Are you ready to embark on a breathtaking journey through Normandy’s historic and scenic landscapes?
This immersive Normandy road trip itinerary captures the rugged beauty of the Normandy coast in France, bringing you the best that Normandy has to offer over 5 fabulous days.
Having lived in France for a year, both house-sitting in the Dordogne and travelling throughout the country during our French motorhome trip, we bring a depth of local insight to this guide that enhances your exploration.
Interspersed with mostly inaccessible, pebbly beaches and breathtaking seascapes, the Normandy coastline has long inspired painters, composers and poets.
Along with its natural ruggedness, the area has a profound historical significance. Normandy is home to Omaha Beach and other key sites from the WWII D-Day Landings, the most extensive seaborne invasion ever undertaken.
Alongside iconic landmarks, this itinerary unveils hidden gems and off-the-beaten-path experiences, such as the tranquil floral village of Saint-Fraimbault and the serene sunset views from Cap d’Antifer, ensuring a journey filled with unique discoveries.
Your Normandy Road Trip Guide
Ready to explore Normandy? This guide will steer you through everything you need to know for a magical road trip, including:
- Enchanting Towns: Discover the most picturesque fairy-tale towns in Normandy.
- Travel Tips: Essential advice to enhance your road trip experience in the region.
- Motorhome Stops: Key spots for campervans with links to facilities, pricing, and reviews.
- Interactive Map: Navigate your journey with our detailed Normandy road trip map.
- Driving Tips: Practical insights for navigating France’s roads safely.
Within this itinerary, we suggest you visit the iconic D-Day Beaches.
Join a guided tour to connect you with the pivotal moments of World War II on the very sands that shaped history.
D-Day Beaches Full-Day Tour
If you want to visit the D-Day Beaches, this Normandy American D-Day Beaches Full-Day Tour from Bayeux won the 2023 Viator Experience Award.
With over a thousand 5-star reviews and bookings, this intimate tour is definitely worth adding to your Normandy itinerary.
Led by a knowledgeable guide, you’ll visit Omaha and Utah beaches, the Utah Beach Museum and the Normandy American Cemetery.
⭐️ Find out more or Book this award-winning D-Day Tour here | ⭐️ 5/5 Star Reviews | ⏰ 9 hours |🇬🇧🇺🇸🇨🇦
What others had to say about this tour:
“This was such an interesting and thorough WWII Normandy trip. I thought I knew a lot going in but learned so much more. ” – Susan_W, Mar 2024
“All of it was amazing! This trip was on my late husband’s “bucket list”, and as a former Marine, he was a walking encyclopedia of the war. It was important for me to have the most thorough experience and yet not be in a large group.” — Barbara_B, Apr 2024
Explore with Our Normandy Road Trip Map
How to Navigate Our Normandy Route Map
Planning a Trip to Normandy?
- 🚗 Hiring a car? We recommend getting a quote from DiscoverCars
- 🚐 Hiring a campervan? We recommend Motorhome Republic
- ⛑ Arranged your travel insurance? Compare quotes from World Nomads & Safetywing
- 🪪 Order your International Driver’s Licence online here
- 🏩 Booked your accommodation? We use Booking.com to find the best deals
- 🐾 Is someone pet-sitting for you? 🐾 We use and love TrustedHousesitters
- (Get 25% off at checkout for new memberships with our discount code: LIFEJOURNEY25)
Five-Day Normandy Road Trip
This comprehensive Normandy travel guide provides a day-by-day breakdown of must-visit sites and activities. It also includes great accommodation recommendations, helping you get the most out of your Normandy road trip.
Here’s a summary of the 5 Day Normandy Itinerary
🗓️ Day 1: Mont-Saint-Michel
- Start your adventure at the enchanting Mont-Saint-Michel.
- Explore the medieval monastery and experience the stunning views at low tide.
🗓️ Day 2: Bayeux and the D-Day Beaches
- Drive to Bayeux, explore its medieval centre and the famous Bayeux Tapestry.
- Visit the D-Day beaches, taking a guided tour of Omaha and Utah beaches.
🗓️ Day 3: Cap d’Antifer and Étretat
- Experience the dramatic landscapes of Cap d’Antifer and its iconic lighthouse.
- Continue to Étretat to admire the towering limestone arches and cliffs.
🗓️ Day 4: Sotteville-sur-Mer and Rouen
- Start at Sotteville-sur-Mer and descend the 231 steps to the pebbly beach.
- Drive to Rouen in the afternoon. Visit the historical sites including the place where Joan of Arc was tried.
🗓️ Day 5: Giverny
- Visit Monet’s beautiful gardens and house in Giverny.
Embark on an unforgettable journey through Normandy, a region celebrated for its rich history, stunning landscapes, and artistic heritage.
Over five days, this road trip itinerary unveils the best from the iconic Mont-Saint-Michel to the picturesque gardens of Giverny. Tailored for history buffs, nature lovers, and art aficionados alike, each day blends cultural immersion with scenic drives, allowing for a relaxed exploration of Normandy’s dramatic coastlines, historic battlefields, and tranquil gardens.
Discover hidden gems, savour local cuisine, and create lasting memories in this diverse and picturesque region.
Day 1 Normandy Road Trip: Le Mont-Saint-Michel
As we left Brittany in western France and continued our motorhome travels in France, we headed north from Dinan to embark on our Normandy road trip, starting at the enchanting isle of Mont-Saint-Michel.
Le Mont-Saint-Michel, a UNESCO World Heritage site, features a striking medieval monastery that has historically been a pilgrimage destination. The island’s highest point is crowned by its grand Benedictine abbey.
Located about one kilometre from the mainland at the mouth of the Couesnon River, Mont-Saint-Michel is accessible by a bridge that provides year-round access. Historically, before the bridge was constructed, the fast-moving tide, sand banks, and quicksand played an important part in the island’s defences.
We visited at low tide, so we took the opportunity to walk the bridge across to Mont St Michel’s entrance.
Timing Your Visit and Entry to Mont St Michel
High tides submerge the section of the bridge closest to the entrance for a couple of hours at a time. This may impact your schedule, so plan ahead and check the tide schedules.
Entry to Mont St Michel is free. Once you reach the island, look for the entrance, a huge iron portico. From here, we explored this history and absorbed the views across the mud flats.
Activities at Mont St Michel
- 🚶🏻♀️➡️Mont St Michel Walking Tour: If you prefer a more structured visit, consider joining a walking tour of Mont St. Michel. We were content wandering the narrow streets, admiring the medieval houses, shops, and museums. As we were travelling on a tight budget, we chose not to pay an entrance fee to enter the Benedictine Abbey.
- 🚶♂️➡️Mud Flaps Tour: On a low tide, you might consider joining a walking tour of the tidal mud flats, which is a safe option given the hidden danger of quicksand. Guides will be well aware of the local tidal changes. The incoming tide can rise by a gob-smacking fifteen metres.
During our visit at low tide, we saw quite a few groups of people walking the tidal mud flats with guides.
Parking at Mont St Michel
There is a huge parking area divided into different sections for cars (P5, P6, P7, P10, P11, P12, P13), motorhomes up to 8m in length (P8) and, motorbikes and bicycles (P9).
Getting from the Mainland to Mont St Michel
You have three options for getting to Mont. St. Michel:
- Walk: Walk 2.5 kilometres along the bridge connecting the mainland to the island, which takes approximately 50 minutes.
- Shuttle Bus: Catch the free shuttle bus from the tourist information centre on the mainland to the island and back again. The journey across the bridge takes about 12 minutes, and the bus frequency is between 5 and 20 minutes. At the Mont Saint-Michel visitor car park, there is a parking fee for vehicles, including motorhomes under 8m length and bikes.
- Bicycle: Cycle to the island and park your bike at the designated area near the Fanils entrance.
Overnight Accommodation
🚐 Camping at Mont St Michel
- Our Recommendation: We can personally recommend Aire de Camping-Car La Bidonniere, Ardevon, which is 4km from Mont St. Michel.
- Alternative and closer option: Aire de Camping-car Mont-St-Michel, at the huge parking area closest to Mont St, Michel.
🛌 Accommodation at Mont St Michel
✔️ ⭐️ Rating 8.1/10
✔️ Great Location
✔️ Breakfast
✔️ Free Wifi
In the area of Mont St. Michel
Le Mont St Michel Sneak Peek Video
You can get a better idea of this amazing place by taking a look at this short clip below.
Day 2 Normandy Road Trip: Bayeux and the D-Day Beaches
🚗 Driving Distance: Mont St. Michel to Bayeux is 115 km, approx. 1 hour 30 mins.
Start your day by heading to the historic town of Bayeux. This town is not only famous for its remarkable Bayeux Tapestry, which depicts the Norman conquest of England, but also for its well-preserved medieval city centre, magnificent cathedral, and several war museums that offer a deep dive into the region’s poignant history.
Explore Bayeux
- Bayeux Cathedral: A stunning example of Norman architecture and the original home of the Bayeux Tapestry.
- Bayeux Tapestry Museum: See the iconic 70-meter-long tapestry, an embroidered cloth telling the story of the Norman conquest.
- Museum of the Battle of Normandy: This museum provides context for the events of June and July 1944, showcasing a comprehensive collection of military paraphernalia and informative displays.
In the afternoon, make your way to the D-Day Landing Beaches, where the largest seaborne invasion in history took place. This area is a poignant reminder of the Allied forces’ valour and the turning point of World War II.
Visit the D-Day Beaches
- Omaha Beach: Known for its role in the D-Day landings, a visit to Omaha Beach is a moving experience, with several memorials and museums dedicated to the events of June 6, 1944.
- Utah Beach: Less crowded but equally significant, Utah Beach also hosts a museum that details its strategic importance during the landings.
Join a guided tour to gain detailed insights into the pivotal moments of World War II that unfolded on these sands.
D-Day Beaches Full-Day Tour
Consider booking a spot on the Normandy American D-Day Beaches Full-Day Tour from Bayeux, which has been highly rated by past visitors. This tour provides an expert-led exploration of key WWII sites, including personal stories and strategic discussions.
Tour Highlights:
- Knowledgeable Guide: Learn the detailed history of each site visited.
- Small Group Experience: Ensures a more personal and engaging tour.
⭐️ Book this award-winning D-Day Tour here | ⭐️ 5/5 Star Reviews | ⏰ 9 hours | 🇬🇧🇺🇸🇨🇦
End your day by returning to Bayeux, where you can relax and reflect on the day’s profound experiences. Overnight in Bayeux, allow yourself to further explore this captivating area tomorrow or move on to your next destination.
Overnight Accommodation
🚐 Camping at Bayeau
Our Recommendation: Parking du Musée Mémorial de la Bataille de Normandie Bayeux
🛌 Accommodation at Bayeaux
Possible Detour for Day 2 or add a day to your itinerary: Saint-Fraimbault
If visiting in summer, and you are a lover of pretty towns, then you may like to take a detour or add another day and visit the floral village of Saint-Fraimbault.
It consistently wins the award of ‘four flowers’ in the annual ‘Village Fleuri’ (‘Villages in Bloom’), in which towns throughout France are awarded one to four flowers, with four being the highest accolade.
We visited in Spring and were greeted with an abundance of daffodils and cherry blossoms, but it really comes into its own in the summer.
When you are all flowered out, you can enjoy the village’s 3-hectare lake, which offers leisure activities such as paddle boats, fishing, and picnic areas. It is a great way to unwind on your Normandy trip.
The cheery sound of Saint Fraimbault’s pretty stream can be heard on the walks around town and is a drawcard in itself.
Overnight Accommodation
🚐 Camping at St Fraimbault
Our Recommendation: Aire de Camping-Cars Mairie, St. Fraimbault.
🛌 Accommodation at St Faimbault
Day 3 Normandy Road Trip: Cap D’Antifer and Etretat
🚗 Driving Distance: Saint-Fraimbault to Cap d’Antifer is 200 km or approx. 2hr 30mins
Take your pick which you do first – and if driving by car you may want to skip Cap d’Antifer.
If you are motorhoming, though, this was a lovely spot to overnight. We’d suggest visiting Etretat first and then coming back to Cap d’Antifer to park up the night.
Étretat
🚗 Driving Distance: Cap d’Antifer to Étretat is 6 km or approx. 10mins.
Famous for its limestone arche and the 70 metre-tall limestone ‘Needle’, or Aiguille. This particular part of the Normandy coastline abounds with spectacular scenery.
If you look closely at the needle, you may see what many claim to see—the head of an elephant dipping its trunk into the waves. Well, I see the obvious: the needle and a needle eye.
On the hill to the north of Etretat and overlooking the village is the neo-Gothic style chapel, Chapelle Notre Dame de la Garde. This building is dedicated as a place of worship for the local sailors and has been rebuilt following its destruction in WWII.
We parked our motorhome in a parking spot on top of the hill to soak in the sensational views over Étretat and the Atlantic Ocean.
Close by the Chapelle Notre Dame de la Garde is the ‘White Bird’ memorial, a tribute to two French aviators who disappeared in 1927 whilst attempting the first aerial crossing of the North Atlantic from Paris to New York. You may like to read this interesting article on that last flight.
Close by the famous Etretat cliffs are the Etretat Gardens, an open-air museum of contemporary art entwined in Les Jardins d’Etretat.
You can access the gardens on foot or with the Little Train that leaves from Etretat Town Hall every 30 minutes.
Note: The garden is closed from 21 December to 10 February.
🪷 Reserve Etretat Gardens now and pay later (free cancellation) — Book your entrance ticket and guided plan here
Our first real taste of the beauty of a Normandy coastline was overnighting at Cap d’Antifer. With a lone lighthouse and stunning sheer, white limestone cliffs, Cap d’Antifer is nothing short of spectacular.
Grassy paths follow the clifftops and lead you past old war-time bunkers. Here, it is definitely an even mix of beauty and serenity.
A distinctive landmark is the 38m high bright, white-coloured, octagonal-shaped Cap d’Antifer lighthouse. Originally built in 1894, it was bombed in 1944 and then rebuilt in 1949.
A free campsite is located right outside the gates of the lighthouse and offers a quiet respite.
As the sun sets, the automated lighthouse begins its routine, shining light across the sea just as it has for many years. This is the prime spot to be at sunset, facing west to watch the day’s last light fade away.
Overnight Accommodation
🚐 Camping at Cap’ d Antifer
Our Recommendation: Phare d’Antifer, free, no facilities. We loved it here.
🛌 Accommodation at Etretat
Chambres d’hôtes Villa l’espérance
✔️ ⭐️ Rating 8.9/10
✔️ Fabulous
✔️ Comfort
✔️ Superb breakfast included
Day 4 Normandy Road Trip: Sotteville-sur-Mer and Rouen
🚗 Driving Distance: Étretat to Sotteville-sur-Mer is 60 km, approx. 1 hour. Sotteville-sur-Mer to Rouen is about 70 km, approx. 1 hour 10 mins.
Begin your day by exploring the picturesque coastal village of Sotteville-sur-Mer. Known for its dramatic chalk cliffs and pebble beaches, this area offers stunning natural scenery.
Sotteville-sur-mer
The white chalk cliffs continue along this poetic coastline, and it’s here, near the charming farming village of Sotteville-sur-Mer, you can access the beach via a concrete stairway carved between the cliffs.
231 steps lead you down to the small pebbly beach that is relentlessly pounded by the Atlantic Ocean.
The steps were once used to transport pebbles from the beach up to the Sotteville-sur-Mer so they could be crushed into emery powder. The fishermen used the steps to access their huts along the beach, which were carved out of the rock.
Rouen
Rouen is Normandy’s cultural capital, with plenty to see and do there.
- Rouen Cathedral (Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Rouen): Visit this Gothic architectural wonder, which has been a subject of Claude Monet’s paintings.
- Historic Quarter: Walk through the cobblestone streets lined with half-timbered houses. Don’t miss the Gros Horloge, an astronomical clock dating back to the 14th century.
- Place du Vieux Marché: The site where Joan of Arc was martyred. It features a modern church dedicated to her and a vibrant market square.
- Museum of Fine Arts: Contains an impressive collection of paintings by renowned artists such as Velázquez, Rubens, and Géricault.
- Joan of Arc Historial: This innovative museum offers an immersive experience into the trial and legacy of Joan of Arc, using multimedia exhibits.
- Tour Jeanne d’Arc: See the tower where Joan of Arc was imprisoned during her trial, adding a tangible connection to the historical narratives explored earlier.
For an in-depth guide around the town, consider a guided walking tour of Rouen with a local.
Overnight Accommodation
🚐 Camping at Rouen
Our Recommendation: Porte de Plaisance
🛌 Accommodation at Rouen
On our road trip we overnighted at Sotteville sur Mer and had a great sunset with a burst of reds and yellows.
Normandy’s coastal farewell to us.
Day 5 Normandy Road Trip: Giverny
🚗 Driving Distance: Rouen to Giverny is about 80 km, approx. 1 hour.
Conclude your Normandy road trip with a visit to Giverny, famous for being the home of Claude Monet, one of the founders of French Impressionist painting.
The village and its surroundings were often featured in his works.
- Monet’s House and Gardens: Start your day early to avoid the crowds at Monet’s beautifully preserved home and gardens. Explore the vibrant flower beds, the iconic Japanese bridge, and the lily pond that inspired his Water Lilies series.
- Musée des impressionnismes Giverny: Visit this museum dedicated to the history of Impressionism. In addition to the beautiful artwork, the museum’s garden is a work of art, reflecting the natural themes that characterize Impressionist paintings.
- Ancient Church of Sainte-Radegonde: This historical church is where Monet is buried. It is a serene spot, often missed by many tourists, offering a quiet moment to reflect on the artist’s life and legacy.
🪷 Giverny and Monet’s Garden – Book a Guided tour of Monet’s house and gardens here or read reviews
Overnight Accommodation
🚐 Camping at Giverny
Our Recommendation: We went straight to Paris and stayed on the outskirts at Paris Est. but if you want to stay somewhere nearby, Restaurant les 3 Etangs has great camper ratings.
🛌 Accommodation at Giverny
Obviously, there are hundreds of other villages and towns you could visit on your road trip through Normandy. Each offers its own unique charm and historical significance, making them worthy detours.
Best Time to Road Trip in Normandy
Embarking on a road trip through Normandy offers a spectacular showcase of nature’s shifts and historical sites, each with its own charm, depending on the season.
Here’s a breakdown of the best times to plan your journey:
🌸 Spring (March to May):
Spring breathes new life into Normandy with blooming flowers and lush green landscapes, making it a photographer’s paradise.
This season offers mild weather, ideal for exploring outdoor attractions like the charming village of Saint-Fraimbault and the vibrant rapeseed fields that dot the countryside.
Visitor numbers are fewer, allowing for a more relaxed exploration of popular sites like Mont Saint-Michel.
☀️ Summer (June to August):
Summer is the peak tourist season, offering warm weather and extended daylight hours, perfect for long drives along the scenic coast and sunset views over the cliffs of Étretat.
Summer festivals and events, particularly around the D-Day beaches, provide a deep dive into the region’s rich history and vibrant local culture.
🍂 Autumn (September to November):
As the crowds dissipate, autumn presents a wonderful opportunity for a tranquil road trip. The changing colours of the foliage create a picturesque backdrop for drives and walks.
Cooler temperatures and occasional rain enhance the rugged appeal of Normandy’s coastal landscapes, making it a great time for those who enjoy moody, atmospheric settings.
❄️ Winter (December to February):
Though winter is the coldest season, it has its own charm, especially for those interested in experiencing Normandy’s historical sites without the crowds.
Some attractions may have reduced hours or be closed, so it’s wise to check in advance.
The region’s Christmas markets and festive decorations add a magical touch to the historical towns.
Each season in Normandy offers unique experiences tailored to different interests and preferences.
Whether you’re capturing the bloom of spring, basking in the summer sun, enjoying the serene autumn, or wandering through winter’s quiet beauty, Normandy’s timeless charm ensures a memorable road trip any time of the year.
Paris to Normandy – Travel Options
1. By Car
Driving from Paris, specifically from Charles de Gaulle or Orly airports, to Normandy generally takes about 2.5 hours, depending on your exact destination in the region.
For instance, reaching Mont-Saint-Michel by car takes approximately 4 hours.
🚘 If you are looking to hire a car then we recommend DiscoverCars.
WHY?
- They were winners of the World’s Best Car Rental Booking Website 2022.
- They find the best deal around from over 500 rental companies
- They have a Price Match Guarantee.
- 4.5 Rating on Trustpilot
- Excellent Customer Service
- Free Cancellation
2. By Train
The TGV trains depart from Paris’ Gare Saint Lazare to various towns and cities in Normandy multiple times a day. The journey can take between 1 to 2 hours. However, if you’re planning to visit more rural areas, a car might be preferable since bus connections can be infrequent.
Train and bus tickets can be booked through SNCF, France’s national rail network provider.
Motorhome / Campervan Rental for Road-Tripping Normandy
We hired a campervan through Motorhome Republic, who find the best deal for you in whatever country or region you need to hire a van, and they have great customer service.
So, if you are thinking of renting a motorhome, it’s definitely worth the time to get an online quote here, and it’s free. You won’t regret it for your 5 days in Normandy and beyond.
Thinking of hiring a camper in France?
We recommend using Motorhome Republic to find you the best deal.
They do all the hard work for you and are available 24/7 to help you.
We used them when renting for 12 months in Europe and not only was the customer service excellent but they were able to find us better offers than when we approached the companies ourselves.
Here are some insightful articles filled with practical tips for driving a motorhome in Europe:
These articles provide thorough guidance to help you navigate your European road trip confidently.
Normandy Road Trip: What You Need to Know About Driving in France
- In France, you drive on the right-hand side of the road.
- You will need to have the following documents:
- Drivers licence (An international driver’s licence isn’t required)
- Vehicle insurance
- Vehicle registration document
- Passport
- You are also required to have the following in your vehicle:
- If your vehicle has a right-hand steering wheel, adjust the headlight beams or use beam deflectors to prevent dazzling other drivers. The easy way around this is to purchase a set of cheap beam deflectors for the front beams.
- Many of the motorways have tolls. To avoid toll roads, set your GPS accordingly or use www.autoroutes.fr to plan routes and check toll costs.
- Speed Limits in France are as follows unless otherwise signposted and on dry roads
- 130 km/h (80 mph) on toll motorways
- 110 km/h (68 mph) on dual carriageways and motorways without tolls
- 80 km/h (50 mph) or 90km/h (55 mph) for single and dual carriageway country roads (it is at the discretion of the local provincial government as to which speed it adopted)
- 50 km/h (31 mph) in towns. The sign with the town name indicates the start of the speed limit, and when departing, the name has been struck through
Our Normandy Road Trip … That’s a Wrap
Our journey through Normandy offered a blend of history, stunning landscapes, and charming coastal towns. From the iconic Mont Saint Michel to the breathtaking cliffs of Étretat, each destination provided a unique glimpse into the region’s allure.
A road trip through Normandy is an excellent way to explore the best of France’s rural and coastal beauty.
Do you have any favourite spots in Normandy? Drop us a comment below.
👉 Explore more with our France Guide here.
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Planning Your Travels?
These are the travel resources we recommend and use when planning our trips.
- 🚘 Car Hire: We use DiscoverCars.com
- Motorhome/Campervan Rental: We highly recommend the Motorhome Republic
- 🪪 Order your International Driver’s Licence online here
- 🛏 Book Accommodation: We use Booking.com to find accommodation that suits our budget
- 🐶 Pet Sitting/Pet Sitters: Check Out TrustedHousesitters here (Use our Discount code: LIFEJOURNEY25 for 25% off. )
- Activities and Experiences: Get Your Guide and Viator
- Travel Insurance: Safetywing or World Nomads
- 🥾 Travel Gear and Accessories: Check out our top picks here — Lifejourney4two page on Amazon
For a more thorough list, visit our Travel Resources page here.
Great journey guys.. congratulations on the feature and we look forward to your African ones. Cheers Mark & Kerry. (MKMHERE)
Wow this is absolutely gorgeous!
Thanks for stopping by the blog. We absolutely loved it here! At one with nature.