Normandy
Discover seaside cliffs, living history, and quiet countryside in Normandy
Travel to a region where dramatic coastlines meet rolling farmland, and every village has a story to tell. Normandy is a place of contrasts, elegant yet grounded, serene yet steeped in monumental history. Located in the northwestern corner of France, it offers a slower pace of life and deeply authentic experiences that feel rooted in the land and sea.
This is where William the Conqueror rose to power, where Monet painted the shifting light of the Seine, and where Allied forces stormed the beaches during World War II in the largest amphibious landing in history. But Normandy isn’t only about history, it’s also home to creamy Camembert, fresh oysters from seaside markets, half-timbered harbor towns like Rouen and Honfleur, and a local culture deeply tied to both farming and the sea.
Whether you’re planning a reflective journey through World War II sites, a countryside retreat with fine food and coastal walks, or a family trip that blends learning with leisure, Normandy offers something personal and lasting.
Inspiration for your Normandy vacation
Normandy’s landscape is as varied as its history. Along the coast, the white chalk cliffs of Étretat rise in dramatic arches above the sea, while the wide beaches of Omaha, Utah, Juno, and Sword mark the historic landing sites of D-Day, when Allied forces began the liberation of Nazi-occupied France on June 6, 1944. Walk the shoreline with a private historian who brings the events of D-Day to life, or visit the Normandy American Cemetery, where over 9,000 white marble headstones stand in tribute to U.S. soldiers, set above Omaha Beach with a memorial, visitor center, and reflective garden overlooking the sea.
Venture inland to Bayeux, home of the famous 11th-century tapestry that chronicles the Norman conquest of England. The town’s cobbled streets and half-timbered houses lead you past cafés and quiet squares, where life unfolds at a gentle rhythm. Nearby, explore Caen’s medieval château and the Abbaye aux Hommes, founded by William the Conqueror himself.
Mont-Saint-Michel is one of France’s most iconic landmarks, a gravity-defying abbey set atop a tidal island, where cobbled lanes wind up to a Gothic spire that seems to rise from the sea. A private guide can help you explore its layers of history, from its 8th-century origins to its role in religious pilgrimage and military defense.
Art and nature meet in Giverny, where Claude Monet’s home and gardens remain much as he left them. Wander the Japanese bridge and lily pond that inspired his most famous paintings, then explore the countryside that fueled the Impressionist movement. In Rouen, admire the Gothic façade of the cathedral Monet painted dozens of times, and trace the story of Joan of Arc, who was tried and executed in the city square.
Normandy’s culture is deeply connected to its food. Taste creamy Camembert, Pont-l’Évêque, and Livarot cheeses at a local fromagerie, or follow the cider route through the Pays d’Auge, stopping at family-run orchards for tastings of Calvados apple brandy. Fresh oysters and mussels are served daily in the harbors of Honfleur and Deauville, while country inns serve rich dishes like duck confit and slow-cooked pork with apples and cream.
Customized Normandy vacation
Normandy’s richness lies in its details, and with LuxEurope, you’ll experience the region in a way that’s immersive, comfortable, and tailored entirely to you. We handle everything, from private drivers and local experts to accommodations that reflect the character of each town and village.
Let LuxEurope craft a Normandy journey that is thoughtful, personal, and deeply memorable, designed entirely around what you value most in travel. Get in touch today to start planning.