Normandy coastline excursion is one of the most unforgettable experience for many, it’s one of the most refreshing ways of exploring France without being in the hustle-bustle of metro cities. From drive along the never-ending coastline as sunsets or sunrises to getting to know the history of Normandy region through monuments, memorials and architecture of local towns and seaside villages, a Normandy coastline itinerary is truly bucket list special.
While many prefer to cover Normandy region and its villages with a round trip from one of the local town like Bayeux, which is in close proximity to the seacoast and seaside towns, this Normandy route aims to cover important towns as you drive from Paris to deeper in Normandy while passing through as many D-Day beaches, memorials, medieval churches and cathedrals and taking in most exotic coast view of English Channel. Summer is often the best time to arrive in Paris, rent a car and then drive down to sea-facing resorts of Deauville or Etretat. The limestone cliffs, the amazing arches, local casinos, lively coastal freshness and Normandy history from beaches like Omaha or various memorial museums, getting it all is impossible in one day which is why come with at least 4-5 days or when better a week in hand. For one day tourists, you could always pick any one or tow Normandy towns and grab whatever beauty and history you can in 24 hours.
01 Giverny
Giverny is just a 75 km drive from Paris and is often flocked by art lovers. This French commune is located on the banks of the beautiful Seine river, within the Normandy province. The gardens, landscapes and home of Monet are what Giverny is famous for. A magnet to budding artists with its Monet attractions and artistic cafe like the Hôtel Baudy, Giverny is a charming village that just can’t be overlooked when beginning a Normandy tour. Maison & Jardins de Claude Monet, Rue Claude Monet, House of Claude Monet, Museum of Impressionism, Chateau de Bizy and Réserve Naturelle Nationale des coteaux de la Seine are few spots to stop by on your road trip.
02 Rouen
This Normandy coast road trip is incomplete without towns like Rouen. Normandy’s historic capital, Rouen has a history so grand and deep that there’s just too much to capture. Located on River Seine, Rouen is just 2 hours of scenic drive away from Paris. The gothic churches, the timbered houses, narrow seine, museums with their historic tales to offer and most amazing medieval architecture are just a few of the many things Rouen throws at you.
Despite the heavy WWII damages, this charming French city today is full of life. Past its half-timbered houses, lies notable attractions like 14th-century astronomical clock Gros Horloge, the famous Rouen Cathedral, Rouen Castle or Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Rouen which is known for its connection with Joan of Arc, Palais de Justice and many interesting museums like Musée des Beaux-Arts de Rouen known for housing masterpieces from Claude Monet, Musée des antiquité and Jardin des Plantes de Rouen. Once home to France Grand Prix, Rouen is the city of everything and even has an opera house known Rouen Opera House.
03 Etretat
A picturesque farming town located just an hour away from Rouen via A29, Etretat is world-famous for its chalk cliffs and resort beaches. Many great artists have found themselves drawn to Etretat’s serene landscape beauty and coast view including Eugène Boudin and Claude Monet.
This seaside french town and its archways are not just known for the panoramic sea view and pebble beaches with some amazing golf courses, but there are other interesting sightseeing options too like the museum Maison Maurice Leblanc and the gorgeous cliff-top garden, Étretat Gardens.
But, what makes a crucial town on Normandy road trip is the various cliffs, arch and breathtakingly beautiful sea view beaches including Plateforme de vue sur les falaisesd’Etretat, La Falaise d’Amont, Falaise d’Aval, Porte d’Aval and Chemin Des Douaniers. The sea villas, landscapes with power to inspire Monet and best sunbathing beaches of this seaside town need at least 1-2 days of attention.
04 Le Havre
Located in upper Normandy, Le Havre as the name says is port city. From multiple churches to medieval cathedrals, the city Le Havre has a rich architectural and cultural heritage which earned the central city a spot among UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Le Havre is a perfect break with picturesque beaches known for its gorgeous sunset view, city architecture and many museums. Le Havre is only at a 42 km drive away from the gorgeous city of Caen and 123 km drive from Bayeux.
05 Trouville-sur-Mer
Normandy road trip through Trouville-sur-Mer or Trouville and its neighboura town Deauville is bound to give you many kodak-moments with perfect landscapes, picturesque beaches and some great architectural marvels. The sea-facing promenade here is refreshing and being a fishing village, you also get to walk along the fishing river and experience fishes fly in and out. The entertainment at Trouville-sur-Mer is no limited to sandy beaches and sea view, as the town lets you park your car and walk into city casino buildings. Casino de Deauville and Casino de Trouville-sur-Mer are not only beautiful buildings but also offer live casino entertainment adding the cherry on top of a perfect coastline road-trip vacation. Local parks, wetlands, churches and landmarks are often loved by tourists. Labyrinthe de Honfleur is highly recommended.
06 Bayeux
Widely famous for Bayeux Tapestry, Bayeux is one of the key destinations that you would pass through when exploring the coastline of Normandy. From medieval and post-medieval to memorials and D-Day museums, Bayeux is full of cultural heritage and historical sights. Bayeux is also a nearby city of Caen and its beautiful city attractions. Museum of Battle of Normandy, Musée de la Tapisserie de Bayeux
07 D-Day Beaches at Normandy
Normandy and its World War II stories are largely coiled around the various D-Day beaches where the history was created in good and tragic ways both. While cruising around the Normandy coastline and its various beautiful beaches, if you also seek to be part of the Normandy history then there are few D-Day Beaches that were invaded by allies.
These WWII stained beaches and their memorials offer bunkers, landing sites, chance to climb tanks and see real tank traps in various dunes. Code named Utah, Gold, Omaha, Sword and Juno, these D-Day beaches were part of Operation Overlord and Operation Neptune. A day drive from Paris is easy to get to a few of these D-Day beaches, but we would suggest you take time as you explore the history, the WWII stories and the nature around the Nomrnay beaches and the memorials. The English Channel oast, its sandy beaches and the various D-Day stories from locals are the most important part of a Normandy coastline route.
Top D-Day beaches & memorials
- Caen Memorial Center
- Sword Beach and the Atlantic Wall Museum
- Pegasus Bridge Museum
- Juno Beach
- Arromanches
- Pointe du Hoc
- Omaha Beach: American Cemetery and Overlord Museum
- Utah Beach and the Museum of the Landings
- Falaise and the Memorial to Civilians in Wartime
- Sainte-Mère-Église and Airborne Museum