Normandy, France: A 7-Day Travel Itinerary with Kat Butler

Exploring Normandy's Diverse Attractions

• 🗺️ Kat Butler recommends a seven-day itinerary for Normandy, France, highlighting its rich mix of history, culture, nature, and gastronomy.
• 🚗 Renting a car is advised for easy exploration, especially for visiting smaller towns and the Cider Route.

Day 1: Artistic Heritage and Historic Castles

• 🎨 Begin in Giverny to visit Monet's house and gardens, experiencing the inspiration behind his famous water lily paintings.
• 🏰 Stop at Château Gaillard in Les Andelys, a 12th-century castle built by Richard the Lionheart, offering scenic views of the Seine.
• ⛪ Conclude the day in Rouen, exploring its old town, the Gros Horloge clock, and the Rouen Cathedral, with an optional summer light show.
• ⚔️ Learn about Joan of Arc in Rouen, where a modern church dedicated to her stands near the site of her burning.

Day 2: Coastal Cliffs and Charming Harbors

• 🌊 Travel to Étretat to witness its famous white chalk cliffs, natural arches (Port d'Aval, Port d'Amont, Manneporte), and the "needle" rock formation.
• 🚶 Hike the cliffs for stunning views and explore the boardwalk, Le Planche.
• 🚢 Visit Honfleur, known for its picturesque old harbor lined with colorful buildings and the unique wooden Church of Saint Catherine of Alexandria.
• 🏨 End the day in Deauville, a popular resort town known for luxury shopping and its beach.

Day 3: Cider Route and Cheese Tasting

• 🍎 Explore the Cider Route (Route du Cidre) from Deauville, sampling Calvados (apple brandy), cider, and other apple products.
• 🧀 Visit Pont-l'Évêque for a cheese tasting, focusing on Normandy's four types of soft, bloomy rind cheeses: Camembert, Livarot, Pont-l'Évêque, and Neufchâtel.

Day 4: Deauville's Coastal Charm

• 🏖️ Enjoy a day in Deauville, relaxing on the beach, walking the famous boardwalk (Le Planche) with its celebrity-named changing cabins, and visiting the local market.
• 🐟 Experience fresh seafood at the fish market in Trouville, right across the bridge from Deauville.
• 🐎 Explore Deauville's equestrian heritage, including potential horseback riding on the beach.

Day 5: D-Day Beaches and Historical Significance

• 🎖️ Dedicate a day to the D-Day landing beaches, including Pointe du Hoc, Utah Beach, and Omaha Beach.
• 🏛️ Visit museums like the one at Utah Beach or the Airborne Museum in Sainte-Mère-Église, known for its paratrooper statue.
• 🕊️ Reflect at the Normandy American Cemetery and witness the flag-lowering ceremony if staying late.

Day 6: Bayeux Tapestry and Mont Saint-Michel

• 🖼️ Explore Bayeux, home to the magnificent Bayeux Tapestry, which depicts the Norman conquest of England.
• ⛰️ Visit Mont Saint-Michel, a stunning tidal island crowned by an abbey, offering breathtaking views and a unique historical experience.
• 🚶 Walk or take a bus to the island, exploring the abbey and its ramparts.

Day 7: Camembert Cheese and Norman Countryside

• 🧀 Visit the Maison du Camembert in the town of Camembert to learn about the cheese-making process and enjoy a tasting.
• 🏘️ Explore Saint-Pierre-sur-Dives, featuring a medieval covered market (Halles de Saint-Pierre-sur-Dives) and old water wheels.
• 🌳 Relax and enjoy the picturesque Norman countryside, perhaps staying at a renovated château.