Guide to activities for your vacation in Normandy

Contrary to popular belief, the Normandy coast is a top summer vacation destination. Forget the French Riviera; many travelers are choosing to discover the charms of Normandy and the magnificent landscapes of northwestern France. This trend is reflected in the vacation rentals booked on reservation platforms.

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In fact, Honfleur and Deauville ranked 3rd and 4th respectively as the most searched destinations on Airbnb for summer 2022. These two port cities have seen their occupancy rates soar since June. You’ve booked your vacation and your bags are packed, but now you need to know how to spend your time. Discover the best activities in Normandy for a successful trip!

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Normandy, a land full of history and legends

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The D-Day landing beaches for all ages

How can you talk about Normandy without mentioning the D-Day landing beaches? Even though they are well-known and hardly a hidden gem, it is our duty to recommend this site steeped in history. Some would even say it is a duty of remembrance to visit at least once in your life to pay tribute to the soldiers. There are five beaches: Utah Beach, Omaha Beach, Gold Beach, Juno Beach, and Sword Beach.

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Several options exist for exploring them: by jeep, minibus, bike, or simply on foot—you can create the tour that suits you best. You can also choose to explore just one. Each beach offers different activities and tours to help you understand the landings, the role each beach played, their unique characteristics compared to others, and to immerse yourself in the past.

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For example, on Gold Beach, the remains of the massive artificial harbor deployed in just a few days are still visible, offering a glimpse into the logistics surrounding the D-Day landings. You will also find the D-Day Underwater Wrecks Museum, where you can discover military equipment from the past. To make visiting the beaches fun for children, Juno Beach has everything covered. They offer an interactive experience called "D-Day told to children." Everything has been designed by Corinne, the guide, to capture children's attention and bring the story to life.

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Immersed in the castle of William the Conqueror

We move a little away from the coast to reach the castle of William the Conqueror, more commonly known as the Château de la Falaise, home to the Dukes of Normandy and Kings of England. A place filled with history and legend that holds the story of Normandy within its walls. It has seen many sovereigns with different cultures and customs pass through: Vikings, Dukes, and Kings—it was once the symbol and residence of political power.

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The site has successfully reinvented itself and now offers various experiences designed to immerse you in the past. Film screenings, reenactments, and installations of furniture replicas from different eras all help you take a leap back in time. Fans of series like Vikings, The Last Kingdom, Game of Thrones, or The Witcher will be captivated by the activities on offer. Be careful: you might find yourself wanting to set off on a mysterious quest.

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The Garden of Personalities in Honfleur

We leave the realm of history and legends for a moment to return to the world of ordinary mortals and visit the Garden of Personalities in Honfleur. Across 10 hectares of greenery, discover the busts of figures who left their mark on the city's cultural heritage—either because they were born in Honfleur or spent time there—tucked away along paths among rose bushes. To name a few, there is Claude Monet, Charles Baudelaire, and Françoise Sagan. Beyond the busts, it is the perfect place for a walk, a picnic, or a nap.

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A breath of fresh air: water activities to do in Normandy

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Discover a new sport with sand yachting

After all these historical discoveries, it is high time to get some fresh air and try a new sport: sand yachting. This is THE activity not to be missed, as it is only possible to enjoy it on the northwest coast. You will find nautical schools or organizations that offer this activity. Notably, the Cercle Nautique d’Honfleur offers 90-minute sessions for around forty euros.

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But what is sand yachting? Simply put, it is a windsurfing board with wheels. The craft consists of a structure equipped with three wheels, a sail, and a seat. Although sand yachting is practiced on the beach, it does not involve going into the water; you stay on the sand and manage the sail guided by the wind. The only requirement to try sand yachting is that there must be wind. Children can also try it, always under the supervision of an instructor.

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The classic boat trip

The classic boat trip is another activity you can do in Normandy. You may be used to boat trips in the South or even in Corsica, but the Norman version is different. The landscapes will be completely different; you will likely sail along the majestic cliffs of Normandy, including the famous Etretat cliff. In short, a classic boat trip that is not so classic after all.

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If you embark in Honfleur, you can discover and pass under the Normandy Bridge. With its panoramic view, it is a bridge that is also worth exploring on foot or by bike. From the bridge, you can embark on trips of varying lengths, either aboard the Jolie France for a 1.5-hour tour or aboard the Calypso, an old whaling boat, for a 45-minute trip. All the city's secrets will be revealed to you through the commentary during the cruise.

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Must-see sights in Normandy: Deauville and its iconic landmarks

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Deauville is certainly one of the most famous towns on the Normandy coast. It alone brings together several must-see attractions for a vacation in Normandy. You can see them just above, and you might be thinking that the sight of those colorful parasols rings a bell... That’s normal; the beach at Deauville and its colorful parasols are part of our collective consciousness! They are one-of-a-kind, handcrafted on-site, and tied with a "Deauville knot." You can rent them and become part of the traditional Deauville beach landscape.

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Another tourist attraction in Deauville that is an integral part of its identity: its seaside Boardwalk and Bathing Cabins. The Boardwalk offers a 650-meter-long stroll. Built in 1923 to keep women from getting their long dresses dirty while walking on the beach, the Boardwalk has become a true historical monument.

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And what would the Boardwalk be without its adjoining cabins? Indeed, the Deauville cabins might attract even more tourists. The 450 bathing cabins are, in a way, the French version of the Walk of Fame. The spotlight is on the white railings that border the cabins, where the names of actors and directors who have attended the American Film Festival are displayed.

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Local gastronomy: eating well, an activity in its own right

With all these visits, walks, and outdoor activities, a break is a must. Finding a place where you can eat well can be considered an activity in its own right. So, to make your life easier, here is our selection of bars and restaurants in Deauville:

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Le Hibouville, the historic brasserie: This is the quintessential historic brasserie of the town. There is no wrong time to go: they serve breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Enjoy a meal in its newly renovated decor, which is warm, cozy, and casual.

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La Péniche, a unique culinary experience: Have lunch with a stunning view of the harbor. This restaurant and tea room on the water is perfect for relaxing and getting a change of scenery while in Deauville. French and European cuisine is served by pleasant and welcoming staff.

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Les Sales Gosses, the hangout for young people: This is the go-to spot for young people who want to party or just grab a drink. You can also enjoy some very good tapas here. This cocktail and beer bar is also very well located in Deauville, just a few meters from the main square. The atmosphere is described as "laid-back, cool, and relaxed."

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Ready to book your vacation in Normandy? Discover our vacation rentals in Honfleur and Deauville to enjoy all these activities!