Explore Normandy: A Journey Through History and Beauty
Normandy is typically linked to the World War II D-Day Landings, with its beaches narrating a remarkable tale. Stretching from the Cotentin Peninsula to the island of Le Mont-Saint-Michel, this region boasts a strikingly long coastline. Le Mont-Saint-Michel is a mysterious fortified monastery island, which is inaccessible by foot at high tide.
Travelers can reach Normandy by taking ferries from Newhaven, England, which arrive in Dieppe, Normandy, after a four-hour journey, or a six-hour ferry from Portsmouth, England, to Caen or Cherbourg along the Normandy coast. If you’re journeying from Paris, a train can get you there in just two hours via Rail Europe.
1. Granville, Cotentin Peninsula
Address: Granville, France
Situated at the southwest corner of the Cotentin Peninsula, with a shape reminiscent of a snail’s head, Granville gazes out toward the bay of Mont-Saint-Michel, although the holy island is out of sight. It features a long beach to the north and delightful attractions to the south, including a sandy 4-mile stretch of coastline. The areas of St Pair-sur-Mer, Jullouville, and Carolles-Plage are ideal for walking and cycling—though visitors should plan picnics, as dining options are sparse.
Granville itself is an enchanting fortified coastal town, renowned for its impressive citadel. Don’t miss their vibrant annual seafood festival, held at the end of September.
Additionally, you can explore the villa of Christian Dior for a delightful experience.
2. Barneville-Carteret, Cotentin Peninsula
Address: Barneville-Carteret, France
Barneville-Carteret, located on the western side of the Cotentin Peninsula, is a gateway to Jersey in the Channel Islands. Just a mile from the center of Carteret lies the stunning, unspoiled Plage de la Vieille Eglise, known for its sandy shores and gentle waves, providing a serene escape surrounded only by nature.
3. Normandy Landing Beaches
Address: Gold Beach, France
The expansive, sloping sandy beaches were crucial sites for the D-Day landings in June 1944, with Gold Beach serving as one of the most significant locations. Today, these historically rich beaches, such as Omaha Beach, offer serenity and beauty, contrasting sharply with the past’s turbulent history. Visitors can enjoy the gentle lapping of waves, the surfers, and the peaceful atmosphere. Each June, commemorations of the D-Day Landings occur, so advance planning for accommodation is advisable.
If you seek to stay in the vicinity, consider options like La Ferme de la Ranconniere, a former working farm located merely three miles from the beaches. The nearby town of Avranches, historically important for General Patton and his troops during their July 1944 offensive, also serves as an excellent place to stay.
4. Houlgate, Calvados
Address: 14510 Houlgate, France
Houlgate, nestled in the picturesque Drochon Valley, has been a beloved resort area since 1851, although it remains smaller than its neighboring towns, Deauville and Trouville. With a scenic promenade providing views of the expansive sandy beach leading to the dramatic cliffs of the Vaches Noire, it’s a charming getaway.
This town is historically linked to William the Conqueror, who prepared for his invasion of England in 1066 from the nearby Dives-sur-Mer.
5. Trouville-sur-Mer
Address: Trouville-sur-Mer, France
Trouville emerged as a fashionable seaside destination during the reign of Napoléon III, retaining its charm from the vibrant 1850s. This delightful town features a wooden boardwalk stretching the entire length of its beach, complemented by the striking cliffs of Normandy that plunge into the River Touques and a quaint fishing harbor. Trouville stands as a more laid-back alternative to its upscale neighbor, Deauville, while still offering ample attractions throughout the year.
6. Etretat, Calvados
Address: Étretat, France
Described by renowned French author Guy de Maupassant as “the embodiment of magic,” Etretat is famous for its stunning beach, celebrated by many painters. The cliffs are dominated by magnificent natural arches, inspiring Impressionist artists such as Boudin, Manet, and Monet. Historical figures such as Alexandre Dumas and Victor Hugo also drew inspiration from the grandeur of the natural stone needles at Etretat.
Often referred to as the “Alabaster Coast” due to the sparkling minerals in its rocks, this locale is popular for swimming, exploring scenic views, and enjoying the lively town atmosphere of Etretat itself, which is situated near Fecamp, a town steeped in William the Conqueror history and medieval Normandy.
