7 Most Intriguing Places in Normandy
Normandy has a way of pulling you in – sometimes with crashing waves against impressive cliffs, other times with crooked medieval streets that feel frozen in time. And splendid gardens! It’s a place where stories linger, etched into stone walls and whispered through old harbors.
But the real magic? It’s in the details you’d never expect. Curious? Keep reading – you’ll see!
1. Les Jardins d’Étretat: Art That Stares Back at You
Les Jardins d’Étretat sits high above the cliffs offering wild views and surreal art. Sculpted hedges twist around giant faces that seem to grow out of the ground – calm, strange, and a little hypnotic!
The garden is packed with modern sculptures, hidden corners, and lookout points over the sea and Étretat’s famous arches. It’s part art exhibit, part garden maze!
It started as a small garden in 1905, planted by actress Madame Thébault, a friend of painter Claude Monet. Inspired by Monet’s love for light and nature, she created a peaceful retreat overlooking Étretat’s cliffs.
The garden was reimagined in 2017 by landscape architect Alexandre Grivko.
Today, it’s an open-air gallery with sculptures by contemporary artists set among sculpted boxwood hedges. The garden’s surreal faces, called “The Awakening,” symbolize human emotions.
Paths lead to dramatic viewpoints of the sea and the famous Aval Arch, which Monet once painted.
2. Mont-Saint-Michel: Normandy’s Crown Jewel
Mont-Saint-Michel is straight out of a medieval dream. Rising from tidal sands, this rocky island has been pulling visitors in for over 1,000 years!
At the top, the Abbaye du Mont-Saint-Michel steals the show with its Gothic spires and sweeping views. Built in 966, it started as a Benedictine monastery and quickly became a major pilgrimage site.
The lower town is a maze of cobbled streets packed with shops, cafés, and inns that look like they haven’t changed since the Middle Ages. Places like La Poste and Saint Michel keep the old-world vibe alive. Narrow alleys lead to hidden corners and unbeatable photo ops.
Mont-Saint-Michel is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with tides that can still trap the unprepared. Climb the abbey steps, explore the ramparts, and grab a bite in one of the medieval eateries such as La Mère Poulard (1888), known for its legendary omelets cooked over an open fire.
3. Guillaume le Conquérant: Normandy’s Historic Heart
Dives-sur-Mer is famous for its connection to William the Conqueror, who gathered his fleet there in 1066 before sailing to England. The town’s medieval charm stems from its half-timbered buildings and historic market halls.
This specific place is part of the Village of William the Conqueror (Village Guillaume-le-Conquérant), a preserved area filled with shops, galleries, and restaurants celebrating the region’s rich history.
Also check out photo #6 (using the carousel right arrow) – it looks like the Smurfs’ house!
4. Honfleur: The Picture-Perfect Port
Honfleur is one of Normandy’s most photographed towns – and it’s easy to see why! Its Vieux Bassin (Old Harbor) is lined with tall, narrow houses in shades of slate and brick, reflecting in the water like a postcard brought to life.
Built in the 17th century, the harbor once hosted fishing boats and trade ships. Today, it’s filled with sailboats and waterfront cafés.
The town’s star attraction is Sainte-Catherine’s Church, France’s largest wooden church, built in the 15th century by shipbuilders. Its wooden bell tower stands separately, which gives it a special maritime feel.
Honfleur also has strong artistic roots. It inspired painters like Claude Monet and Eugène Boudin, who strived to capture its changing light and harbor views. You can dive into this history at the Eugène Boudin Museum nearby.
5. Bayeux: More Than Just a Tapestry
Bayeux might be famous for its 11th-century tapestry, but this charming town has plenty more to show off. Its medieval center is full of cobbled streets, half-timbered houses, and canals like the one in this photo – lined with stone buildings and colorful flower-filled boats.
The Aure River flows through the heart of Bayeux with small bridges crossing over it, connecting shops, cafés, and art galleries that keep the area buzzing.
Nearby, the Bayeux Cathedral dominates the town. Built in 1077, it’s where the Bayeux Tapestry was first displayed, telling the story of William the Conqueror’s invasion of England.
Bayeux was the first town liberated after D-Day and now hosts the Battle of Normandy Museum and British War Cemetery.
6. Étretat: The Cliffs That Make the Show
Étretat’s cliffs don’t just sit there, they put on a show. These impressive white chalk formations rise straight out of the sea, carved by wind and waves into arches and spires that feels like a fantasy movie.
The Falaise d’Aval is the most famous, with its natural arch and needle-like rock known as the Aiguille. Monet couldn’t stop painting this place.
There are hiking trails along the cliffs with jaw-dropping views, and hidden caves like Trou à l’Homme that you can explore at low tide. Every photo angle looks unreal.
If you like history, you can climb up to the Chapel of Notre-Dame de la Garde, a sailors’ church perched above the cliffs.
7. Houlgate: Neo-Normand Gems
Le Castel in Houlgate is a neo-Normand mansion built in 1890 during the Belle Époque, a time when Normandy’s coast became the go-to retreat for Parisian elites. One of Houlgate’s architectural highlights.
The steep roofs, turrets, and half-timbered design reflect the era’s love for elegance and detail. The red brickwork and ornate chimneys continue to catch eyes.
Houlgate itself is a small seaside resort full of historical and charm. It rose to fame in the 19th century as a luxury getaway, earning its nickname the “Pearl of the Côte Fleurie” (Flowery Coast).
The town has over 300 preserved villas, each showcasing different architectural styles, from neo-Gothic to Art Nouveau. The sandy beach stretches for 2 kilometers.
The Promenade Roland Garros, named after the famous aviator, runs along the shore, offering sea views and sunsets. The nearby Vaches Noires Cliffs are filled with fossils dating back millions of years.