Curator’s statement
Easily reachable from Paris, Normandy is a great addition to any France itinerary. This region offers a refreshing change of pace, with its pastoral landscapes and tranquil charm. But don’t be deceived by the relaxed atmosphere — Normandy is brimming with history, character and incredible cuisine waiting to be discovered!
The Fora Difference
Book with Laura to access exclusive perks and experiences on your trip.
Killer perks
Free upgrades, spa credits and more—we got you
Personalized recs
Customized travel planning for your style
Insider knowledge
Expert advice from people who’ve actually been there
Where to stay
Unlock perks by contacting Laura to book your trip.
Day 1: Exploring Normandy’s D-Day history
Begin your day with a visit to the American Cemetery’s Visitor Center. This first stop offers a meaningful overview of the events leading up to D-Day, along with personal stories of those who lived through it. It sets a powerful context for the day ahead. Afterward, take time to walk through the cemetery itself, where the expansive rows of white crosses serve as a solemn reminder of the sacrifices made on D-Day.
Next, make your way to Omaha Beach, where you can take in this famous sandy shoreline and visit the striking “Les Braves” memorial sculpture.
For history enthusiasts, consider visiting one of the nearby museums that delve deeper into D-Day events. Both the Overlord Museum and Memorial Museum of Omaha Beach feature collections of war vehicles, weaponry and detailed maps that provide a closer look at the strategy and stories behind D-Day.
Day 2: Discovering Mont Saint Michel
Mont Saint-Michel is a breathtaking island commune, crowned by a medieval abbey built in the 8th century, rising dramatically from the tides. A visit here is essential on any Normandy itinerary, and its first glimpse on the horizon will show you why. Arrive early to beat the crowds and make the most of your time by entering as soon as it opens. A guided tour is highly recommended for a richer experience, but if you prefer exploring at your own pace, you’ll easily spend hours getting lost (the good kind of lost!) in the village’s maze-like streets.
For a self-guided visit, head directly to the abbey at the island’s highest point to enjoy it with fewer visitors. Plan to spend the full day here, allowing time to explore Mont Saint-Michel’s quiet corners, gardens and ever-changing views as the tides shift. Note: The island is quite steep with many stairs, so wear comfortable walking shoes and be prepared for some climbing!
Day 3: Exploring Bayeux and sampling Norman specialties
After two full days of sightseeing, take a slower pace on Day three. Start your morning at a patisserie to try Bayeux’s specialty pastry, the St-Eve — a delicious combination of meringue, vanilla cream and nougatine, unique to this charming town. After breakfast, take a leisurely stroll to the impressive Cathédrale de Bayeux, a stunning blend of Romanesque and Gothic architecture dating back to the 9th century.
Next, visit the UNESCO-listed Bayeux Tapestry, a 70-meter-long embroidered masterpiece that vividly depicts William the Conqueror’s conquest of England. This extraordinary piece truly needs to be seen to be appreciated, and the audio guide adds valuable insight.
If you’re in town on a Wednesday or Saturday, take advantage of Bayeux’s market day to sample a unique, local lunch from the market stalls. After lunch, venture into the countryside for a ciderie tour. Normandy is famed for its hard cider. It is produced under the strict AOC (Appellation d'Origine Contrôlée) designation that guarantees authentic methods, apple varieties and region-specific flavors. This makes Norman cider an experience unlike any other.
Conclude your day with a gentle walk through the fields surrounding the Longues-sur-Mer battery. Originally part of Germany’s coastal fortifications in WWII, these rolling grassy hills now offer a peaceful landscape.
Need to know
Getting around:
While you can reach most towns in Normandy by public transportation, having private transportation — either a rental car or a private driver — greatly enhances your ability to explore various sights and activities.
Normandy is conveniently accessible in less than half a day's travel from Paris.
If spending more time in France after Normandy, I recommend heading south through the Loire Valley, a region entirely different, but no less beautiful than Normandy.
Norman Specialties:
Sampling local specialties is an essential part of visiting any new region! Don’t miss these local specialties:
Hard apple and pear drinks: Along with cider, make sure to try poiré (pear cider), pommeau (apple liqueur) and calvados (apple brandy).
Oysters and other shellfish: With its coastal proximity, Normandy is a fantastic place for seafood. Normandy oysters even carry their own AOP designation.
Cheese: Normandy is famous for its soft cheeses, particularly Camembert, which hails from the town of the same name.
Crêpes: A true Normandy specialty, crêpes make for a delightful casual lunch or dinner. Savor a traditional savory crêpe made with buckwheat and filled with ham and cheese, then treat yourself to a sweet crêpe filled with locally grown apples for dessert!
Let's talk about customizing this itinerary for you. Or, about other destinations.
Travel Advisor
Laura Vander Neut
Get in touch with Laura
Did you like this guide? Reach out to customize and book your own experience. Or, just to chat about travel in general.
You can normally expect a response from Laura within a business day or so. You’ll also be subscribed to our travel newsletter (you can unsubscribe at any time).
This itinerary is a part of our ongoing series on travel to Normandy. Looking for more travel inspiration? Check out Jody Holman's guide, Family-Friendly Trip to Normandy, France.