10 Things to Do Off the Beaten Track in Normandy
Interesting Places in Normandy Only Locals Know
There are plenty of great things to do off the beaten track in Normandy. This beautiful region in northwest France is known for its stunning landscapes, charming villages and delicious gastronomy. Head to the coast and explore the beautiful beaches and rugged scenery, catch a ferry to unspoilt islands or enjoy a brisk hike through nature.
Family fun includes visiting waterfalls and discovering wolves in the forest, whilst adults will love trying the local cider and learning how it’s produced. Locals make the most of the outdoors in this pretty area and you’ll see them strolling through historic towns and enjoying lively walks through parks. Discover some great ways to explore the hidden charms of Normandy in this guide.
1. Chausey Islands
Nature at its finest
Categorías: Fotos, Parejas, Comida
The Chausey Islands lie just 17 km off the coast of the Manche department. Take a ferry from Granville and spot dolphins and grey seals as you cross to this stunning archipelago. If you’re looking to reconnect with nature, this island paradise is perfect as there are no cars on the main island. Measuring just 1.5 km at its longest point, it’s perfect for exploring on foot.
You’ll get some spectacular views from the coastal path. The rugged landscapes, rocky paths and charming cottages are a beautiful contrast to the white sands and clear waters of the 6 beaches on the island. After your hike, head to the island’s restaurant for fresh seafood and breathtaking views over the islets.
Chausey Islands
2. Jumièges Abbey
A historic site close to Rouen
Categorías: Historia, Fotos
Jumièges Abbey is one of the oldest and most impressive Benedictine monasteries in France, originally dating back to 654. The magnificent white towers stand almost 50 metres high, and you’ll be dazzled by the beauty of these ruins. Stroll through 15 hectares of tranquil park and take some amazing Instagram-worthy photos of this romantic and peaceful place.
The abbey is known for its wide range of events, including narrated visits of its tales and legends, calligraphy workshops and evening light shows. Be sure to install the Jumièges 3D app before arriving. Then, follow the 3D markers along the paths around the abbey and be awestruck at the amazing 3D reconstructions on your phone or tablet.
Dirección: 24 Rue Guillaume le Conquérant, 76480 Jumièges, France
Horario: Mid-April–mid-September: daily from 9.30 am to 6.30 pm. Mid-September–mid-April: daily from 9.30 am to 5.30 pm
Teléfono: +33 (0)2 35 37 24 02
Jumièges Abbey
3. Granville
Enchanting eateries and a busy seafront
Categorías: Asequible, Comida, Ambiente nocturno
Granville is a beautiful town on the western coastline of Normandy. It’s a popular spot with locals who flock to the lively Plat Gousset beach for picnics, ice creams and family fun. Enjoy a gentle stroll along the seafront and admire the century-old villas and charming townhouses or try your luck in the Art Deco-style casino overlooking the water.
For fashionistas, the Christian Dior Museum is one of the town’s highlights. You’ll love taking in the vast collection of haute couture in this celebrated designer’s childhood home. And for a romantic date night, explore the cobbled streets and ramparts of the Haute-Ville quartier, with its cosy bistros and quaint crêperies.
Granville
4. Perche Regional Nature Park
Traditional Normandy villages and landscapes
Categorías: Asequible, Fotos
Perche Regional Nature Park sprawls across almost 200,000 hectares. If you love to hike, this is the place to visit. Explore tiny villages built around old churches and lose yourself in the winding lanes and traditional charm of the countryside. Enjoy rolling landscapes of gentle hills and lush, green valleys dotted with spectacular manors with unique regional architecture.
The highlight is undoubtedly the Domaine de Courboyer in Perche-en-Nocé with its exquisite stately home dating back to the 15th century, visitor centre, shop and restaurant. It’s free to walk around the 60-hectare estate and you’ll get to see donkeys, Normande cows and the superb, statuesque Percheron draught horses.
Dirección: Maison du Parc, Courboyer, 61340 Saint-Pierre-la-Bruyère, France
Horario: Hours vary by season
Teléfono: +33 (0)2 33 25 70 10
Perche Regional Nature Park
5. The Cider Route
A fascinating tour of local produce
Categorías: Parejas, Fotos
The Cider Route covers a 40-km loop in the stunning Pays d’Auge region. Take a relaxing drive or bike ride through the tranquil countryside and pass through wonderful little villages. You’ll love the half-timbered cottages in Beuvron-en-Auge and the bucolic setting of the cider farms with their picturesque orchards and grazing cattle.
Stop off at any of the 20 cider farms on the route and learn the skills involved in cider production, as well as sampling some of the cider and calvados. It’s a good idea to check the official website before visiting. You’ll find a useful table showing which cider farms speak English and which produce organic cider, as well as the other products available at each farm.
The Cider Route
6. Parc Canadien
For wildlife lovers
Categorías: Familias, Fotos, Aventuras
Parc Canadien lies on the edge of Eawy Forest, 50 km north of Rouen. Climb onboard a military-style truck and enjoy watching large herds of North American bison roam freely. Wildlife lovers will be in awe of the sheer size of these magnificent animals, and you’ll get some amazing photos.
Wear good walking shoes as there’s a scenic trail to visit the wolves on foot. Kids will love spotting these elusive animals as you stroll along the path, and if you visit in May or June, you may see young pups too. Round off your visit with a canoe trip on the river where you can take in the beauty of this idyllic park from the water.
Dirección: 24 Route Dieppe, 76590 Muchedent, France
Horario: Hours vary by season
Teléfono: +33 (0)2 35 04 15 04
Parc Canadien
7. Cap de la Hague
Rugged beauty along the coast
Categorías: Asequible, Fotos
Cap de la Hague is a great spot for those who love hiking, wild, windswept scenery and the great outdoors. Located on the tip of the Cotentin peninsula in the Manche department, it offers spectacular views over the English Channel, the towering cliffs and surrounding nature. On a clear day, you’ll get some lovely photos of the lighthouse too.
Make sure you’re wearing comfortable shoes with a good grip as the rocky paths can get slippery when it rains. Head east along the coast and discover the colourful fishing boats lining the water in quaint Port Racine. Or head west along the coastal path to the Nez de Jobourg with its staggeringly high cliffs and rugged landscape.
Cap de la Hague
8. Biotropica
Exciting animal adventures
Categorías: Familias, Fotos
Biotropica is a wonderful choice for family fun, just south of Rouen. It’s a huge animal park in a lovely rural setting, with over 10 hectares of outdoor parkland. The highlight is its indoor tropical forest. Covering around 5,000 m², it’s a balmy paradise full of exotic plants and animals, including bats, tropical fish and large lizards.
Adults will delight in a tranquil stroll through the Asian gardens admiring the cranes and koi carp, while kids will love watching the cute penguins and mischievous squirrel monkeys at play. There’s also a wonderful farm area for smaller kids, full of ducks, chickens, goats and owls. Don’t miss the feeding times for the meerkats, as it’s a fun experience for all.
Dirección: Base de loisirs, Butte de la Capoulade CD 110, 27100 Val-de-Reuil, France
Horario: Daily from 9.30 am to 6.30 pm
Teléfono: +33 (0)2 32 40 71 44
Biotropica
9. Mortain Waterfalls
An escape to nature close to a charming town
Categorías: Familias, Asequible, Fotos
The Mortain Waterfalls consist of 2 spectacular waterfalls surrounded by lush vegetation and dense forest. Head to the outskirts of the pretty town of Mortain and discover a jungle of leafy plants, thick forestation and fragrant flowers. You’ll see plenty of locals walking their dogs, enjoying a brisk hike or lazing on blankets for a family picnic.
The smaller waterfall, La Petite Cascade, is great for families with younger children. There are plenty of steps and small wooden bridges, making it easy to walk around. La Grande Cascade, the larger waterfall, is a more challenging hike. Climb 25 metres to the top and admire the beautiful scenery and the 17th-century Cistercian abbey.
Dirección: La Grande Cascade, 50140 Mortain-Bocage, France
Mortain Waterfalls
10. Le Tréport Funicular
Magnificent views over a pretty bay
Categorías: Asequible, Fotos, Familias
Le Tréport Funicular is in the coastal town of Le Tréport, halfway between Dieppe and Le Touquet. It’s a unique way to go from the Lower Town to the Upper Town as you’ll pass through staggeringly high cliffs, as well as riding alongside them. The century-old funicular still retains its beauty and original charm, but parts have been restored since World War II bombings.
You’ll love the breathtaking views over the town and bay, with its long, golden beach and the bright blue waters of the English Channel. If you’re feeling energetic, you can even walk up 350 steps and explore the artisanal boutiques in the Upper Town, then take the funicular back down. It’s free to ride too.
Dirección: Rue du Télécabine, 76470 Le Tréport, France
Horario: Hours vary by season
Teléfono: +33 (0)2 35 86 05 69
Le Tréport Funicular
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