Normandy, France - Travel Guide

Normandy offers a profound historical experience, from the D-Day landing beaches and associated memorials to the stunning Mont Saint-Michel. Its picturesque countryside, charming villages, and delicious local cuisine also make it an ideal destination for cultural exploration and relaxation.

Quick Facts

Recommended Stay3 days

Budget$70/day

Mid-range$150/day

Luxury$600/day

Known For

NormandyFranceEuropeD-DayWorld War IIWilliam the ConquerorMont Saint-MichelBattle of NormandybeachescidercamembertCalvadosRouenCaen

🇫🇷 Country Information: France

CapitalParis

CurrencyEuro (€)

LanguageFrench , English, German, Spanish, Italian

Phone Code+33

Electricity230V (Type C, E)

Tap WaterSafe to drink

Tipping

Tipping is not mandatory as service charge is usually included, but rounding up or leaving a few euros for good service is appreciated in restaurants and cafes
Tipping taxi drivers is not common, but a small tip is appreciated for long rides or extra help with luggage
For hotel staff, a few euros for housekeeping or porters is customary

Money & Payments

ATMs are widely available
Credit cards are widely accepted
Cash is still common, especially for smaller purchases
No black market for cash

Cultural Norms

Dress respectfully, especially in religious sites
Greet people with "Bonjour"
Eating customs involve using cutlery, keeping hands on the table (not in lap), and waiting for everyone to be served before starting to eat
It is polite to say "Bon appétit" before a meal

LGBTQ+ Information

Generally LGBTQ+ friendly. France is generally considered LGBTQ+ friendly with robust legal protections for LGBTQ+ individuals, including same-sex marriage and adoption.

Alcohol & Drug Laws

Legal drinking age is 18
Drug laws are strict, with penalties for possession and consumption of illegal drugs

Special Laws

It is illegal to smoke in public indoor spaces and on public transport
Be aware of varying rules for drones
Jaywalking can result in a fine

Common Phrases

NoNon (NOHN)

YesOui (WEE)

HelloBonjour (bohn-ZHOOR)

PleaseS'il vous plaît (seel voo PLEH)

Excuse mePardon (par-DOHN)

Thank youMerci (mer-SEE)

Climate

Generalized climate for Normandy, a region with a dominant marine oceanic climate.

Climate Zone: Marine Oceanic

Best Time to Visit

Extreme Cold: Dec
Feb
Extreme Hot: Jul
Aug

Getting There

Fly into Paris (CDG or ORY), then take a train to major Normandy cities like Caen or Rouen (1
5
2
5h, $20
50)
Drive from Paris (2
3h)
Ferry from UK to Caen or Le Havre

Getting Around

Regional trains (TER) connect cities
Buses serve smaller towns
Taxis available
Ride
sharing apps like Uber are available in larger cities

Health & Vaccinations

Routine vaccinations recommended (MMR, DTP)
Hepatitis A/B recommended
No specific altitude sickness or malaria concerns

Staying Connected

eSIMs widely available
Major French networks (Orange, SFR, Bouygues Telecom)
Airalo, Nomad, and other global eSIM providers work well

Local Cuisine

Camembert must_try

This is perhaps Normandy's most famous cheese, known for its soft, lusciously creamy texture and bloomy white rind. It boasts flavors that are often e

Calvados alcohol

This is a celebrated apple brandy made from local apples and aged in oak barrels. Traditionally enjoyed as a digestif after a meal, or sometimes betwe

Cider (Cidre) non_alcoholic_beverage

Normandy is famous for its apple orchards, which produce this staple mildly alcoholic beverage. Its flavor ranges from crisp and dry (brut) to sweeter

Coquilles Saint-Jacques (Scallops) regional_speciality

Normandy is France's chief cultivator and exporter of scallops, which are often prepared simply or in classic regional dishes like Sole à la Normande.

Marmite Dieppoise regional_speciality

A hearty seafood stew from Dieppe that blends various coastal treasures, including mussels, scallops, fish, and crustaceans. The ingredients simmer in

Book in Advance

Plan ahead for the best experience. Here's what to book before your trip:

🔴 Must Book in Advance

Mont-Saint-Michel Abbey Entry Ticket Attraction

Book 2 weeks to 2 months in advance

Mont-Saint-Michel is Normandy's top attraction and tickets, especially during peak season, can sell out or require waiting in long queues if not booked ahead.

D-Day Landing Beaches Guided Tours tour_or_activity

Book 1–3 months in advance

High-quality, specialized D-Day tours (especially those focusing on American sites or 'Band of Brothers') have limited capacity and are extremely popular, particularly around the D-Day anniversary (June 6th).

Accommodation in Bayeux, Caen, or Mont-Saint-Michel Area Accommodation

Book 2–6 months in advance

Popular base towns have limited quality accommodation, which fills up quickly, especially during the D-Day anniversary period and the summer high season.

Fun Facts

1. Normandy inspired famous artists of the late 1800s, including Claude Monet and Vincent Van Gogh, due to the unique light and picturesque beauty of the region.
2. Normandy is renowned for its dairy, producing high-quality butter from Normande cattle, which is often enjoyed in Paris restaurants.
3. The region is one of the best cheese producers in France, with a history of cheese-making dating back to the 10th century, and is the birthplace of cheeses like Camembert.
4. Normandy is the leading producer in France for oysters, mussels, and scallops, making it a prime destination for seafood lovers.

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