The 4 Most Beautiful Cities in Normandy, France

In the northwest of France lies Normandy, also known as the region of many villages nestled between land and sea. Whether you wish to stroll on its beautiful beaches, rejuvenate in nature, or discover flower-filled villages, we have crafted a list of 4 cities you must visit if you’re in the area. Let’s go!

First, Honfleur!

Famous for its fishing port, Honfleur will transport you with its numerous art galleries, colorful facades, and maritime atmosphere. This charming town offers activities for both young and old. Just 2 hours from Paris, you can relax in the various restaurants the town center has to offer, relive your childhood on its traditional carousel, or visit the Lieutenance, where the lieutenant of King Henry IV resided in the 16th century.

A must-see spot in the area is the Naturospace. This garden will take you on a journey with its exceptional collection of equatorial trees and its variety of plants and flowers. Many rare species of butterflies and birds roam freely in this tropical vegetation: this unique experience will engage all your senses!

Additionally, you can also visit Mont Joli, which is located on the heights of Honfleur, offering a magnificent view. Accessible on foot, you can also discover a chapel and a carillon there. Whether by day or night, it’s a place not to be missed!

Honfleur will leave you with beautiful memories thanks to its geographic location and historic neighborhoods.

Next, the iconic Mont-Saint-Michel.

Yes, when you think of Normandy, you think of Mont-Saint-Michel! Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2007, this monument, emblematic due to its history and the stunning bay surrounding it, attracts thousands of tourists from all corners of the globe.

You can stroll around the area to admire and cross the bay, attend conferences, and visit its abbey. Its religious architecture from the medieval era will surely captivate you. There are numerous visit options available on the official website.

Walking on the bay was an ancient custom for pilgrims. However, be careful not to venture there alone; this fantastic experience must be done with a guide. In addition to quicksand and rising and falling tides, there are sometimes water releases from the dam at the foot of the Mont. With a guide, you can admire Mont-Saint-Michel in complete peace!

Furthermore, did you know that the island of Tombelaine is just a few kilometers from Mont-Saint-Michel? Many legends are associated with this island, including one that claims it harbors hidden treasures, particularly during the reign of Louis XIV.

Don’t hesitate to visit early in the morning or late at night to witness the sunset: the panorama offered by nature is worth the detour!

In third place, Deauville!

Do you enjoy casinos, beaches, and eating seafood? Then Deauville will make you very happy! Deauville is the ideal destination for a weekend getaway. It allows you to take a refreshing breath of fresh air while admiring the region’s typical architecture.

This resort is famous for its American Film Festival, where numerous stars, such as Johnny Depp and Charlotte Gainsbourg, have been spotted on the red carpet. Established in 1975, it showcases the diversity of American cinema by screening around sixty films. You’ll also find names of stars inscribed in front of beach cabins along Deauville’s coast. These are not just ordinary cabins; they are true historical monuments. There are around 450 of them, which can be rented by the day or for the season. These cabins have gained international fame and were featured in the film “A Man and a Woman” by Claude Lelouch, which won the Palme d’Or at the Cannes Film Festival in 1966.

If you are a fan of traditional cuisine, Calvados, and seafood, we recommend the restaurant “Le Pavillon Augustine,” located in Trouville, just a few kilometers from Deauville.

Finally, if you wish to step away from the chic and modern center, we highly recommend visiting Old Deauville. Also known as the Coteau district, you can spot the Saint Laurent Church, which was built over 900 years ago. This church, the first building constructed in Deauville, has been recognized as a historical site since 1977!

A little bonus: if you love horses and horse racing, the Deauville La Touques racetrack offers races in both summer and winter! More than just an experience, it promises to be a delightful moment without a doubt! 🙂

And lastly, the cliffs of Étretat

First, let’s take a moment to admire these cliffs. These unique cliffs include the Porte d’Amont, the Porte d’Aval, and the Manneporte. These three peaks form the legendary arch. This natural site attracts more and more visitors each year thanks to its sumptuous legendary white cliffs.

The arch of Aval, which rises over 80 meters high, was formed through marine erosion. The cave you can see at the foot of the cliff is called “le Trou à l’homme,” because it is said that a man took shelter there after his ship was swept away by a storm.

You can also discover numerous beautiful gardens near the cliffs, classified as UNESCO heritage sites. In less than an hour, you can admire various plant sculptures, each more original than the last. This open-air museum offers 7 pathways, each with a very different atmosphere and setting: for instance, the “Emotions” garden features sculpted plants inspired by the underwater world. Amid these various plants, you’ll find numerous sculptures representing a wide palette of human emotions. You can also explore the “Zen” garden, promising a moment of peace. Surrounded by many white flowers, you’ll see various terracotta sculptures created by the Russian artist Serguery Katran. You can find more information on the official website of Jardin Émotions.

This wonderful cliff will leave you speechless with its numerous anecdotes and exceptional views that you won’t find anywhere else.

A little bonus not to miss when visiting this beautiful region is the city of Rouen. This port city stands out for its historic center and numerous activities to enjoy, such as the Villers manor, the Notre-Dame de Miséricorde church, or the garden of the Pierre Corneille museum. Additionally, this city boasts excellent gastronomy that will awaken your taste buds.

So, are you convinced by the beauty of this region? Feel free to tell us your favorite city in the comments and explore all our other articles on our blog!