Things to do & places to visit in Normandy, France

Wide beaches along the "Flower Coast" attract families and those commemorating the D-Day landings of 1944. Inland, cattle graze in rural idylls and pre-WWII buildings stand alongside modern architecture. Rent a car or take tours from Caen or Bayeux. The landscape around his home in Giverny inspired Monet's Water Lilies, and summer's profusion of blooms is quite lovely. Don't miss Rouen's old town and cathedral, Caen's cathedral, Bayeaux's tapestry and the ancient island-abbey of Mont-St-Michel.

Normandy #7 destination in France 2023. The average rating score is 4.52 based on 121.1k traveler reviews, of 60 attractions. Timezone: Europe/Paris, current date and time: Tuesday, May 07, 2024, 23:06.

Top things to do (23)

Top places to visit (30 attractions) view more »

5.0 Falaises d'Etretat (5.871 reviews)
- Unforgettable
Spent 1-2 hours Points of Interest & Landmarks • Geologic Formations

We came to Etretat on a cloudy and rainy weekday in late September. Despite the stormy seas, we enjoyed a walk along the broad-walk, then on the beach, the view of the hills on both sides was simply stunning. Due to the slippery conditions, we did not attempt to hike the hills, still ended up with incredible photos anyway. Beautiful place, no wonder Claude Monet painted over 90 paintings here. See more..
5.0 Cimetière Américain de Colleville-sur-Mer (5.742 reviews)
- A Place of Honor and Sacrifice
Cemeteries

Overlooking Omaha Beach, the launching point of the U.S. invasion of Normandy, this cemetery contains the graves of 9,386 American soldiers who died at Normandy and a touching memorial to another 1,557 whose bodies were never recovered. See more..
5.0 Bayeux War Cemetery (1.667 reviews)
- A fascinating and worthwhile visit for those interested in WWII
Cemeteries

The town of Bayeux, in Normandy, lies 30 kilometres north-west of Caen. Bayeux War Cemetery is situated in the south-western outskirts of the town on the by-pass (D5), which is named Boulevard Fabian Ware. On the opposite side of the road stands the Bayeux Memorial. BAYEUX WAR CEMETERY, which was completed in 1952, contains 4,144 Commonwealth burials of the Second World War, 338 of them unidentified. There are also over 500 war graves of other nationalities, the majority German. The BAYEUX MEMORIAL stands opposite the cemetery and bears the names of more than 1,800 men of the Commonwealth land forces who died in the early stages of the campaign and have no known grave. They died during the landings in Normandy, during the intense fighting in Normandy itself, and during the advance to the River Seine in August. See more..
5.0 Pegasus Memorial (1.099 reviews)
- Excellent, the tour made it.
Spent < 1 hour Historic Sites • Monuments & Statues • History Museums

A memorial to the first British soldiers to arrive in Normandy who captured the Pegasus Bridge from the Nazis. See more..
5.0 Chemin des Douaniers (623 reviews)
- Great walk
Points of Interest & Landmarks

The stairs leading up on the cliff are taking not more than 10 min to go up, but better to be prepared. On the top, the great seascape is awaiting you. Get your comfy shoes on, take a windbreaker jacket (because it may be windy even in summer), it will be a long walk! The path leads you all along the shore, but be careful going down, the railing may be shaky. It is a perfect place to think and enjoy a small company since in the evening hours there is almost no one around. See more..
4.5 Abbaye du Mont-Saint-Michel (14.5k reviews) from $5.00
- Beautiful place
Tuesday: 9:30 AM - 6:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Historic Sites • Points of Interest & Landmarks • Architectural Buildings • Religious Sites • Monuments & Statues

The Benedictine Abbey of Mont-Saint-Michel is one of the most remarkable examples of mediaeval religious and military architecture and was one of Christianity's most important pilgrimage sites from the 8th to the 18th century.The Abbey comprises a superb ensemble of clerical buildings including the abbey church, the cloister, the refectory, the monks' ambulatory and the gardens of what has been known as the ""Merveille"" (Marvel) since the 12th century. In summer, the Abbaye du Mont-Saint-Michel is best seen in all its splendour after sunset during the special “sons et lumières"" shows. Designated world heritage site by UNESCO. Open: > 2nd May to 31st August: from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. > 1st September to 30th April: from 9.30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Last admission 1 hr before closing time. Closed: > 1st January, 1st May and 25 December. Admission fees: Adults : 9€; Concessions (18 to 25) = 5,50 €; Free admission: minors under 18*; Free admission: 18-25 years old* (citizens of one of the 27 countries of the EU or are non-European permanent residents of France) * excluding school groups See more..
4.5 Musee de la Tapisserie de Bayeux (8.322 reviews)
- Not to be missed!
Tuesday: 9:00 AM - 7:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Speciality Museums • Art Museums • History Museums

This museum houses the famous Bayeux Tapestry, a 70-m long piece of embroidery that graphically tells the story of the 1066 Battle of Hastings.Listed UNESCO Memory of the World. Duration of visit about 1h30. Annual closure in January See more..
4.5 Fondation Claude Monet (8.051 reviews)
- Like being in a Monet painting
Tuesday: 9:30 AM - 6:00 PM Spent More than 3 hours Speciality Museums • Gardens

These beautiful gardens inspired Impressionist Claude Monet's most famous work. See more..
4.5 Memorial de Caen (4.730 reviews)
- Great War Museum and a Reminder of Why NATO exists
Tuesday: 9:00 AM - 7:00 PM Spent More than 3 hours Military Museums • History Museums

Located in the immediate vicinity of the D-Day Landing beaches, the Mémorial de Caen visitor centre is among the essential sites focusing on the Battle of Normandy and 20th century history. From the origins of the Second World War to the end of the Cold War, museographical displays tell this terrible side of 20th century history. Indeed, Caen, bombarded during the summer of 1944, a liberated yet martyred city, deserved a tribute well worthy of the suffering it endured. This is precisely the purpose of the Mémorial de Caen, but via a continuing perspective and action aimed at reconciliation. See more..
4.5 Cathedrale Notre-Dame de Rouen (4.591 reviews)
- Cathedral of Light show was amazing
Tuesday: 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM, 2:00 PM - 6:00 PM Points of Interest & Landmarks • Architectural Buildings • Churches & Cathedrals

This stunning Gothic structure is considered by some to be the town's most important architectural landmark. See more..
4.5 Cathedrale Notre-Dame (3.984 reviews)
- Picturesque and charming place and town
Tuesday: 9:30 AM - 12:00 PM, 3:00 PM - 6:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Architectural Buildings • Religious Sites

The cathedral of Notre-Dame in Bayeux is an impressive building, a mix of Romanesque in the 11th century crypt and glorious Gothic in the 13th-century nave. In the 11th century after the Conquest of England by Duke William of Normandy in 1066, ties with England were strong. You'll see a reference to the turbulent past above the south transept portal where sculpted scenes show the life of Thomas Becket, the Archbishop of Canterbury who was assassinated in Canterbury Cathedral on the orders of King Henry II of England. The Bayeux Tapestry was kept here from the 11th to the 18th centuries, probably displayed for the first time on the day the cathedral was consecrated in 1077 in the presence of William the Conqueror. See more..
4.5 Le Vieux Bassin (3.767 reviews)
- Fairy tale harbor
Spent More than 3 hours Points of Interest & Landmarks

This was probably the most picturesque square we've visited on our 10 days Normandy-Brittany tour. We also had luck being greeted by a sunny late October afternoon so the harbor shined in its full splendor. It dates back to 15 c as a main fishing and shipbuilding place of northern France from where many vessels sailed out discovering the new world. There're numerous cafes and restaurants around (with higher prices of course) and it was so pleasant to walk and sip your drink after enjoying that beauty. It strongly reminds on Nyhavn old harbor in Copenhagen. See more..
4.5 Saint Catherine's Church (3.058 reviews)
- Beautiful Church in tiny Honfleur
Spent < 1 hour Points of Interest & Landmarks • Religious Sites

This famous 15th-century cathedral is the largest surviving wooden church in France. See more..
4.5 Airborne Museum (2.494 reviews) from $10.60
- First class museum
Tuesday: 9:00 AM - 7:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Speciality Museums • History Museums

The Airborne Museum, situated in the square of Sainte-Mere-Eglise, a few miles from D-Day landing beaches, facing the church where John Steele famously was caught, relates the heroic adventure of paratroopers of the 82nd and 101st Airborne Division. Through a spectacular museography, the Airborne Museum takes you through the D-Day alongside American paratroopers of the 82nd and 101st Airborne Division. From the invasion preparations in England through the battles for liberation, meet the Airborne troops and accompany them on their journey to Victory. See more..
4.5 Pointe du Hoc (2.384 reviews)
- One way path
Tuesday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Historic Sites

The location of the site where a group of American soldiers undertook the nearly impossible task of climbing massive cliffs with little equipment during the American invasion of Normandy in 1944. See more..
4.5 Omaha Beach (2.262 reviews)
- Remembering the fallen heroes
Historic Sites • Battlefields • Beaches

This historic beach was the primary point of landing on June 6, 1944, for the entry of American forces into World War II and saw some of the most intense fighting in the entire war. See more..
4.5 Rue du Gros-Horloge (2.024 reviews)
- Cute old town street
Neighborhoods • Historic Walking Areas

Stroling around in the city center of Rouen, you are bound to pass the street with the old clock. It is well worth to pass by and admire the clock in one end of the street. We were there ar night which was very cozy as well. See more..
4.5 Musee du debarquement (2.021 reviews)
- Fantastic little museum
Speciality Museums

This museum is made very special by its setting. It is beside the beach at Arromanches-les-Bains and you can look at the models of the temporary port built by the alliés during WW2 to land troops and then lift your eyes to the sea outside where some of this incredible feat still remains. Thoroughly recommend the slide show and short films they show (English available) to give a sense of what it was like at the time. Fascinating See more..
4.5 Fortifications du Mont-Saint-Michel (2.005 reviews)
- Most fun part of our tour
Points of Interest & Landmarks

This town is too charming to miss. Make your way up the 429 steps to the abbey, then enjoy the town. The abbey has a fee - worthwhile, though not the extra 3 euros for the audioguide. We were on a tour and unfortunately couldn't spend much time in the shops, restaurants, or coffee bars inside the town walls. The hamlet is too picturesque. Give yourself 5-7 hours for the whole experience, shuttle bus, walking, etc. See more..
4.5 Musee Memorial de la Bataille de Normandie (1.880 reviews)
- Best D-day Museum - buy the Combo ticket
Spent 1-2 hours Military Museums • Monuments & Statues • History Museums

Situated near the British Military Cemetery of Bayeux, the Memorial Museum of the Battle of Normandy narrates the battles which took place in Normandy after the D-Day landings, between 7th June and 29th August 1944. The collections of military equipment, the diorama and the archival films allow the visitor to grasp the enormous effort made during this decisive battle in order to restore peace in Europe. See more..
4.5 Palais Bénédictine (1.878 reviews)
- A fascinating liqueur and a large selection to buy from at the store
Tuesday: 10:30 AM - 5:30 PM Spent 1-2 hours Historic Sites • Architectural Buildings

The Palais Benedictine, an architectural masterpiece of gothic and Renaissance inspirations, proposes guided tours all year long on Saturday, Sunday, holidays (except May 1st, December 25th and January 1st), and every day during school holidays at 3pm. Discover the museum, the one and only Benedictine distillery in the world and the cellars. Eventually, enjoy the contemporary art exhibition, before heading to the Winter Garden where is offered a tasting of one of the three Benedictine Expressions*. Alcohol abuse is dangerous for health. Consume with moderation See more..
4.5 Jardins d'Etretat (1.738 reviews)
- What great green gardens...
Tuesday: Spent < 1 hour Parks • Gardens

Jardins d’Étretat are neo-futuristic gardens that extend over the cliffs of the Alabaster Coast, one of the wonders of Normandy with a view listed as a World Heritage by UNESCO. The gardens are a playground where lush topiary, landscape architecture, and contemporary art dialogue in all poetry. Our project is the winner of the European Garden Award in the category "Best development of a historic park or garden", possesses two MICHELIN stars in the Green Guide, listed among "Great Gardens of the World" and has the label "Remarkable Garden" from The French Ministry of Culture. See more..
4.5 Musée du Débarquement Utah Beach (1.714 reviews)
- Utah beach museum
Tuesday: 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Military Museums • Battlefields

Located in the Parc Naturel Régional des Marais du Cotentin et du Bessin, the "Madeleine" beach went into history a Tuesday of June 1944. 75 years after, the Utah Beach Landing Museum invites you to walk along paths of our liberators. See more..
4.5 Église Saint-Joseph (1.432 reviews)
- Beautiful on the inside
Tuesday: 9:00 AM - 5:30 PM Religious Sites • Churches & Cathedrals

What a stunning church, the Steiner glass windows take your breath away as you enter. Stunning architecture. Beautiful place to sit and reflect. Would highly recommend. Free to enter too. See more..
4.5 Vieux Rouen (1.415 reviews)
- Very very nice
Points of Interest & Landmarks

We came here for a day trip by train from Dieppe (excellent deal for six of us by asking at the ticket office, whereas online showed £21.89 pp) . Came across the old town after 10 min walk. Really lovely surroundings, beautiful architecture. The clock is fabulous to look at,as is the front of the Cathedral (consecrated in 1063) - but inside less exciting with major restoration being done. This would be a lovely city for a city break See more..
4.5 Juno Beach Centre (1.298 reviews)
- Well worth a visit
Tuesday: 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours History Museums

Canadian World War II memorial museum features interactive animations and a dramatic eight-foot bronze sculpture entitled "Remembrance and Renewal." See more..
4.5 Parc Zoologique Cerza (1.296 reviews)
- Excellent zoological park
Tuesday: 9:30 AM - 7:00 PM Spent More than 3 hours Zoos

This zoo is really well designed with a good variety of exotic animals including big cats, rhino, giraffes and reptiles. We took our 2 year old grandson and parents just after Easter and had a great day. There is a lot of walking if you want with two routes clearly signed. There is also a road train service. We didn't use that but it was busy. We will definitely be going again See more..
4.5 Overlord Museum - Omaha Beach (1.283 reviews)
- A fascinating insight
Tuesday: 10:00 AM - 5:30 PM Spent 1-2 hours Speciality Museums

Overlord Museum is located in Colleville-sur-mer near the famous Norman American Cemetery and Omaha Beach (one of the landing beaches). The museum is dedicated to the story of D-Day and the Battle of Normandy and proposes you a large collection of artefacts. Last entrance one hour before closing time. See more..
4.5 D-Day Experience (Dead Man's Corner museum) (1.280 reviews)
- Another fantastic museum
Tuesday: 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM Military Museums • History Museums

Discover D-Day Experience and its different areas made up of :  two museums,  an immersive and one of a kind attraction in the wolrd  a memorial dedicated to the airborne troops»  and a gift shop Set in the heart of a historical place, the site spans across 10,000 m2, thus inviting you to live an amazing experience that combines both educational and entertainment learning. Our site includes two museums dedicated to the airborne troops who fought during World War II, an airborne wall and two shops (militaria and gift shop). You can extend your visit with the historical route to retrace the steps of the men of the 101st division. See more..
4.5 Batterie Allemande de Longues-Sure-Mer (1.193 reviews)
- Not as nice in the dark
Military Museums

We came by as a last stop to the area. we had just left the American Cemetary in Omaha and decided to stop by here before heading back. We came in early January around 1800 and it was already getting quite dark. The carpark wasn't super big but enough for a few cars. We headed down the path and the batteries were just off to the side. We passed about three of them before heading back due to the lack of light. You were able to head into the batteries as well. Many still had the guns in place which was nice. It was already enjoyable but we would have spent more time there had there been light. There were a few split paths that we didn't have time to go down. The carpark road is one way and loops back to the main road. You actually pass some of the batteries as you drive out. See more..