the bus Line 20, which takes as much as 70 minutes (Moovit is a extremely helpful app for planning your commute).
This day is without doubt one of the most culturally numerous days on this itinerary, because it’s actually going to be a delight for all senses! From stunning nature and seaside to scrumptious cider tasting to spectacular medieval fortresses, these spots are assured to depart you wanting extra.
Ideally, arrive in Deauville round 11 AM and catch some tan on this charming seaside resort. A stroll alongside the Les Planches Broadwalk (map) is a should, after which you may descend on the Deauville Beach adjoining to it (map). Don’t neglect a photograph of the colourful umbrellas!
Then, drive alongside the Cider Route (map) and ideally make at the least one enjoyable cease for cider tasting or buying. Calvados Pierre HUET (in Cambremer, map) and Domaine Dupont (map) are nice estates for a tour!
INSIDER TIP: Stop by Beuvron-en-Auge (map) for a fast break, it’s often called considered one of France’s most stunning villages!
Finally, arrive in Caen simply after sundown, test in your resort, and discover this stunning metropolis at evening! You’ll have some extra time for sightseeing right here as you’ll be staying for two nights!
NOTE: If you aren’t doing the itinerary on a automotive, journey sharing is your quickest and most cost-effective technique to transfer round, particularly to get from Deauville to Caen, or actually from any giant metropolis the place the prepare arrives to any smaller one!
Day 2 in Deauville, Cider Route, and Caen
- Walk Les Blanches Broadwalk in Deauville
- Chill out at Deauville Beach
- Go cider tasting alongside the Cider Route
- See Beuvron-sur-Auge, essentially the most picturesque village in France
- Catch a sundown in Caen
Where to remain in Caen
I selected the three top-rated motels in Caen to make your keep nice and handy. They all have parking on the premises!
- Luxury: Domaine de Coeurmandie – Spoil your self and keep on this 4-star chateau with free personal parking, a stunning on-site restaurant, an out of doors pool, and a spa middle!
- Mid-range: Hôtel la Fontaine – Fancy staying within the metropolis middle? This clear and comfy resort is your spot! Just word that they cost €22 for parking per day.
- Budget: The People Caen – Another centrally situated resort however at extra reasonably priced costs, with personal parking (€15 per day) and a 24-hour entrance desk.
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Day 3: Bayeux, D-Day Beaches
● Time: 35 minutes
● Distance: 30 km (19 mi)
● How to get there from Caen: automotive is €76, prepare is round €10
● Why go to: fascinating historical past
● Key exercise: Bayeux Tapestry Museum, D-Day Beaches
● Estimated every day finances: €250
On Day 3, we’re going to go to a few of my favourite spots in Normandy! If you’re a historical past lover, you’re going to like each main stops at present!
I counsel you get up early, have your breakfast in Caen, try the enduring Caen Castle (map) for round 1 hour, after which hit the street for Bayeux to see the enduring Bayeux Tapestry!
The Bayeux Tapestry is a 70-meter (230-ft) lengthy and 50-meter (20-inch) tall embroidery fabric that depicts the Norman conquest of England within the eleventh century.
I couldn’t imagine the eye to element on this masterpiece, over 1,000 years outdated. And truthfully, that you must see it in particular person to grasp how superior it’s! That’s why I extremely advocate a cease right here earlier than shifting to the D-Day Beaches. It took us round 1 hour to tour the museum, and after that, we continued towards the seashores as properly.
NOTE: The Bayeux Tapestry Museum might be closed for renovation from September 1st, 2025 till October 2027.
From the museum, it’s a brief 17-minute journey to the subsequent cease, Arromanches (map). Here, you may see the remnants of the non permanent Mulberry Harbor that facilitated fast cargo offloading through the main Normandy operations in WWII.
A go to right here shouldn’t take greater than 45 minutes, after which you may go to the subsequent cease. See some German bunkers and locations the place they hid their weapons at Longues-sur-Mer (map), as this spot is certainly one of many highlights. It’s only a 13-minute journey from Arromanches.
Finally, Omaha Beach (map), one of many well-known touchdown websites, is nice for an informal stroll. You can’t assist however replicate on all of the essential occasions that occurred on this place. The seaside is situated some 18 km (11 mi) from Longues-sur-Mer.
NOTE: All points of interest I discussed above, apart from the Bayeux Tapestry Museum, are free to go to. The Bayeux Museum prices €12. If you don’t drive, it’s finest to get a guided tour of the D-Day Beaches from Caen.
OPTIONAL STOP: American vacationers would respect an additional cease on the Colleville-sur-Mer cemetery of American troopers fallen in WWII (map), only a 10-minute journey from Omaha Beach.
After an insightful day on the coast of Normandy, you may head again to Caen for a soothing dinner and relaxation earlier than your final day of sightseeing!
Day 3 in Bayeux and D-Day Beaches
- See the magnificent Bayeux Tapestry Museum
- Check out the Mulberry Harbor remnants at Arromanches
- Visit the German bunkers and batteries at Longues-sur-Mer
- Reflect on the previous at Omaha Beach
Day 4: Mont Saint Michel
● Time: 2 hours
● Distance: 156 km (97 mi)
● How to get there from Caen: automotive is €95, bus is round €17
● Why go to: wonderful surroundings
● Key exercise: Visit the Mont Saint Michel Abbey
● Estimated every day finances: €200
Finally, on Day 4 of this Normandy itinerary, we’re going to my absolute favourite spot in all of France! I dreamt of visiting Mont Saint Michel for years, and when you’ve such excessive expectations of a spot, it’s very easy to get disillusioned when you truly get there. But that wasn’t the case right here in any respect!
Mont Saint Michel is a one-of-a-kind island on the border between Normandy and Bretagne with a spectacular medieval Abbey on high. It’s a novel sight and considered one of France’s most iconic vacationer points of interest!
So, as normal, stand up early, have your breakfast within the resort (or a close-by bakery), and hit the street for Mont Saint Michel! The journey from Caen is clean and takes round 2 hours.
I like to recommend attending to Mont Saint Michel round 11 PM on the newest, so you’ve at the least 7 hours to discover earlier than closure. Think of it as a tiny city with distractions far and wide.
The parking, nevertheless, is sort of 3 km (1.9 mi) away from the precise island, and there’s a free shuttle that runs backward and forward 24/7. So think about round half-hour to 1 hour to catch the free shuttle from the car parking zone to the island and vice versa. The journey is round quarter-hour a method. You may additionally stroll, there are good views, however I don’t advocate it in the event you’re brief on time. Here’s a full-access plan to plan your journey higher.
Also, for visits to the Abbey, that you must reserve your spot, so that you’d higher do that upfront, particularly in the event you’re not versatile with the dates!
INSIDER TIP: Head to the bridge proper firstly of the entry street to the island (map) for essentially the most wonderful views. Leave some further time to take the photographs in your manner again, and think about your self fortunate in the event you’re right here through the sundown!
As you wrap up your go to, drive again to Paris. It’s an extended journey (round 4 hours), so take into consideration whether or not it is best to keep for that sundown or not! We visited in winter, and the sundown was at about 5pm, so we had greater than sufficient time to get again to Paris at an honest hour.
Alternatively, in the event you resolve to lease a automotive in Caen, simply drop off your rental within the metropolis and hop on the subsequent prepare to Paris! The route from Mont Saint Michel to Paris passes via Caen anyway.
Day 4 at Mont Saint Michel
- Enter Mont Saint Michel via Porte de l’Avancée (map)
- Climb the ramparts for gorgeous views
- Walk the medieval streets of Mont Saint Michel
- Visit the Abbey (1-2 hours)
- Stroll down Grande Rue (map)
- Catch the gorgeous sundown from the close by bridge (map)
Customizing the itinerary
Have kind of time for Normandy? No worries, that’s why I made the itinerary customizations under!
5-day itinerary
If you’ve extra time for Normandy, comply with the itinerary above after which add yet one more day:
- Day 5: Suisse Normande + Falaise, for essentially the most scenic routes within the countryside
2-day itinerary
And in the event you’re brief on time, you may nonetheless see the highlights in 2 days, however that is solely doable by automotive:
- Day 1: Rouen, Étretat, sleep in Caen
- Day 2: Bayeux, D-Day Beaches (optionally available Mont Saint Michel), again to Paris
| 📅 How many days: | 4 |
| 🤩 Best city: | Le Havre |
| 🏨 Best resort: | Hôtel Saint-Delis |
| 🌞 When to go to: | April to September |
FAQs in regards to the Normandy itinerary
4️⃣ How many days do you want in Normandy?
4 days is good to discover Normandy’s foremost points of interest with out dashing. For detailed sightseeing of D-Day Beaches plus all the opposite points of interest, keep as much as 7 days.
🏰 What is the prettiest a part of Normandy?
This actually relies upon! For me, it’s the world round Mont Saint Michel, however many individuals love the small villages within the North, just like the Beuvron-en-Auge.
🚗 What is the easiest way to see Normandy, France?
Driving, for certain! It’s essentially the most versatile possibility that provides you infinite alternatives for brief stops to admire the surroundings, stroll in small, picturesque villages, and go to at your personal tempo.
🇫🇷 Why is Normandy so well-known?
Normandy is known for its wealthy historical past. This is the place the Allied forces invaded Nazi-occupied France in WWII, which helped liberate the remainder of Europe. Also, Normandy is thought for spectacular castles like Mont Saint Michel and the dramatic cliffs in Étretat.
🚆 How to go to Normandy from Paris?
Depending in your finances, time, and potentialities, you may lease a automotive, e book a tour, or hop on a regional prepare to go to Normandy.
❓ What are the three greatest cities in Normandy?
Rouen, Caen, and Le Havre are the three greatest cities in Normandy, demographically talking.
Final ideas on the Normandy itinerary
That’s it, pricey reader! You made it to the tip of our Normandy itinerary! I hope it has given you tons of helpful info and concepts so you may manage your journey like a professional!
I truthfully love this area for its wealthy historical past and surreal landscapes, so I say take as a lot time as you may to soak all its magnificence. If you ask me, the Bayeux Museum, D-Day Beaches, and Mont Saint Michel are absolute must-sees right here!
Do bear in mind to e book your motels upfront, there are restricted choices, in spite of everything! And lastly, if in case you have any questions, be happy to drop a remark under! I’m at all times completely happy to assist!
Au revoir,
Darija
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