Going on a Normandy road trip is our favorite and recommended way to explore this fascinating region of France. Our Normandy tours help you learn about key historical events, see stunning landscapes, and sample some of the delicious cuisine.
This 3-day itinerary gives you a taste of what you could enjoy on a self guided tour of Normandy, planned by us, just for you. We’ll help you discover some of Normandy’s iconic landmarks, picturesque towns, and coastal areas.
And when you book with us, we’ll also arrange your automatic car hire, book your B&B or boutique hotel accommodation (which we have tested ourselves) and send you a personalized France Just For You guidebook for your entire trip!
We warmly invite you to browse our Normandy driving itineraries
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Michael and Sally from the USA
Day 1: Giverny and Honfleur
Highlights: Monet’s House and Garden, Honfleur Old Port
Your journey begins in Giverny, where you may visit Claude Monet’s House and Garden, the charming village that was once home to the renowned Impressionist painter. You won’t see any of his paintings on display in Giverny, as these are housed under tight security in museums around the world. What you will see are the scenes that served as inspiration for many of his masterpieces.
Monet’s house, with its pastel green shutters and pink facade, offers a glimpse into the artist’s daily life, and looks much as it did when he lived there with his family.
The main attraction is his flower garden and iconic water lily pond, where you’ll feel as though you’ve stepped into one of Monet’s paintings. The gardens change with the seasons, so whatever time of year you choose to visit, you’ll catch a glimpse of how Monet once saw his garden.
Insider Tip: You may see eight gigantic murals of Claude Monet’s famous water lilies at the Orangerie Museum in Paris, and many more of his paintings at the Marmottan Museum.
From Giverny, you can drive approximately 1.5 hours northwest to the charming coastal town of Honfleur. Honfleur’s Old Port (Vieux Bassin) is a highlight, surrounded by colorful, narrow houses and lively waterfront cafes. Take some time to wander through the cobbled streets, explore art galleries, and relax by the harbor while sampling fresh seafood. Other highlights in Honfleur include Sainte-Catherine Church, the oldest surviving wooden church in France, built by shipwrights (marine carpenters) in the 15th century.
For more ideas, check out our blog post on things to do in Honfleur
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Day 2: Bayeux and the D-Day Landing Beaches
Highlights: Bayeux Tapestry Museum, Normandy Landings Beaches, Cemetery & Memorial sites
On the second day of your Normandy road trip, you could start with a visit to Bayeux. History buffs may want to reserve two days for exploring the historical sites of this region, which played a key role in the D-Day events of 1944.
Bayeux is also famous for being home to the 69-meter (226 ft) long Bayeux Tapestry, an 11th-century masterpiece depicting the Norman Conquest of England. You can see it at the Bayeux Tapestry Museum.
Spend some time strolling through Bayeux’s quaint streets and admiring its medieval architecture, including Notre-Dame Cathedral. The cathedral reflects a combination of Romanesque and Gothic styles, which were both prominent in medieval European architecture.
Be sure to get a photo near the water wheel on the River Aure, a charming feature that has been turning since the Middle Ages and illustrates the Bayeux's long-standing history of craftsmanship and trade.
By the waterwheel is Le Moulin de la Galette restaurant, which specializes in sweet and savory galettes and crepes. It’s a nice place to stop for a meal–book ahead via the website to guarantee your table.
From Bayeux, you may continue your journey to the D-Day Landing Beaches, an area steeped in World War II history.
The areas you visit will depend on your interests. If you’re American, you’ll want to begin at Omaha Beach, where you can walk along the sands that played a pivotal role in the Allied invasion. Nearby, the American Cemetery provides a poignant and moving experience, honoring the soldiers who sacrificed their lives during the war. Utah Beach was also a key landing site for American troops.
If you’re British, you may prefer to visit Gold Beach or Sword Beach, the sites where British troops landed on D-Day. The British Normandy Memorial is closest to Gold Beach. Canadian travelers may prefer to visit Juno Beach and its visitor center, with films and exhibits on the Canadian military and the D-Day landings.
You might also visit the Arromanches-les-Bains and its remnants of the Mulberry harbors.
If you book a D-Day beaches self drive tour with us, we will arrange for you to do a private tour with one of our expert WWII Normandy tour guides. They will take you to key places of interest and explain exactly what happened in each place. If you have family who fought in the Battle of Normandy, we will help you walk in their footsteps and visit the exact places they would have fought and spent time in 1944.
If you have a special interest in world war history, you may enjoy our World War History Tour of France
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Day 3: Mont Saint-Michel
Highlights: Abbey of Mont Saint-Michel, Views of the Bay
On Day 3, this Normandy road trip takes you to UNESCO World Heritage Site, Mont Saint-Michel and its bay. As you approach, you’ll see the dramatic silhouette of the abbey rising above the tidal flats. We’ll share the perfect photo spot with our travelers. Once you’re there, you may choose to walk across the causeway or take a shuttle bus to the island.
Explore the narrow streets, quaint shops, and ancient architecture before visiting the Abbey of Mont Saint-Michel, a masterpiece of medieval design.
Depending on the tides, you may enjoy exceptional views of the surrounding bay, which alternates between vast expanses of sand and shimmering water.
If you book a tour with us, we’ll arrange for you to visit Mont Saint-Michel with a local guide who lives in the area. They will take you away from the tourist crowds and help you have a more intimate experience. They’ll also tell you about the history of the islet, as well as its myths and legends!
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France Just For You
Other Places to Explore in Normandy
If you have additional time and would like to add a few more stops to your itinerary, you might also like to visit:
- Étretat: This area is famous for its dramatic white chalk cliffs and natural arches. It’s well worth a visit if you have time.
- The Normandy Coast: In addition to the coastal areas we’ve mentioned above, beach-lovers may also like to visit the charming seaside towns of Deauville, Trouville, and Cabourg.
- The Normandy Cider Route: Gourmets may enjoy a scenic drive among orchards, and enjoy tasting some local cider and Calvados apple brandy. Make a stop at Pont-l'Évêque to try some local cheese.
If you book with us, we can also arrange a private cooking class in Normandy with chef Brigitte, where you can learn to make a local dish in her home kitchen.
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Explore Normandy with Our Self-Guided Itineraries
At France Just For You, we specialize in creating personalized self-drive tours of France that allow you to explore the best of Normandy at your own pace.
You’ll stay at carefully selected premium B&Bs and boutique hotels we’ve tested ourselves, receive a detailed itinerary and personal guidebook with insider tips, and be able to reach out to us for support or advice before or during your journey.
Whether you’re discovering historic landmarks, sampling local delicacies, or simply soaking in the beautiful scenery, we aim to make your trip to France unique and unforgettable!
If you’re ready to start planning your Normandy road trip, we invite you to contact us today or complete our trip planning form.
We look forward to hearing from you!
FAQ
When is the best time to visit Normandy?
The best time to visit Normandy is during the spring (April to June) and autumn (September to October). These months offer a good balance between reasonable or pleasant weather and fewer crowds.
Unless you particularly want to visit the D-Day beaches during the anniversary commemoration (around June 6th) we recommend avoiding Normandy around this date. This is because the roads will be more congested than usual and the best accommodation will be fully booked far in advance.
Summer is a popular time with both locals and international tourists, especially in the coastal areas. Be prepared for more visitors and busier roads during the peak season.
How many days do you need in Normandy?
The ideal length of time in Normandy depends on what you’d like to see and do. Three to four days is a great amount of time to explore the highlights without feeling rushed.
- A 3-day trip allows you to visit the D-Day landing beaches and war memorials, the charming town of Bayeux, and the stunning island of Mont Saint-Michel.
- With 4-5 days, you can add stops like Honfleur’s picturesque harbor, the white cliffs of Étretat, or Monet's garden in Giverny.
- For a deeper dive, a week in Normandy gives you time to explore the region’s rich history, sample local delicacies like Camembert cheese and Calvados, and enjoy the peaceful countryside.
If you’re planning a self-drive Normandy road trip, having at least three full days will allow you to take in the most iconic sites while still leaving room for spontaneous discoveries along the way.
What month is best to go to Normandy?
If we had to choose one month from May, June, September and October (the best months to visit Normandy), we would say September is the best month to visit Normandy.
The weather is still mild, the summer crowds have left, and it’s the perfect time to experience the apple and cider harvest, enjoy scenic coastal drives, and explore the region’s historic sites without the peak-season rush.
