Wondering where to go in Normandy?
Which are the best towns and cities to visit and stay in, in order to explore the history and beauty of this region of Northern France?
The choice is large. Below is my list of the best towns in Normandy and why I love them, so that you can decide which ones are the best fit for your trip.
Note - this article is about towns - if you are looking for the best villages in Normandy, head to this other article.
This article contains affiliate links (Disclosure page). If you purchase using my link, I get a commission at no extra cost to you.
Best Towns in Normandy - Summary
With a long history, Normandy is full of charming towns and cities that offer fascinating history, charming scenery and splendid architecture.
Most of them have a lot to offer to a traveler and the choice is very difficult. I am sure some locals may be vexed that I did not select their town.
But I still had to reduce the list...
In the following article, the towns are in no particular order of preference (they all have something interesting for the visitors) with some of the best things to do in Normandy.
However, if you need me to narrow it down more, here are some further tips:
- Best historic town - Honfleur
- Most scenic on the coast - Étretat
- Most scenic inland - Les Andelys
- Best seaside resort town - Cabourg
- Best city - Rouen (even though I adore my hometown Le Havre, but thinking from a foreign visitor's perspective)
- Best village (under 2000 inhabitants) - Beuvron-en-Auge
- My hometown - Le Havre
Most practical to:
- Explore the Alabaster coast - Saint-Valery-en-Caux - right in the middle and a perfect size in my opinion
- Explore the whole of Normandy - Caen is the most central city in Normandy
- Discover WWII sites - Bayeux
- Visit Mont-Saint-Michel - Avranches (+ it is home to the Manuscripts museum)
Here are all the towns listed above on a map, to get your oriented, but there are more coming in this article with pictures!:
Best towns in Normandy - Map
Planning a road trip? All my favorite towns, villages and attractions are included in my travel guide eBook:
Be overwhelmed by the beauty, not the planning!
Plan your perfect trip around Normandy with:
- 8 easy-to-plan Maps
- 160+ pre-selected scenic locations
- Planning tips to make the most of your time
- 315+ large photos to decide where to go
- GPS coordinates direct to the carparks
Beautiful Historical Towns in Normandy
Honfleur
- Location -
Calvados district
Close to the Normandy Bridge
Caen to Honfleur = 1h drive - Why visit -
Honfleur is one of the most iconic places in Normandy. Its historical center is fascinating with half-timbered houses, tall narrow buildings around the port, a unique church... The area has inspired and continues to inspire many artists!
Learn more on my article about Honfleur - Highlights -
The iconic port with the tall narrow buildings
Sainte Catherine Church with a complete wooden structure
Fascinating timbered houses
Art & historical museums - You can book a guided tour of Honfleur - see options
- And it can be visited on a day trip from Paris - see options
- Check out the best rated accommodations in Honfleur
Falaise
- Location -
Calvados district
Caen to Falaise = 1h drive - Why visit -
Falaise is a walled medieval town which was the birthplace of William the Conqueror.
Its highlight is the fortified castle located on a rocky promontory. It dates back to the 12th century. It offers beautiful views of the town. - Highlights -
The castle and its museum
The panorama road
The churches from the 11th, 13th and 16th centuries - Check out the best rated accommodations in Falaise
Bayeux
- Location -
Calvados District
Close to many of the famous WWII sites
Caen to Bayeux = 30min drive - Why visit -
Bayeux is also a historical town with a charming historic center. Its center sometimes feels more like a village than a town.
It was fortunate to avoid most of the destruction during WWII.
It is famous for its Unesco-listed tapestry probably from the 11th century. - Highlights -
The Tapestry Museum
The Beautiful Cathedral
The old center with the mill and some half-timbered houses - Check out the best rated accommodations in Bayeux
Pont-L'Évêque
- Location -
Calvados district
Inland, but close to the famous seaside town of Deauville
Caen to Pont l'Évêque = 40min drive - Why visit -
Pont l’Évêque was established at the confluence of three rivers, in the heart of Pays d'Auge.
It has always been an important place of passage and trade.
The town has kept a rich heritage you can easily explore on foot. - Highlights -
Many old houses typical of the region from the 16th and 18th centuries
The old prison from the 19th century
The charm of the town - Check out the best rated accommodations in Pont-l'Évêque
Bernay
- Location -
Eure district
Caen to Bernay = 1h 20 drive - Why visit -
Bernay is a pretty town which has developed around an abbey.
Today the old center still has impressive medieval half-timbered houses, a significant heritage.
Plus the abbey church is still standing and it offers a unique atmosphere.
It is not often on touristic trail, but I really enjoyed how vibrant it was. - Highlights -
Rue Gaston Folloppe and its fascinating half-timbered houses
The abbey church with elements of the 11th century still present
The bridges over the small rivers between houses - Check out the best rated accommodations in Bernay
Domfront
- Location -
At the border between Normandy and Brittany
Orne District
Alençon to Domfront = 1h drive - Why visit -
As you explore the town, you can appreciate the strategic location on a hilltop and imagine how the castle, now in ruins, defended the city. - It has a strong historical vibe.
- Highlights -
The ruins of the castle
The old streets with half-timbered houses
The unique Church of Saint Julien
The fortification towers - Check out the best rated accommodations in Domfront
Most Scenic Towns in Normandy
The best historical towns above were mostly in the calvados department. But you will see that most of the scenic towns below are in Seine-Maritime, on the Alabaster Coast. In my opinion, it is one of the best destinations in Normandy.
Étretat
- Location -
Seine-Maritime district
Le Havre to Étretat = 30 min drive
Rouen to Étretat = 1h10 drive - Why visit -
It is my favorite place in Normandy, one of the best landscapes in the region.
In size, it is just in between a village and a town. And I love it so much that I listed it in both articles.
The Alabaster Coast is made of tall white cliffs. At Étretat, the elements have carved them creating several arches and a needle sea-stack.
The location has inspired many artists including author Maurice Leblanc with his character of Arsène Lupin.
Learn more in my article about Étretat. - Highlights -
The views from the cliffs on each side of the valley
The walk under the cliffs at low tide to discover hidden beaches
The chapel & garden of the Northern cliffs - Check out the best rated accommodations in Étretat
Les Andelys
- Location -
Eure district
Rouen to Les Andelys = 1h drive - Why visit -
The charming town of Les Andelys is located at one of the loops of the Seine River.
It is protected by the Gaillard Castle which offers impressive views over the town and the river cliffs. - Highlights -
The Gaillard castle from the 12th century, erected by Richard the Lionheart
The views from the castle and the surrounding walking paths
The riverside walking path
The old town center with charming houses - Check out the best rated accommodations in Les Andelys
Fécamp
- Location -
Seine-Maritime district
Le Havre to Fécamp = 50 min drive
Rouen to Fécamp = 1h drive - Why visit -
A good combination of history and scenery.
The town is framed by the impressive cliffs of the Alabaster Coast.
Fécamp is recognized for its long fishing history and for the Benedictine Liqueur made in the Benedictine palace by Alexandre Le Grand. - Highlights -
The Benedictine Palace and its distillery
The Pêcheries Museum with the history of the harbor
The impressive views and WWII bunkers at Cap Fagnet (see my article) - Part of Fécamp can be visited on a day trip from Paris - see options
- Check out the best rated accommodations in Fécamp
Saint-Valery-en-Caux
- Location -
Seine-Maritime district
Le Havre to Saint-Valéry = 1h15 drive
Rouen to Saint-Valéry = 1h drive - Why visit -
A lesser-known town of the Alabaster coast, but one of my favorites.
It is centrally located on the coast so you can easily visit the region.
It is organized around a long harbor with magnificent cliffs, and a long seawall.
It has been occupied since Roman times, a port and fishing village. However, the port has been recovered by mud. In the 17th century, Louis XV dug it out. - Highlights -
The relaxing city center all around water
Both seawalls with views of the wide beach and the cliffs
The Henri IV halt timbered house (16th century) and its museum
The chapel with blue stained-glass windows - Check out the best rated accommodations in Saint-Valéry-en-Caux
Le Tréport
- Location -
Seine-Maritime district
Rouen to Le Tréport = 1h10 drive - Why visit -
Le Tréport is a famous sea-side town where you can find the highest cliffs of the Alabaster coast.
Located at the limit of the Normandy region, the tall narrow buildings of the old neighborhood give a sense of scale to those cliffs.
Quite different from the other coastal towns in Normandy - Highlights -
The port and beach with the 106m high cliffs (348ft)
The view from the Mirador and the funicular
The old neighborhood with tall narrow houses - Check out the best rated accommodations in Le Tréport
All towns listed are included in my eBook to help you early plan your road trip around Normandy:
Be overwhelmed by the beauty, not the planning!
Plan your perfect trip around Normandy with:
- 8 easy-to-plan Maps
- 160+ pre-selected scenic locations
- Planning tips to make the most of your time
- 315+ large photos to decide where to go
- GPS coordinates direct to the carparks
Best Cities in Normandy
Normandy also has a few larger cities. They are all very different with a character of their own!
I have not included several other large Norman towns (Cherbourg, Lisieux, Evreux, Alençon...) because I am not a big fan of large cities in general.
I have selected my top 3, which, in my opinion, are must-sees:
Rouen
- Location -
Seine-Maritime district
Caen to Rouen = 1h30 drive
Paris to Rouen = 1h15 drive - Why visit -
Rouen is a cultural and historical city. In terms of historical buildings, it is the most fascinating to visit.
It has a high concentration of classified buildings and just walking around is fascinating.
Plus, its Cathedral is one of the most impressive in Normandy and France and has played a significant role in History. - Highlights -
The old streets with a myriad of historical buildings
The 'Gros Horloge' - an impressive clock tower / gate (with a time movement system from 1389)
Jeanne d'Arc history and museum
The cathedral Notre Dame - the resting place of kings - Check out the options for guided tours and day trips from Paris
- Check out the best rated accommodations in Rouen
Le Havre
- Location -
Seine-Maritime district
Rouen to Le Havre = 1h drive - Why visit -
It is my hometown 🙂 - not a criterion for you? LOL
It is for those looking for something different. Very few really really old French buildings left, as the town was destroyed during WWII.
However, it is a Unesco site, because of how it was rebuilt by Auguste Perret.
A relaxing city with beach, wide streets and pieces of moderne art outside.
Learn more on my Le Havre article. - Highlights -
The architecture of Auguste Perret, which was wonderful for the rebuilding.
Don't miss the Saint-Joseph church and its 107m tower (351ft)
The fascinating theater called "The Volcano" with fluids lines contrasting with the square lines of Perret's buildings
The many pieces of modern art throughout the city, especially "La Catène" with colorful containers - Check out the best rated accommodations in Le Havre
Caen
- Location -
Calvados district
Rouen to Caen = 1h30 drive - Why visit -
Located in the heart of Normandy, it is very convenient to explore the region.
Caen has a rich history due to William the Conqueror.
The religious buildings around town are the highlights.
Much of the town has been destroyed during the liberation in 1944.
But a few older houses can be found as you stroll through the nice city center. - Highlights -
Abbaye aux Hommes (Abbey)
The ruins of the castle
WWII memorial and museum
Older neighborhoods and churches - Check out the options for guided tours and day trips from Paris
- Check out the best rated accommodations in Caen
More of the most beautiful Towns in Normandy to stay
Vernon
- Location -
Eure district
Rouen to Vernon = 50min drive - Why visit -
Founded in the 10th century, the town has a strategic location on the Seine River.
The old center has kept a few half- timbered houses as well as some 18th century townhouses.
But Vernon is mostly famous for the old mill still standing over the river (a typical photo from Normandy) and for being the gateway to Giverny and its gardens. - Highlights -
The old center with the towers, old houses, church
The Mill over the Seine river (from the 16th century and the bridge to it from the 12th century)
The Tourelles Castle and the river walk - Check out the best rated accommodations in Vernon
Pont-Audemer
- Location -
Eure district
Caen to Pont-Audemer = 1h drive - Why visit -
Pont-Audemer is often referred to as the Norman Venice, because there are a few branches of the Risle river flowing through it.
This medieval town still has a few streets with half-timbered houses, drying sheds and wrought iron balconies. - Highlights -
The main square with the Saint-Ouen church
The old half-timbered houses sprinkled throughout town
The Risle river arms - Check out the best rated accommodations in Pont-Audemer
Verneuil d'Avre et d'Iton
- Location -
Eure District
Rouen to Verneuil = 1h20 drive - Why visit -
It used to be the border town between France and Normandy.
Luckily it was quite preserved from the bombings of WWII and is still home to many historical buildings. It has a lot of character. - Highlights -
The church, the half-timbered houses, the grey tower - Check out the best rated accommodations in Verneuil
Dieppe
- Location -
Seine Maritime district
Rouen to Dieppe = 1H drive - Why visit -
For many centuries, Dieppe has been a major fishing and trade port, on the banks of the River Arques.
Today, still protected by the cliffs, it retains its maritime charm with 4 ports and a wide seafront,
And the castle is overlooking the whole city. - Highlights -
The seafront and harbor walks
The old center with 2 churches and the gate "Porte des Tourelles"
The Castle with its views over the city - Check out the best rated accommodations in Dieppe
Granville
- Location -
Manche District
Caen to Granville = 1h20 drive - Why visit -
It has a good location to explore the west coast of the Manche area - lots of attractions nearby
Granville impresses with its fortified headland called Le Roc overlooking the water (also used during WWII).
It offers a mix of scenery: a medieval upper town, a seaside resort town with small beaches, casino and a fishing port. - Highlights -
The Le Roc walk and the tour of the upper old town
Christian Dior museum
The port, ferris wheel and Marité boat
You can take the ferry to the Chausey Islands from here. - Check out the best rated accommodations in Granville
Avranches
- Location -
Manche District
Caen to Avranches = 1h10 drive - Why visit -
Avranches is famous for its distant view of the Mont Saint Michel.
Plus, it is home of its manuscripts.
But it is also home to a dungeon, fortifications, a basilica and churches. - Highlights -
Scriptorial - Museum with the manuscripts from the Mont-Saint-Michel
The Donjon and the views over the roofs
The Botanical Garden and the views towards Mont-Saint-Michel
The churches and basilica - Check out the best rated accommodations in Avranches
Need to rent a car in Normandy?
My tips:
- Compare car rental prices on Discovercars.com - one of the best customer-rated comparison sites!
- Consider their full coverage option - I always take it for peace of mind!
- Book early to have a large choice of vehicles!
Best Seaside Resort Towns in Normandy (beach towns)
Normandy also has some famous seaside resort towns that developed when sea baths became a trendy thing.
They are home to opulent houses along sandy beaches.
They get really crowded in Summer...
Trouville / Deauville
- Location -
Calvados District
Caen to Deauville = 1h drive - Why visit -
Deauville is a glamorous seaside resort from the 19th century. Its reputation is partially due to the Deauville American Film Festival happening there every year.
It represents a certain lifestyle with high-end hotels, spas, casino, golf, horse races...
It is iconic for its boardwalk along the flat sandy beach.
Trouville is its sister town on the other side of the harbor. They look like one town. - Highlights -
Stroll in town to enjoy the glamorous atmosphere and admire the buildings.
Have fun at the famous casino.
Walk on the beach and appreciate the change of scenery with the tides. - Check out the best rated accommodations in Deauville
Cabourg
- Location -
Calvados District
Caen to Deauville = 40min drive - Why visit -
The seaside town is one of the most iconic on the Normandy coast.
You will discover magnificent mansions from the 19th century.
The main building is the Grand Hotel, where Marcel Proust used to stay.
The town has a great atmosphere with a long walkway.
It ends at the estuary with a spit made of sand dunes. - Highlights -
The 4km long promenade along the seafront
The main square with houses from "La Belle Epoque"
The Casino and its garden
The estuary with the sand dune. - Check out the best rated accommodations in Cabourg
Villers-sur-Mer
- Location -
Calvados District
Caen to Deauville = 40min drive - Why visit -
Villers-sur-Mer is another resort town with the charm of "La Belle Epoque"
It is the best place to access the cliffs and boulders called "Les Vaches Noires", a natural highlight of the region. - Highlights -
The golden flat sand beach
The large boulders fallen on the beach that looked like cows for the sailors passing by. - Check out the best rated accommodations in Villers-sur-Mer
Best Villages in Normandy
Of course, the Normandy region is also famous for some of its charming villages.
Some of my favorites are:
- Beuvron-en-Auge and its main square full of colorful half-timbered houses
- Saint-Cénéri-le-Gerei, with stone houses surrounded by Nature - see article
- Le Bec-Hellouin, with its abbey and lines of half-timbered houses - see article
- Le Mont-Saint-Michel built on an islet with a magnificent abbey at the top
- Veules-les-Roses with the walk along the shortest sea-bound river in France - see article
- Barfleur, a peaceful village built around a harbor - see article
Learn more about them in my article about the best villages in Normandy
Want to see more of the best Normandy has to offer?
- 45 Most beautiful landscapes in Normandy - read article
- 42 Best things to do in Normandy - read article
- 16 best castles and their parks - read article
- 5 Best destinations in Normandy - read article
- The most impressive abbeys in Normandy - read article
- The best beaches in Normandy - read article
- The cathedrals and most unique churches - read article
Planning a trip to Normandy?
Check out my travel guide to help you plan:
Be overwhelmed by the beauty, not the planning!
Plan your perfect trip around Normandy with:
- 8 easy-to-plan Maps
- 160+ pre-selected scenic locations
- Planning tips to make the most of your time
- 315+ large photos to decide where to go
- GPS coordinates direct to the carparks
And keep track of your own trip!
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