Fringed by white chalk cliffs along the English Channel, Normandy is a geographical and cultural region of north-west France. It encompasses World War II landing beaches and military cemeteries, fishing villages and medieval towns, as well as an idyllic countryside nicknamed the “Norman Switzerland”.

Spend time exploring the spectacular Alabaster Coast, a stretch of dramatic chalk cliffs dotted with scenic villages and beaches. Marvel at the historic church of Varengeville and explore the Benedictine monastery of Fecamp, then visit the birthplace of novelist Guy de Maupassant at Château de Miromesnil.

Normandy is synonymous with its World War II landmarks, including the site of the famous D-Day landing at Omaha Beach. See where Joan of Arc met her end in 1431 at the Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Rouen and come face-to-face with the Bayeux Tapestry before getting lost in the UNESCO World Heritage-listed streets of Mont-Saint-Michel.

Getting there

Normandy is around 2.5 hours’ drive from Paris and Charles de Gaulle Airport, with regular trains connecting the French capital to Rouen, Caen, Lisieux and Cherbourg. Ferries travel from Portsmouth to Ouistreham and Cherbourg while a coastal footpath connects Honfleur to Mont Saint Michel.