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Normandy Travel Guide
Updated 18 May 2024 by Leyla Alyanak — Parisian by birth, Lyonnaise by adoption, historian by passion
Two back-to-back trips to Normandy in the space of a month made me fall in love with this region – and I have plenty of stories to tell, which I'll add below as I write them.
Next to Brittany and close enough to Paris for a weekend trip, Normandy has called people to it for centuries for its dramatic coastlines, profound history, and a delectable culinary scene. The Vikings may be long gone, but their presence is still here, subtly.
Practical matters
- Region: Normandy, France
- Departments: Calvados, Eure, Manche, Orne, Seine-Maritime
- Best time to visit: Spring (April-May) or autumn (September-October) for pleasant weather and fewer crowds. Summer (June-August) is peak season with lively festivals and beach activities.
Map of Normandy
Must-see experiences in Normandy
- D-Day Landing Beaches, and associated World War II memorials and museums, like the one in Caen
- Medieval marvels like the towns of Bayeux (famous for the Bayeux Tapestry) and Rouen (Gothic cathedral)
- Mont Saint-Michel, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with a unique history
- Rugged coastlines known for their beauty, great for hiking and sightseeing
- Picturesque villages, harbor towns and historical homes
- Swiss Normandy and its rolling hills, lush pastures, and traditional half-timbered houses
- Enjoy the highlights of Impressionism, which was born here
The foods of Normandy
- Fresh seafood takes center stage with specialties like moules (mussels) and oysters enjoyed in charming harbor towns along the coast
- Normandy's four classified cheeses: Camembert, Livarot, Neufchâtel and Pont l'Évêque – all delicious!
- Cider, the region's signature beverage, and Calvados, a powerful apple brandy, best enjoyed as a digestif
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Bonjour! I’m Leyla. Born in Paris, now based in Eastern France between Lyon and Annecy.
After years abroad as a journalist and diplomat, I came home and began rediscovering France through its history and landscapes.
Offbeat France is for culturally curious travelers who want more than checklists. I write about castles, villages, museums, and landmarks — explaining France’s history while also showing you where to go and what to visit.
You’ll find context, backstories, and practical advice, in equal measure.
My aim is simple: help you travel through France with historical insight, not guesswork.
If you think, “I didn’t know that,” I’m doing my job.
Learn more about me!
Read my Substack historical essays
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