Bonjour!
I don’t know about you, but we’re in love with Normandy: its delicious food, its gorgeous location and of course all of the pleasures it has to offer in its picturesque towns — oui!
Normandy is located in the northwest of France. It is an hour and a half from Paris by train.
Here are our top picks of the most picturesque towns in Normandy — all of which are only a short train ride from Paris.
Image Credit: Getty Images, samael334. Image Location: Rouen, France
1. Rouen
Rouen is a restored town full of history and culture, with a wonderful medieval quarter — and where Joan of Arc was burned at the stake in 1431.
- Historial Jeanne d’Arc: An immersive theatre experience retelling Joan of Arc’s life and thoughts.
- St-Ouen Abbey: A true feast for the eyes, this gorgeous abbey is named after the 7th-century bishop of Rouen, Audoin.
- Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Rouen: Not to be confused with the one in Paris, this gothic cathedral was the subject of many of Claude Monet’s paintings.
Image Credit: Getty Images, Eduardo Fonseca Arraes. Image Location: Caen, France
2. Caen
Residing in the middle of Normandy, this town was once William the Conqueror’s home.
- Mémorial de Caen: A museum dedicated to the D-Day battle at the beaches of Normandy, and its history and repercussions. D-Day's 80th anniversary is on June 6th, 2024.
- Vaugueux neighbourhood: With majestic Caen-stone houses dating back to the Middle Ages, this is a delightful, trendy area with restaurants and bars.
- Jardin des Plantes: A botanical garden hosting more than 2,000 different species of plants.
Image Credit: Getty Images, thethomsn. Image Location: Étretat, Normandy, France
3. Étretat
A town full of white cliffs and a breath of fresh air (pun intended!).
- Cliffs and rock formations: Check out the magnificent nature beauties carved out of chalk and flint — the Aval Cliff and arch, Amont Cliff, La Courtine, the Manneporte, Roc Vaudieu and Aiguille de Belval, are all worth setting your eyes on.
- Jardins d’Étretat: An Asian-inspired garden, with cliffs and shrubs that have inspired both impressionist and contemporary painters.
- Old covered market: This market is full of charming shops located in its main square, with plaques paying homage to English and American wartime history.
Image Credit: Getty Images, Andrea Pucci. Image Location: Bayeux, France
4. Bayeux
The history and remembrance of WWII can be felt throughout this town’s streets and markets.
- Bayeux Tapestry: Measuring just over 70 meters (or about 230 ft) in length, this massive ornamental tapestry is on display at the gorgeous Bayeux Cathedral.
- Musée d'Art et d'Histoire Baron Gérard: Renovated in 2013, this museum showcases regional history and art.
- Memorial Museum of the Battle of Normandy: On the edge of Bayeux’s historic center, this museum uncovers the 100 days of the Battle of Normandy in detail, from D-Day to Normandy's liberation.
Image Credit: Getty Images, kiszon pascal. Image Location: Deauville, France
5. Deauville
This town is for the film buffs and those wishing to be sun-kissed.
- Les Planches: This is Deauville’s famous wooden boardwalk, which boasts 2km (about 1.2 miles) of beach with beach-front shops and bars. Art Deco beach huts are marked with the names of actors and directors of the Deauville American Film Festival (because not everything film-related in France is in Cannes!).
- L’hippodrome de Deauville-la-Touques: A magnificent venue hosting the galant horseraces and playing fields where you can find the best polo players in the world.
- Les Franciscaines: Opening its doors in 2021, this beautiful building once belonged to the Franciscan order, and is now a museum, auditorium, and media library all split into five different zones. The museum hosts around 500 works of art.
Image Credit: Getty Images, Tuul & Bruno Morandi. Image Location: Granville, France
6. Granville
A seaside haven of fantastic views and a magnifique town for fashion lovers.
- The Upper Town: An alley with sea views, shops, restaurants, ramparts — what more could you ask for?
- The Christian Dior Museum: Villa Les Rhumbs was the designer Christian Dior’s house, and has now become a museum dedicated to him — while also hosting interesting fashion exhibitions.
- The Chausey Islands: If you’re in the mood to explore an island, this archipelago is made up of 52 islets at high tide and 365 at low tide, with various gites and land to explore.
Book your trip to Normandy and buy your tickets on the Trainline app . Need some more ideas of what to do around France? We’ve got you covered:
- Best things to do in Normandy for foodies, families, and outdoors
- How to visit Normandy’s D-Day beaches by train
- Learn about the WWII D-Day beaches of Normandy before you visit
Au revoir!
Header Image Credit: Getty Images, Olena Didevska. Image Location: Étretat, France
