Thinking of doing a Normandy road trip? Good choice!
This charming area of France has so much to offer with a combination of seaside villages and rustic rural towns, it truly is the perfect slice of France.
Millions of Tourists Flock to Paris Each year but just to the North is one of France’s most Magnificent Destinations, Normandy.
Normandy is a perfect trip and even better when explored by Car!
I have explored Normandy by car and will always think it’s one of the best places to drive in France.
So let’s jump in and look at the best and most scenic drives in Normandy.
By the end, you will have everything you need to drive confidently through Normandy and the ultimate list of things to do for your trip!
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Normandy By Car (Or Public Transport) Quick Guide:
Route Time: Without stopping, it takes around 3 hours
Where To Stop In 3-4 Days
✔️ Day 1: Arrive In Normandy
✔️ Day 1: Explore the charming area of Honfleur
✔️ Day 2: Take in the views from Mont Saint-Michel
✔️ Day 2: Visit the Bayeux Tapestry
✔️ Day 2: Sample Normandies local cider
✔️ Day 3: Do a tour of the D-Day Beaches
✔️ Day 4: Leave Normandy
If I only had a day to explore Normandy, this is how I would spend it 👇
- D-Day Beaches Tour
- Take in the views at Mont Saint-Michel
- Stroll around Honfleur
Getting Here
🏆 Discover Cars: The best and cheapest way to compare EVERY rental option available
🚉 Train: Quickest Option Without Driving
⭐️ Tour: For those who want a road trip vibe but with the luxury of not driving!
The Best Places To Stay In Normandy
📍 L’Absinthe HotelOpens in Honfleur – Amazing views, and great harbourside location. Each room also has a spa bath!
📍 La Romance et la Romanesque – Incredible location. Perfect for those wanting a romantic stay.
Your Normandy Road Trip Map
Stops not to miss on your Normandy itinerary
When there are so many amazing places to visit, it can be overwhelming trying to decide where to go in Normandy.
Whether you are spending 3 days in Normandy or more, here are some places that you can’t miss on your trip:
1. Honfleur
With over 1,000 years of History, Medieval architecture and an old Port, Honfleur is one of the most charming Coastal Villages in Europe.
With Lots of places to eat and winding streets to explore, the old town of Honfleur is definitely worth visiting!
If you are driving from Paris to Normandy, this is one of the most popular spots because it is so stunning and easy to park at.
This is such a great spot for Foodies so make sure you try the fresh seafood available!
There are so many options and great places around Normandy to stay- But the best by far is L’Absinthe HotelOpens in Honfleur
Its location, welcoming staff and charm keep bringing visitors back again and again.
2. Mont Saint-Michel
Nothing will grab your imagination and make you feel like you are stepping into a Fairy tale quite like Mont Saint-Michel!
This is the one spot you really can’t miss when in this part of France.
Many people ask if the road trip from Paris to Mont St Michel is worth it, and it totally is. This spot is one of the best places to visit on any road trip to Normandy from Paris or beyond!
✅ Tip: Walk the scenic route: Walk Across the Field In Front of Mont Saint-Michel to take in the Views. It only took 20 minutes and allowed us to take it all in without being surrounded by hundreds of Tourists.
3. Bayeux Tapestry Museum
The Bayeux Tapestry is over 70 meters long and tells the tale of the Norman conquest of England in 1066.
Not only is this beautiful piece of art so unique and displays the most incredible Workmanship, but it has also managed to survive over 9 Centuries!
Even if you aren’t a huge History lover, this is an amazing stop when visiting Normandy.
4. D- Day Beaches
These Beaches played a very important part during World War 2.
The scenes of allied forces arriving in France have been captured in Films like Saving Private Ryan but is a site everyone needs to visit.
📸 The best activity recommended by other travellers and myself in Normandy is the Normandy Battlefields Tour where you can learn more about these beaches.
Not only do you get a very knowledgeable tour guide but it is hands-down one of the best days out in Normandy!
With so many glowing 5-star reviews, you are guaranteed an amazing trip!
✅ You Can Check Out The Hundreds Of Great Reviews & Book Here Today
What To Do In Normandy With More Time
No matter whether you are looking for a Normandy itinerary for 2 days or 2 weeks, you will have the best time exploring.
This stunning region of France offers its visitors so many amazing things to do during their trip!
This picturesque region is filled with charming medieval villages, stunning beaches and historical monuments.
From exploring the famous D-Day Beaches to taking in the views along the Calvados Coastline, there’s something for everyone to do here.
And if you’re hungry, then you’ll be in for a treat! Normandy is renowned for its delicious seafood, cheeses and of course, cider.
Here are a few of the best things to do in Normandy to add to your Itinerary (after you have been to them Do Not Miss Spots).
Spend a few more days exploring Honfleur
This is one of the prettiest places in the area and there are endless this to do here. It is also one of the best places I visited in Normandy so recommend spending more time here.
Take a Stroll Around Honfleur after you have sampled the Food and take in the Rustic French Buildings.
The Shopping here is great, especially if you love Chocolate!
Try the Cider
I promise there is nothing more refreshing after a day of exploring!
You can pick it up in pretty much every supermarket but for the best experience, I do recommend spending a few hours doing a tour.
The Memorial Museum of Omaha Beach
The WW2 Memorial plays such an important role in keeping the memory alive of the Young men who landed at the Normandy Beaches.
It is also a great way to dive into the D-Day beach stories and find out more about its role in History.
Why Should I Visit Normandy?
Normandy is a destination where you can get a taste of everything.
It is one of the rare locations where there really is something for everyone.
The Region is strong in history and is famous for producing Ciders, Cheeses and some of the best Seafood ever.
With so much to see and do, this is why having a pre-planned Normandy itinerary is the best way to see as much as possible- Driving the roads in Normandy is also really easy.
There is also another bonus of having your car, you can stock up on some of that amazing produce on the way around!
What Is The Best Time Of Year To Visit Normandy?
The Wine Tastes better, the nights are longer and the Sea feels warmer in the French Summer
June is a great time to explore this fantastic French Region.
During this time you will have slightly fewer tourists than in the other Summer Months with amazing Weather. However, if you are looking for slightly cooler weather and cheaper flights, visit in the Spring.
✅ Tip: If you want to Visit Normandy when there are hardly any Tourists but still Great Weather, Try booking your trip for September.
You will find more choices of Accommodation for Cheaper Prices as it’s outside the Peak Summer Season!
How Many Days Do You Need To Visit Normandy?
You could easily spend a week or two relaxing and soaking in Normandy.
However, if you are pressed for time and want to visit more of France and Europe, 3-4 days is the perfect amount of time to see what Normandy has to offer.
But if you are in a hurry, you can do a day trip from Paris to Normandy in just a few hours!
A driving tour of Normandy is the best way to see everything you want in the Region.
Even though the Public Transport in this area is great, you might struggle in the more rural Areas.
Having your own transport means you can beat the crowds and not spend most of your day waiting in the high temperatures!
Can You Tour Normandy On Your Own?
It is incredibly safe and easy to navigate if you want to tour Normandy on your own.
Even though there are many tours available in the area, organising your own trip to Normandy has never been easier (and it will save you lots of money!)
So make the most of this and ask your hotel or accommodation hosts for anything you need.
This will make touring Normandy on your own go so much smoother. And often they will suggest amazing places that you had no idea about!
Getting To Normandy: How To Start Your Trip
With Normandy’s location in the North of France, it is easy to get here from wherever you are starting your Road Trip.
Here are the most popular routes:
Starting Your Visit From Paris
Driving from Paris to Normandy takes less than 3 hours, so you could even do a day trip if you don’t have much time to spare.
The best route from Paris to Normandy by Car is Via the A13 and A28.
There are also other routes to start your from Paris like the N12.
The best way to decide which route to take is to look at which one will get you to your Normandy starting point the quickest on the day.
✅ Tip: Before setting off from Paris to Normandy, quickly check on Google for any delays on the road. This will help you pick the fastest route & avoid you sitting in traffic.
If you are planning to Explore Normandy by train or you want to pick up your Car Rental in Normandy, a train leaves Paris St-Lazare every 2 hours.
You will want to Jump on a train that takes you into the Historic Cities of Bayeux or Caen.
Bayeux or Caen are very close to the Normandy Beaches and are both great places to start exploring from.
The Train Journey here takes roughly 2.5 hours and costs From €15.
Starting Your Normandy Road Trip From The UK
Arriving from the UK is pretty easy thanks to the many links to Northern France. These are the easiest ways to get to France from the UK.
If you are Driving your own car from the UK to France, one of the easiest and most popular ways is to use the EuroTunnel.
The EuroTunnel Service can get you from Folkestone, England to Calais, France in 35 Minutes.
⛴️The Dover to Calais Ferry is another service many use and it’s available several times a day and is on average 1 Hour & 30 Minutes.
As soon as you Cross into Calais your getaway can begin!
(The drive time will take you around 4 hours to arrive in Normandy but luckily it is full of amazing views and stress-free!)
The quickest route is normally via A16 and A28 but you may want to double-check this before you set off.
Reaching Normandy From The Airport
If you want to fly into France to start your Normandy getaway, your cheapest and most convenient option would be to arrive at Paris Charles de Gaulle.
You can then rent a car from Paris and drive on over to Normandy.
But if you want to avoid driving in Paris, you can get the train or FlixBus which leaves several times a day.
There are other Local Airports closer to Normandy including Deauville and de Caen-Carpiquet.
However, it is usually more expensive to fly to these and the flights are not as frequent as in Paris.
Everything You Need To Know About Driving And Renting A Car In Normandy
Toll Roads In Normandy
You will come across many Toll Roads when exploring Normandy and France by Road. Use these Tips to make the process super simple.
👉The tolls are on the right-hand side of the car. If you are from the UK and using your own car, this means the toll payment booth will be on your passenger side.
👉If you are using a left-hand drive vehicle and travelling alone, use the Tolls that have a UK flag so you don’t have to get out of your car.
👉If you are using these routes throughout your trip, it will help your budget to take the scenic routes sometimes where there are no toll roads.
The Price of using the Toll Roads in France is 15-40 Euros and you can pay by Cash or Card.
👉The toll road routes are a lot quicker and easier to drive, but the cost can add up. If you are travelling on a budget, use our ready-to-use map to plan a route avoiding Toll Roads.
Car Rental Prices & Suggestions
Renting a Car for your Normandy Road Trip Couldn’t be easier!
The easiest way to make sure you are getting the best deal is to use a comparison website.
This means you can pick the Car and Budget that is perfect for you.
Picking up your Rental from the Airport is the best option, especially if you are on a budget. You can pick your car up as soon as you land and start exploring France.
For one week you can Find Car Rentals for roughly £160 /$222 (187 Euro)
Top Tips For Picking Up Your Rental Car In France
Arranging a Car Rental wherever you are can be pretty stressful, especially in a new country.
Use these tips to make your Car Rental Process go smoothly so you can enjoy your driving tour to the Max!
🇫🇷When checking your rental vehicle, use a device to Film around the car. This is the best way to show any damage that is on the car before you receive it.
🇫🇷Tell the Rental Company Straight away if you notice any damage to the car. You don’t want to return the car after your trip and be charged for damage you didn’t do.
🇫🇷Take a Picture of the Car Miles before you set off. This helps avoid any additional millage charges.
🇫🇷Know your Car insurance options before your trip. It’s becoming more popular to sort your own car insurance before a (You know exactly what you are getting then)
Figuring out a new Car in a new Country can be challenging at times. Make sure you use these free Stress-Free driving tips to make driving in this part of France a breeze.
Normandy Road Trip Must Pack items
Road Trips are Great for picking up the last-minute items you forget to pack. This is a lifesaver for me because I always forget something 🫣
But there are a few things you will need to start your Normandy driving adventure.
Remember to make sure the below items end up in your Suitcase⬇️
Important Documents you will need:
✅Passport
✅Visa if applicable (If you are a Non- EU National, Check out here for more information about Documents you may need)
✅Your Drivers License
✅Travel Insurance for your trip
Normandy Must Pack Items
✔️Phone Chargers compatible with a car
✔️AUX Cable to play your Fave Podcast & Playlists
✔️Sunglasses & Sun Cream
✔️A Jumper, just In case the Weather Drops
✔️Your favourite Travel Pillow
✔️Snacks & Water (Because who doesn’t love a snack?)
✔️Pain Medication
✔️Breathalyzer (For them Vineyard Stops you will be tempted by)
✅ Insider Tip: Download a Playlist and Navigation APP that you can use offline in case the signal cuts out (this happened to me a few times!)
IMPORTANT INFO If You Are Driving Your Own Vehicle
The French are Pretty Hot on Road Safety, so make sure your vehicle has the following things for Driving in Normandy and Beyond (It’s Law)
First Aid Kit, Car Break Down Safety Kit & If you are driving from the UK, a UK Sticker.
👉 Make Sure You Have Your Kit For Driving In France Ready!
🇫🇷 Normandy Road Trip Sign-Off
Normandy gives you the perfect Slice of France if you are there for 1 day or Ten.
No matter how long you plan on driving in France, as long as you have YOUR DRIVING IN FRANCE KIT, you are all set to go and it’s really easy.
Not only is driving around Normandy easy but the best way to save money and visit lots of the sites you can’t see without a car.
But just remember before you go, book any tours or activities in advance to save money and avoid missing out!
I hope you found this article useful! For the best trip to France & Europe, here are some relevant posts:
✔️ The Ultimate Luxury Car Hire Options In France For Your Next Getaway
✔️ What Do You Need To Know About Driving In Europe In Winter? The Complete Guide
✔️ What Countries In Europe Speak English?
✔️ The Best British Airways Cabin Bag For Your Next Flight
✔️ The Best Backpack For All Types Of European Travel
✔️ Where Are The Best Places To Visit In April In Europe?
Want to travel around Europe with Ease?
With all the Different Languages it can be hard to travel across Europe from time to time….
So make sure you download your Free Key Phrase Guide Below to help you explore Europe ⬇️
Lowri Thomas is the founder of Many Other Roads. She lives and travels in Europe and has explored more than 40 countries. She is joined on her travels with her dog Scout and they explore Europe mostly by road. Born in Wales, she also shares the best things to do in Wales, UK and beyond. She helps over 50,000 people per month plan epic Europe adventures and road trips.
