4 Best Day Trips to Normandy from Paris

The D-Day beaches, Rouen, the splendid coastal towns... there are plenty of reasons to visit Normandy. The region is very large but can be easily reached from the French capital, especially if you choose an organised excursion.

Among the things to see and do in Paris, a visit to the nearby regions is a must. Normandy will surprise you with its cliffs that end at the Atlantic Ocean and its extraordinarily beautiful green countryside.

On 6 June 1944, Allied troops landed on Omaha Beach. What has gone down in history as 'D-Day' marked a turning point in the Second World War and the definitive decline of the German advance.

These excursions leave Paris early in the morning (around 7:00 am) and include the following stops:

• Omaha Beach, where units from the 1st and 29th US Infantry Divisions landed. The Les Braves monument commemorates this incredible feat.
• American Cemetery and Memorial, the final resting place of the soldiers who gave their lives for freedom. It is located in the town of Colleville-sur-Mer
• Arromanches-les-Bains, a coastal town known for its white cliffs that plunge into the Atlantic. The price of the tour usually includes admission to the Arromanches 360° photo archive, which brings together snapshots of D-Day.
• Juno Beach, the beach conquered by Canadian troops

Throughout the trip, you will have an expert guide and admission to the main attractions. Some Normandy tours include lunch and a cider tasting, but if not, you can find a bar or restaurant in Arromanches-les-Bains. The bus usually returns to Paris in the afternoon.

• Duration: approximately 13 hours
• Price: between £150 and £200

These routes include one night in a hotel and usually visit four cities: Rouen, Honfleur, Saint-Malo and Mont St-Michel, as well as the D-Day beaches in Normandy.

Day 1

The first day begins in Rouen, the historic capital of Normandy. Nicknamed the "city of 100 bell towers" by Victor Hugo, it is known for its medieval Norman centre, which even the Hundred Years' War and World War II were unable to damage.

Visits must include the Cathedral of Notre-Dame, which you will recognise by its large rose window and three slender towers that complete its silhouette.

After the visit, you will arrive at the coastal town of Honfleur. From the 12th century onwards, it became an important port for goods passing through to England.

The Vieux Bassin is undoubtedly the main attraction. This is the name given to the small harbour surrounded by historic buildings that are reflected in the water.

After lunch on your own (I personally recommend La Cidrerie ), you will board the bus again to see the beaches and towns of the Normandy landings. You will usually spend the night in a hotel in Caen.

Day 2

On the second day, you will leave Caen to reach Saint-Malo, home to pirates and legendary explorers such as Jacques Cartier, the discoverer of Canada. The historic centre dates back to the 6th century and, although it was almost completely destroyed during the Second World War, it has lost none of its charm.

After a visit to the cathedral, you can recharge your batteries at Le Bistro Autour du beurre, an authentic restaurant that specialises in butter and seasonal ingredients. In the afternoon, the bus will take you to another world-famous site: Mont St-Michel.

This town stands on a rocky islet surrounded by a large bay. In the Middle Ages, monks settled here and built the abbey that has survived to this day.

If you want to see it surrounded by the sea, I recommend checking the official website for tide times. After leaving Mont Saint-Michel, you will arrive in the French capital in the evening.

• Duration: 2 days
• Price: approximately £450

This last excursion is very similar to the previous one. The only difference is that it includes an extra day to visit the Loire castles.

Normally, the routes visit two castles - Château de Langeais and Chambord - and the Palace of Chenonceau. For more information, I recommend reading the post about excursions to the Loire Castles from Paris.

• Duration: 3 days
• Price: around £600

Normandy is a paradise for foodies. Many associate it with cheese, but that's not its only attraction: the fish and seafood are excellent, as are the lamb, duck, pork and beef.

Tastings usually take place in Honfleur, a beautiful town on the Atlantic coast.

• Camembert, the region's most famous cheese. In its place of origin,
• Livarot, with its typical orange rind and spicy aroma. It is usually enjoyed at the end of a meal accompanied by full-bodied wines or a glass of cider.
• Coulommiers, a dairy product similar to Brie. It pairs well with champagne or Alsatian wines.
• Pont-L'Eveque, a soft cheese with a creamy centre. It is the oldest cheese in the region and its origins probably date back to the 12th century
• Cider, the famous alcoholic drink made from apples. It can be sweet and light or dry with a more distinctive flavour.
• Calvados, a wine obtained from the fermentation of apples with a low alcohol content and a hint of acidity. It is usually drunk as an aperitif or with meals.

Crepes are often part of the menu and are an icon of the local culinary tradition. If you enjoy good food, on your return to the capital you can repeat the experience with a gastronomic tour of Paris.

• Duration: approximately 12 hours
• Price: around £270

Paris is a metropolis and there are thousands of things to see and do. My advice is to book your excursions to Normandy in advance so you don't have to travel to a tourist centre or the office of a company specialising in guided tours.

Everything is easier online: just select the excursion you like best and complete the payment in a few clicks. You will receive your tickets by email and you won't even have to print them.

The north-western region of France has a lot to offer. Its historical attractions and natural beauty make it one of the 10 best tours and excursions from Paris. I have prepared a short list of five reasons to leave the "City of Light" for a day or two:

• This is where Calvados, the famous apple brandy with Designation of Origin,is produced. There is a route called "La Route du Cidre" that runs through the countryside and the most beautiful villages. The Calvados Pierre Huet estate is usually a must-see (Manoir la Brière des Fontaines, 5 Av. des Tilleuls, Cambremer).
• The famous Allied landings during the Second World War took place on Omaha Beach. Nearby are the American Cemetery, the German fortified bases and the D-Day Museum.
• It includes the splendid Mont Saint-Michel Abbey, which, depending on the tides, can be an island or a hill. For more information, I recommend reading the article on excursions to Mont St Michel from Paris.
• There are countless charming villages. Among the most beautiful are Bayeux, Les Andelys, Honfleur and Beuvron-en-Auge, although the list could be much longer.
• Camembert is produced in Normandy, as well as Livarot, Pont L'Evêque and Neufchâtel cheeses. In local delicatessens, you will find the best dairy products in France

What is the best time of year to take a trip to Normandy?

To enjoy the beaches, you should visit the region in summer. At this time of year, temperatures rarely exceed 25º, creating a cool and pleasant atmosphere.

If you visit Paris in June, a trip to Normandy is highly recommended. In addition, every 6 June, the anniversary of D-Day is celebrated, while in July, medieval festivals are held in Caen, Bayeux, Harcourt and other towns.

In terms of the intermediate seasons, spring is preferable to autumn. The temperatures are not very different, but it rains less and the spectacle of the blossoming flowers is simply wonderful. If you like live music, don't miss Jazz sous les pommiers, a jazz festival held in May.

Yes, you can. The easiest way is to hire a car at the airport or at agencies in the city. Once behind the wheel, take the A13 motorway, which passes through the main towns in the region.

The journey time depends on your destination: it takes around 1½ hours to reach Rouen, while you'll need at least 3 hours to get to Bayeux.

Alternatively, you can take a train from Saint-Lazare station (bound for Caen or Bayeux). The journey takes 2 hours or a little longer. For more information on timetables and tickets, I recommend checking the French railways website.

It is a very large region and if you want to explore it on your own, you will have to research prices, itineraries and accommodation if you are staying for one or more nights. An organised excursion saves you all this hassle.

What's more, you travel in a comfortable, air-conditioned coach and breakfast and dinner are usually included (always on longer excursions).

Another advantage is that admission fees are also included. You may have to add some extras, but the main costs are covered.

If you are staying in Paris for a week or more, you can take other short trips. For more ideas, I recommend reading the post on the best excursions from Paris.

As mentioned above, breakfast and dinner are usually included in the price. Therefore, you will only need to find somewhere for lunch. Here are some recommended options in Saint-Malo and Honfleur, two classic stops on two-day trips:

• Le Cambusier, a French restaurant with a modern twist. It also offers lunch menus and vegetarian and vegan options. It is located at 6 Rue des Cordiers in Saint-Malo, a stone's throw from the old town.
• Breizh Cafe, a crepe paradise. It has several locations in Saint-Malo, and I recommend checking the official website for the menu and locations.
• Chez D.D., a wine bar serving tasty snacks. It is a two-minute walk from the port (Rue Cachin 28).
• La Cidrerie, a casual restaurant in Honfleur. I recommend trying their galettes, buckwheat crepes typical of Normandy. They also have an extensive dessert menu (Place Hamelin 26).

Trips to Normandy are usually long and, in some cases, last two or more days. You will see countless monuments, historic centres and natural landscapes, and I am sure you will want to take some photos. To avoid your mobile phone running out of battery, I recommend taking an external battery.

Bear in mind that rain is common throughout the year (with a peak during autumn and winter). Make sure you pack a raincoat and an umbrella in your backpack. If you have enough space, you should also bring some wellington boots.

If you are travelling to Paris in August and want to escape the city, you can bring your swimsuit with you. Don't expect the same heat as in the Mediterranean, but this is the best month to take a dip in the Atlantic. This 'warm season' lasts until the beginning of September.