Self-drive Holidays in Normandy for the Independent Motorist.

Tourist information for Normandy

Normandy Landings 70th Anniversary - 30% off maps and guides

Normandy is famous for the D-Day landings on its long beaches and for its busy Channel ports and elegant resorts. From Dieppe to Le Havre the coast is named after its alabaster coloured cliffs. West of Le Havre are a number of smart resorts and sandy beaches, then the beaches of the D-Day landings give way to the wilder sandy beaches of the Cherbourg peninsular ending in the Bay of Le Mont St Michel. The Seine from Le Havre to Rouen and beyond flows through attractive countryside with some interesting sights along the way. Inland are extensive orchards and a half-timbered farms producing delicious cider, Calvados, and cheeses - including Camembert. This is an easily accessed part of France with a recent and older history to explore and a cuisine to enjoy.

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Cycling, walking and sea-side activities.

Benedictine distillery at Fecamp; Parc Naturel de Brotonne (marshes and attractive countryside); Parc Naturel Regional de Normandie-Maine in the south for good woodland walking and cycling; the spectacular valley of the Orne south of Caen; Chateau Gaillard at Les Andelys on the Seine; the invasion beaches and war cemeteries.

Balleroy. The Chateau and nearby Abbaye de Cerisy-la-Foret make this worth a visit.

Bayeux. Medieval town with famous and extraordinary tapestry.

Caen. Largely unattractive capital of the area with a good art museum, shops and restaurants.


Dieppe. Pleasant working port, its castle overlooking the small pedestrianised centre with many sea-food restaurants.

Giverny. Visit this village on the Seine to see Monet's beautiful garden and house.

Granville. Seaside town part of which towers over the bay. Good restaurants.

Honfleur. Superbly preserved old port with picturesque tall Norman houses.

Le Havre. Devastated in the last war this is a rebuilt modern city with extensive docks and a decent art museum.

Lisieux. Site of Catholic pilgrimage to St. Teresa and starting point for the cheese route of the lush Pays d'Auge.

Mont St. Michel. Visually impressive abbey and small medieval village on an island reached by a causeway around which race rapid tides. Very busy in season.


Rouen. This inland port city has a renovated medieval quarter, a famous clock, good cathedral and art museum, many restaurants and a lively cultural programme.


Trouville/Deauville. Elegant and popular seaside resorts on the Normandy Riviera.