4 Awesome Things to Do on Vacation in Normandy

Last updated on November 21st, 2022 at 03:10 pm

Normandy is located in north-western coast of France. It’s long and intense history has been steeped in conflict. The name Normandy originates from the viking invaders who pillaged the area between 790–930 and 980–1030. Not long later, the Norman Invasion of England led to William the Conqueror (Duke of Normandy) being crowned as the king of England. This led to many conflicts between England and France. More recently, the historical D-Day Invasion (Operation Overlord) became a defining battle of WWII.

But, Normandy is more than just the conflicts that have taken place here. One of France’s most famous landmarks, Mont-Saint-Michel, can be found here. Additionally, the region is known as the birthplace of Impressionism and there are many sites to explore including Monet’s Home and Gardens in Giverny. More recently, it has become the birthplace of a new monk beer-brewing tradition. So, keep reading and find out more about all that there is to discover in Normandy, France.

***Disclaimer: Be sure to check the restrictions and regulations for entry into France as well as any activity you wish to participate in before booking any part of your journey.

How to Get to Normanday

Normandy is a rural area located along the north-western coast of France. Although there are some public transportation options, I think that renting a car would be a better option. It allows for more flexibility for where you are able to go and when you are able to get there.

For your reference, there are two smaller airports in the Normandy region, Aéroport de Caen-Carpiquet (CFR) and Aéroport de Deauville-Normandie (DOL).

However, depending on where you are coming from, I would recommend flying in to Paris, renting a car, and driving to Normandy. Both Aéroport de Paris-Charles de Gaulle (CDG) and Paris-Orly Airport (ORY) offer international flights. And, they are about equal distance (Orly is a tad closer).

Things to do in Normandy

Explore and Celebrate the Importance of D-Day (Operation Overlord)

The Battle of Normandy, also known as Operation Overlord, was one of the fiercest and most important battles of World War II. It involved skillful coordination between approximately 160,000 troops from 12 different countries. These brave men came by air, sea, and land. It was a last-ditch effort to break through Hitler’s Atlantic Wall and re-gain a foothold in western Europe. And, incredibly, it was a success despite all odds.

D-Day Sites to Visit

About 50 miles (80 km) of the Normandy coastline was divided into five important landing beaches: Utah, Omaha, Gold, Juno, and Sword. Utah and Omaha were the landing sites for the US military. Gold and Sword were for the British and Juno was for the Canadians. You will discover that there are multiple memorials, museums, or significant points of interest on or near each of these sections of beach.

Overall, there are 25 museums dedicated to different aspects of the battle, 27 military cemeteries dedicated to the fallen, and various landmarks. These landmarks include memorials, Sainte Mere Eglise (which was the first town to be liberated on D-Day), the Mulberry Harbors, the Pegasus Bridge, and more.

I highly suggest that if you have the time and the interest, you dedicate at least 2-3 days just to D-Day sites and exhibits.

For more information about some of the most important D-Day Sites, check out my post: Top 9 D-Day Sites If You Only Have One Day in Normandy

D-Day Commemorative Celebrations

If you want to make your visit extra special, I recommend planning it during the annual D-Day Celebration in early June. Every year, the citizens of Normandy hold a celebration in honor of those who fought in the epic battle. Additionally, every 5 years, the festivities take on a new level. There can be opportunities to attend featured military displays and reenactments, parades, fireworks and much more.

For more information about the annual celebrations and festivities to commemorate the D-Day anniversary, please check out this website.

Discover History at Mont-Saint-Michel

Christine Walking Along Waterway in Front of Mont-Saint-Michel in Normandy

Mont-Saint-Michel looks like something straight out of a dream. It rises up, stoically, off the Normany coast. During the very high-tides, the little island appears to float on the sea. But, during the low-tide it is possible for pilgrims and visitors alike to cross the bay on foot (with a guide is safest due to patches of quicksand). The crowning glory of this world famous UNESCO Heritage Site is, of course, l’Abbaye du Mont-Saint-Michel. Around the island, one can discover a lovely collection of shops, restaurants, a couple hotels, and museums.

Five Interesting Facts About Mont-Saint-Michel

The island’s fortifications were so strong and well developed that it resisted many sieges. These include sieges that took place during the Hundred Years War and the French Wars of Religion.

In 1792, the abbey was closed and converted into a prison (nicknamed Bastille des Mers). It remained a prison until 1863.

St. Auburn church was used as a lookout post by the Germans during WWII. Approximately 325,000 German tourists visited Mont-Saint-Michel between July 18, 1940 and the end of France’s occupation.

Mont-Saint-Michel was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979 for its unique qualities and its significance to medieval Christian civilization.

Mont-Saint-Michel has inspired many artists throughout the years. A couple examples from movies include the looks of the town/castle from Disney’s Tangled as well as Gondor’s capital city (Minas Tirith) from the 2003 film The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King.

Planning Your Visit to Mont-Saint-Michel

It is important to note that cars are not allowed on the island! The island is accessible either by foot or shuttle bus. Also, please note that entry onto the island is free. However, you will have to pay a fee to tour the Abbey.

The most convenient place to park in order to visit the island is Mont Saint-Michel Parking. Although it is a little pricey, it was worth it for us because of its close proximity to the island and the free shuttle bus. We were on a bit of a tight schedule and the weather was not the best during our visit at the end of February (high winds and intermittent rain).

If you are looking for a free parking spot, I recommend Parc de stationnement. Just keep in mind that you will have to walk quite a bit further to reach the island.

Taste the Beer at l’Abbey Saint Wandrille

Saint Wandrille Abbey Boutique Store Sign

I learned about l’Abbey Saint Wandrille from the Duolingo French podcast about a week before I left on my trip to Normandy. The story of this Benedictine monastery was so unique and interesting, I decided that I needed to add it to my itinerary. And, I am so glad that I did. L’Abbey Saint Wandrille is located in the quaint and peaceful French commune of Rives-en-Seine. It may not be big or flashy, but that what makes it stand out from typical places people visit on vacation.

FYI: If you are interested in listening to the podcast for yourself, please click here.

A Short History of Saint Wandrille

The Abbey was originally established in 649.

After many viking raids, Abbey of Fontenelle (which is now know as Saint Wandrille) was eventually burned down by vikings in January 852.

Multiple attempts were made to rebuild the abbey over the years. But, wars, forces of nature (including lightning/fire), and a lack of funds made it a challenge. In 1331 the new building was finally finished.

During the French Revolution, the church was partially demolished. Some of the buildings were turned into a factory.

Later the de Stacpoole family gained the property and it was used for domestic purposes. George Stanislaus, 3rd Duke de Stacpoole, restored the entire property to the French Benedictines.

The Restoration of the French Monastic Brewing Tradition

The monastic beer brewing tradition had mostly died out in France many years ago (post WWI and industrialization in France). Recently, when the monks at Saint Wandrille began rethinking their business model, beer-brewing became the focus of attention. Their attempts to revive the traditional art included attending a brewing school and lots of trial and error.

After two years, they found success: a dark orange colored beer with flavors of bitter orange peels and cumin. In 2016, the new signature beer was blessed by a cardinal and has been sold in l’Abbey shop ever since.

Revel in the Beauty that Kindled the Birth of an Art Form

Impressionism is one of my all time favorite painting styles. The vibrant colors which capture the natural lighting, gentle brush strokes, and soothing depictions of the countryside and everyday life are such a joy to take in. So, visiting Monet’s Gardens and “stepping into” the scenes which inspired him feels like a dream come true.

But, sadly, our visit was at the end of February, and the gardens were still closed for the winter. At the time, this was the only time I had available for my trip to Normandy. But, now I have an excellent excuse to return to beautiful Normandy!

If you are interested in visiting Monet’s Home and Gardens in Giverny, France please visit their website. And, please be sure to note the opening months!

Other Normandy towns that have inspired impressionist painters: Vernon, Le Havre, Rouen, and Dieppe.

In Conclusion

I hope that this post has given you some great ideas for how to get the most out of your visit to Normandy, France. There are so many amazing things to do and I hope you enjoy your visit. I’d love to hear your thoughts on this post, so please drop me a comment down below!

Happy Travels,
<3 Christine