Top towns and villages to visit in Normandy

Normandy is divided into Upper and Lower Normandy.

Lower Normandy, which is more rural, is renowned for its unspoilt coastline of white chalk cliffs, its seaside resorts, and its many historic sites. Upper Normandy, on the other hand, is more industrial, but you'll still find breathtaking seascapes!

Here are the towns and villages in Normandy that are well worth a visit:

Rouen - Rouen, the city of a hundred steeples, is world-renowned for its extensive medieval heritage and rich, fascinating history. You will find numerous museums, exhibition centres, listed sites and monuments, including Notre Dame Cathedral, the Musée des Beaux-Arts, the church of Sainte-Jeanne-d'Arc, the Catholic church of Saint Maclou, the Gros Horloge and the Abbey Church of Saint-Ouen. The timber-framed houses, cobbled streets and Gothic churches make Rouen a city of sacred architecture. And if you're a keen shopper, you'll find plenty of shops and stalls along the pedestrianized streets.

Dieppe - Dieppe is an emblematic seaside resort on the Côte d'Albâtre. Boasting a beautiful promenade along the seafront, it is a dynamic and lively town, listed as a Town of Art and History. From the esplanade of the château-museum, contemplate the magnificent panorama that offers a spectacular view of the sea, the town and the beach. Visit the church of Saint-Jacques, the church of Saint-Rémi and the Cité de la Mer, all of which are not-to-be-missed cultural sites in Dieppe.

Le Mont Saint Michel - The bay of Mont Saint Michel is an exceptional wilderness site, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This immense bay is punctuated throughout the day by the flow of the highest tides in Europe and is one of the most visited sites in France. Come and watch the high tides and admire nature's magnificent spectacle. There are free shuttle buses and footpaths to the Mont. 

Honfleur - the town of Honfleur, also known as the ‘City of Painters’, boasts a rich historical and artistic heritage. With its small, colorful slate-roofed houses, narrow streets, museums, concerts and exhibitions, the town has become a mecca for tourists. The Sainte Catherine church, the Musée de la Marine, the Notre-Dame-de-Grâce chapel, the Eugène Boudin Museum, the Maisons Satie, the salt lofts and the Pont de Normandie (one of the largest in the world) are all must-sees in Honfleur.

Deauville/Trouville -

Deauville, world-famous for its multicolored parasols, its surfboards, its luxury hotels, its sea bathing establishment, and its large casino, attracts large numbers of tourists in style every year. Every September, the town plays host to the biggest stars at the American Film Festival at the International Centre. Deauville, with its two racecourses, is also the ideal destination for horse-riding enthusiasts.

Trouville, also known as the ‘Queen of Beaches’, is a more family-friendly destination than Deauville, with all the charm of a lively yet relaxing seaside resort. Don't miss a visit to the Savignac painted walls tour, the Villa Montebello Museum, the casino or the fish market, listed as a historic monument since 1992. 

Barfleur - Barfleur is a small village ranked as one of the most beautiful in France, thanks to its harbour, which follows the rhythm of the tides. The unusual church, picturesque granite houses and numerous small restaurants make Barfleur a charming and authentic place. Next to the village is the Pointe de Barfleur, with its 71-metre-high lighthouse offering a spectacular panorama of the Cotentin peninsula. Fishing, particularly for mussels, is one of the main activities of the small town.

Bayeux - Bayeux is an ancient Gallo-Roman town with a rich, well-preserved heritage. As in many Norman towns, the architecture is made up of timber-framed houses and magnificent 17th and 18th century town houses. There are many places and monuments not to be missed in Bayeux, including the Bayeux tapestry, a huge woollen embroidery depicting William the Conqueror's conquest of England, Notre-Dame cathedral, the lace conservatory, the Baron-Gérard Museum, the Battle of Normandy memorial museum and the botanical garden. During the summer months, a wide range of guided tours are organized: on foot, by mini-train, with a guide... the choice is yours!