Read the Normandy tourist attractions overview
Normandy is a historic region in northwestern France. Deriving its name from Viking raiders that became settlers, it is famous for various landmarks, battlefields, and sites. Mont-Saint-Michel, D-day landing beaches, and Claude Monet's House in Giverny are some highlights making this region one of the top tourist destinations in France. So, you'll need a lot of time to visit the leading tourist attractions in Normandy and enjoy its scenic landscapes.
Getting around in Normandy by car is easy. For example, you can cover the distance between the most distant points (from Giverny or Dieppe to Mont-Saint-Michel) in less than four hours. Also, you can conveniently travel by train between main settlements, such as Le Havre, Rouen, and Caen. Finally, these cities are the principal regional airports, too.
Top Normandy Attractions Every Traveler Should Visit
- Visible from afar, Abbey Mont-Saint-Michel sits atop a hill, dominating the neighboring countryside. Furthermore, there is a walled town rising from the hill's base to the monastery. Finally, panoramic views and cloisters are among the abbey's highlights.
- Several masterpieces of Impressionism closely relate to Claude Monet's House in Giverny. The property consists of a mansion, garden, and a pond full of water lilies. The flowering season lasts from April to October, so plan your visit accordingly.
- Rouen Cathedral (Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Rouen) is a Gothic masterpiece and the tallest church in France. Its neo-Gothic spire rises 151 meters (495 feet) above the ground. Also, the grand structure houses the tomb containing Richard the Lionheart's heart.
- Bayeux Cathedral (Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Bayeux) is another top Normandy attraction. The tallest tower of the national monument is 95 meters (312 feet) tall. Furthermore, some of its stained-glass windows date back to the 14th century.
Top D-Day Landing Sites and Memorials (Second World War)
- Utah Beach and the Museum of the Landings convey the flow of the invasion through obstacles and video performances. Furthermore, the Milestone 00 monument marks the beginning of the Liberation Route running to Bastogne in Belgium.
- Overlord Museum near Omaha Beach displays tanks, cannons, and many other relevant exhibits. Also, pay respects to the fallen Americans at the American Cemetery nearby.
American Cemetery near Omaha Beach, Normandy, France. Photo credit: baptiste_heschung from Pixabay
- Pointe du Hoc, located between Utah and Omaha beaches, is a 30-meter (100-foot) high cliff. Consequentially, it was a strategic point the Allies had to secure early on. It features remains of the German Atlantic Wall and traces of the battle that took place there.
- Memorial Museum of the Battle of Normandy in Bayeux gives an overview of the entire campaign. Therefore, the collection encompasses armored vehicles, military equipment, dioramas, videos, and more.
What Are Other Top Tourist Attractions in Normandy?
- While in Bayeux, stop by the Bayeux Museum to admire the Bayeux Tapestry. It is a medieval masterpiece that is 70 meters (231 feet) long and nearly 50 centimeters (19.5 inches) wide. The tapestry illustrates the events leading to the Battle of Hastings in 1066. To sum up, it is about the conquest of England led by William I, also known as the Conqueror.
- Falaise d'Aval is a highlight of the chalky-white Alabaster Coast. In short, it is an arch resembling an elephant's trunk drinking water from the sea. Find this marvel of nature near Etretat.
- Last but not least, spend a day by the sea. Use it to watch how far the water recedes during the low and rises during the high tide.
