Rouen is a historic city known for its stunning Gothic architecture, including the famous Rouen Cathedral. Other points of interest include the Gros Horloge, a beautiful astronomical clock, and the Joan of Arc Museum, which tells the story of the famous French saint. Enjoy delicious French cuisine at one of Rouen’s many restaurants.
Bayeux is a charming town known for its world-famous tapestry depicting the Norman conquest of England. Visit the Centre Guillaume le Conquérant to see the Bayeux Tapestry and learn about the town’s history. Other points of interest include the Bayeux Cathedral and the Musée de la Bataille de Normandie, dedicated to the D-Day landings of 1944.
Mont Saint-Michel is a stunningly beautiful island monastery off the coast of Normandy. Visit the Abbey of Mont Saint-Michel, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and explore the charming streets and shops of the island village. Be sure to try the local specialty, omelettes made with the island’s famous salt marsh lambs.
Travelers can rent a car or take a train to explore Normandy. The journey from Le Havre to Rouen takes around 1 hour 18 minutes (80.8 km), while the journey from Rouen to Bayeux takes around 2 hours 1 minute (168 km) and the journey from Bayeux to Mont Saint-Michel takes around 1 hour 53 minutes (131 km). Train tickets can be purchased online or at the station, with prices ranging from €10-20 per journey depending on the class of travel. Car rental prices vary but can be booked for around €30-50 per day.
If you have more time, consider visiting the charming fishing village of Honfleur or the fashion capital of Caen. If you have less time, skip Rouen and head directly to Bayeux to save time. Wear comfortable walking shoes as many sights in Normandy involve walking on cobblestone streets and stairs.
The closest airport to Normandy is the Deauville-Normandie Airport (DOL), located in Deauville. It is approximately 90 minutes by car from the center of Bayeux. Other nearby airports include the Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) and the Paris Orly Airport (ORY), both of which are around 3 hours by car from Bayeux.