We are featuring some content from our friend and partner, INSIDR.co. INSIDR is a friendly startup based in Paris which aims at supporting travellers in the preparation phase of their stay in Europe. With practical information, recommendations of activities and sites, INSIDR helps to make optimized travel plans and spot the most authentic and local spots all over Europe. In addition, to help travellers when they are travelling in Europe, INSIDR provides a smartphone rental service. This service enables travellers to stay connected and get the best tips! We will be sharing some of their latest tips occasionally. For this first article, let’s explore Normandy!
Why should you explore Normandy?
Normandy is by far one of the most beautiful regions in France. It is straightforward to access if you start your French adventure in Paris by train or car. Normandy must-sees include the stunning cliffs of Etretat, the historical D-Day beaches and the charming, fairytale-like harbour towns of Honfleur and Deauville. It is also the home region of delicious French specialties like Cider and Tarte Normande, a delicious apple tart, and some of the most famous French cuisine essentials like butter, cream and generous cheeses (Camembert, Pont l’Evêque, Livarot).
How long is needed to explore Normandy?
To make the most of a trip to Normandy, we recommend planning on spending two days minimum; three days is the ideal length to explore the coastal sites and the land entirely. Rouen that we already covered, must be on your itinerary, and Bayeux too.
Normandy – a must-see for Art lovers
For an extended exploration of Normandy, you could follow the path of French Impressionism artists and stop at Giverny to visit Monet’s house and the Impressionism museum. And then drive along the Seine River heading North, with a stop in Rouen and Le Havre, which we love and have already recommended.
Normandy – a land of history
If the historical angle is more your thing, you should plan to visit the historic D-Day beaches for at least two days. The must-see sites for D-DAY in Normandy are the Memorial de Caen, the D-DAY beaches (Omaha Beach, Utah Beach, Juno Beach), and the American cemetery.
How to travel to Normandy?
Normandy is easy to reach by train from Paris to Rouen, it takes about an hour. All the trains to Normandy depart from Gare Saint Lazare. You can also get to Normandy quickly by car. Renting a car and driving in France is quite simple.
The last option is to take a tour of Normandy. There are many companies organizing day trips to the D-day beaches. And France doesn’t lack opportunities for buses, share rides or shuttles.
What to visit next?
You should not miss spending a day in Mont Saint Michel, an impressive Unesco site and one of the most visited places in France. Being extremely touristy, planning is critical!
If you liked the feel of the coastal cities of Normandy, you should plan to go to Brittany. To master the perfect road trip in Brittany, start in Saint-Malo and along the Armor coast. Eating oysters in Cancale and exploring the beautiful medieval town of Dinan should also be on your list!