Normandy and Brittany are adjacent regions located in the West of France, from the North (Normandy) to the Central (Brittany) part of France, both are highly popular for local and international travelers. The combination of Medieval towns, castles and monasteries, WWII D-Day landing beaches, rural scenery and cultural experiences, and seaside resorts, makes the regions a great vacation destination.
Brittany (Bretagne) is known for its 3,000 km coastline, rich with sea bird colonies and marine animals, and it is famous for the numerous prehistoric sites (Carnac) of megaliths and dolmens used for burials, worship, and season predictions.
When traveling to Normandy you will enjoy the region’s apple ciders, Calvados apple brandies, and the famous Bénédictine liqueur, in addition to great cuisine. Cooking classes, markets tours, traditional workshops in Calvados distilleries, and visits of dairy farms are all highly popular. During May and August, many towns celebrate the region’s medieval history with street music, parades, markets, minstrels, tournaments, and re-creation of historical events. In October through to the end of November Normandy hosts its Autumn Festivals, with over 60 theatrical, musical, and dance performances.
Traveling west from Paris on your way to Rouen, you will visit Claude Monet House and Gardens in Giverny and Vernon’s Château de Bizy referred to as Normandy’s Versailles.
Traveling Normandy, TheTjoy.com recommends considering visits to the following destinations including;
- Rouen, the charming port town considered one of the most beautiful and well preserved Medieval towns in France, where Joan of Arc and Richard Lionheart have left their mark.
- From Rouen continue west and consider visiting the Normandy Coast, between the Alabaster Coast in the north, the stunning sea cliffs of Etretat, and the beautiful coastline with beautiful beaches, charming towns, villages, and seaside resorts, all the way south to Deauville and Cabourg. Few days of relaxation and sunbathing in one of the beach resorts will be highly enjoyable before you continue to the town of Caen in the south.
Saint Malo
Omaha Beach
Bayeux
- In charming Caen visit the 12th century Caen Castle, the impressive 11th century Romanesque and Gothic abbeys built by William the Conqueror, and the Caen Memorial and its WWII D-Day Museum, among others. Out of town visit the WWII D-Day allied forces Landing Beaches, the impressive memorials, and museums. Visit the nearby artsy and scenic Bayeux, a Medieval town famous for the 11th century, 70 meters long, magnificent Bayeux Tapestry.
- From Caen continue southwest through Granville seaside resort to what would probably be the highlight of your trip. The iconic and breathtaking rocky islet rising out of the sea, Le Mont Saint Michel, and its 10th century abbey, one of the most popular destinations in France.
From here we would recommend visiting the nearby beautiful walled-town of Saint Malo, surrounded by massive fortification walls and beautiful beaches. In Saint Malo you can conclude your travel in Normandy and return to Paris through the Loire Valley, or you can continue your trip to Brittany.
Rennes
Carnac
Vannes
Traveling Brittany, Visit the town of Rennes with its iconic Parliament Building, Vannes with its beautiful old center and the close by islands of the Gulf of Morbihan and continue to Carnac. In Carnac, the popular seaside resort, admire the famous 7,000 years old, 4km long, Megalithic Site with more than 3,000 standing stones.
Return to Paris on the A10 through Nantes, Angers and the Loire Valley between Tours and Orleans, or head directly on the A11 through Rennes and Le Mans to Paris.
Spend 6-10 days visiting the regions attractions, or more if you wish to enjoy a few days in one of the popular beach resorts in the regions.
Another quick option would be to visit the iconic Le Mont Saint Michel taking a 1-3 days tour from Paris.
The easiest way to travel in Normandy and Brittany would be by car. River cruises (along the Seine River), public transportation (train and buses), guided tours from Paris, and Ferries from southern England are also available.
This part of France is usually mild and wet with unpredictable weather. The best seasons to visit Normandy and Brittany are Spring and Summer.
