With 400 miles of coastline and beaches, picture-perfect landscapes, world-famous landmarks, a rich cultural heritage, vibrant towns and picturesque villages, a vast range of leisure activities and outstanding gastronomy, Normandy certainly has a lot to offer, to both French and international visitors.
From the Cotentin Peninsula to the Perche, via iconic sites like Mont Saint-Michel, the gardens of Giverny, or the beaches of Deauville, this region is ideal for unwinding during a weekend getaway or a longer holiday. Just an hour away from Paris, join us on your next trip to Normandy – you might never want to leave!
What is there to see and do in Normandy?
Living in Normandy means feeling like you’re on holiday all year round! Castles, gardens, abbeys, historical sites, beach trips, exploring picturesque towns and villages, hiking, cycling and all kinds of activities: you’ll never be stuck for ideas.
The region boasts all sorts of monuments and world-famous landmarks. In addition to the iconic Mont Saint-Michel and its bay, and the dramatic cliffs of Etretat, Normandy is home to lesser-known UNESCO World Heritage Sites such as the modernist town center of Le Havre, rebuilt by Auguste Perret, and the historic Vauban towers at Tatihou and La Hougue in Saint-Vaast-la-Hougue
Culture vultures are also spoilt for choice: as the birthplace of Impressionism with Claude Monet’s gardens in Giverny, and a contemporary art hub during “A Summer in Le Havre”, Normandy regularly organises major events. These include the World Peace Forum in Caen, the Rouen Armada, remembrance events for D-Day and the Battle of Normandy, the Normandy Impressionist Festival, and more!
A haven for lovers of nature and the great outdoors
Nestling between land and sea, forests, beaches and countryside, Normandy’s fields and woodlands are the perfect setting for a wide range of activities! Whether during your lunch break, after work, at the weekend or on holiday, you’ll never be bored.
From the Boucles de la Seine to the Perche, all the way to the Marais du Cotentin et du Bessin regional park and the protected Normandie-Maine geopark, Normandy features 4 regional nature parks which are a paradise for walkers and cyclists.
Our sportiest visitors will appreciate the access to around 30 golf courses spread throughout the region, the surfing spots on the Cotentin peninsula, the possibility to try out sand yachting, and the greenways where they can enjoy a relaxing bike ride through a breath-taking landscape!
Normandy’s must-sees
Are you here for a weekend, or on holiday? Or maybe you’ve just moved and aren’t sure what’s on offer? Discover the places you can’t miss while in Normandy.
Your Normandy travel guide
Visit the Normandie Tourisme website to plan your next break in Normandy! Sights to see and places to visit, activities and leisure, hotels, accommodation, tips and advice: follow your guide.
The importance of tourism in Normandy
Tourism plays an essential role in the region’s economy. Normandy is a leading destination for both French and international travellers, with iconic sites such as Mont Saint-Michel, the D-Day Beaches, the cliffs of Etretat and Monet’s Gardens of Giverny attracting millions of visitors every year, and contributing significantly to the local economy. The tourism industry is booming, providing more than 39,000 jobs across the region and accounting for 5.9% of Normandy’s GDP.
Visit Normandy
