16 Reasons to Visit Normandy, France with Kids (2025)
Best Things to Do & See as a Family in the Normandy Region
“How can you govern a country which has 246 varieties of cheese?”
A small village in Normandy where we stopped for lunch
Are you looking for an entirely new type of family destination? Perhaps you’ve done the theme parks, the beaches, the family cruises, or all-inclusive resorts, and now you’re craving something deeper and more meaningful, something that sparks curiosity in your kids and leaves all of you a little more connected to the world.
How about a location that offers that rare combination of hands-on history, natural beauty, and kid-friendly adventures that feel anything but ordinary? What if you could find a destination that is more than just a vacation? What if you and your kids could walk through the pages of world history together, taste a new culture, and build lasting memories you’ll all be talking about for years, even decades? Read on to discover your next bucket list family travel destination.
Explore the Magic of Normandy with Your Kids
Located in northwestern France, the beautiful region of Normandy is filled with wild landscapes, rich history, and charm. It is famous for its medieval and 20th-century history, Impressionist art, regional cuisine, beautiful landscapes, and picturesque towns. From William the Conqueror and Joan of Arc to the famous D-Day landings of WWII, there is so much for your family to experience and learn about together.
If you have school-aged children, we recommend spending some time, whether it be a few days or a few weeks, exploring this fantastic region. You can take in the breathtaking scenery, including 350 miles of coastline. It's also the perfect place to witness incredibly well-preserved historic landmarks that will give your children incomparable lessons in history that will stick with them for a lifetime.
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16 Reasons to Visit Normandy, France with Your Family
Normandy isn’t just a place on the map—it’s a journey through time. Imagine standing on the same sandy beaches where history was made, wandering through medieval towns that inspired legends, and exploring breathtaking landscapes that have captivated artists for centuries. Whether you’re tracing the footsteps of American soldiers at the D-Day landing sites, marveling at the intricate details of the Bayeux Tapestry, or indulging in fresh seafood at a picnic area along the coast, Normandy is a great place for a family trip filled with adventure and discovery.
But with so much to see and do, how do you make the most of your time here? We’ve got you covered with the best things to do, must-see sights, and the best time to visit for an unforgettable experience in northern France.
Normandy Was Voted the Most Desirable Region in Europe!
In November 2022, hundreds of the world’s travel leaders came together at the Tower of London for the 21st annual Wanderlust Travel Awards. Wanderlust Magazine is the UK's leading independent travel media brand and has served its readers since 1993. Each year, the magazine asks its readers to vote for their favorite countries, cities, regions, and more, both within Europe and around the rest of the world. For the first time, a French region took Gold for the Most Desirable Region (Europe), which was Normandy! Normandy nudged out Andalusia and the Greek Islands to win the Gold.
Normandy is Stunning in Every Season
You can explore major visitor attractions like Mont-Saint-Michel or the D-Day sites in the spring when there are fewer crowds and spring flowers are coming alive. Enjoy locally loved parks, recreational activities like biking and boating, and light shows in the summer (Rouen, Mont-Saint-Michel, and Bayeux). Attend food festivals to sample the abundant apple harvest and local cheese and seafood during the autumn harvest season. In late fall and early winter, enjoy the numerous Christmas markets throughout the region that will put you in the holiday spirit. No matter the season, the picturesque half-timbered houses and the Normandy coast will surely provide unforgettable family holidays. There is always something fun to do!
Getting to Normandy is a Breeze
Normandy's convenient location makes it a popular destination for day trips from other parts of France. From Paris-Charles de Gaulle Airport, you can reach the easternmost border of Normandy in just an hour by car. The closest beaches to Paris are about a two-hour drive. We rented a car to explore the region. You could also catch a train from Paris Saint-Lazare station and arrive in Giverny in just an hour, or Rouen in less than an hour and a half. Normandy can be reached from the UK by ferry via one of four cross-Channel ports in a few hours.
For those who like to cruise, Cherbourg and Le Havre are popular port destinations for cruise lines that offer port excursions to visit the beaches of Normandy, Mont Saint Michel, Claude Monet’s home in Giverny, and the Rouen Cathedral. You can also book cruises on the Seine River that cruise through the Normandy towns. Some even offer round-trip cruises from Paris to Normandy, with excursions to all the most popular tourist sites throughout the beautiful region.
Étretat's Breathtaking Cliffs: A Masterpiece of Nature & Art
Over the centuries, nature has carved some unusual shapes from the white cliffs in Étretat. As a result, the town has attracted many artists who have sought to capture its beauty on canvas. Both Claude Monet and Eugène Boudin immortalized the Aval arch in their famous paintings. While the arched cliffs are the main attraction, the town also boasts an 18-hole golf course overlooking the needle-like structure of L’Aiguille.
In addition, you can tour the Jardins d’Étretat, a beautiful, Asian-inspired garden with incredible views over the white cliffs of Étretat. We highly recommend hiking up the limestone cliffs to the east to take in the beautiful surroundings and to enjoy a stunning sunset during your visit.
Walk Through History on Normandy's World War II Sites
You can't visit Normandy, France, without visiting some of the beaches where the course of history was changed. Multiple D-Day museums are dedicated to sharing the Allied Forces’ efforts to liberate France and the rest of Europe during Operation Overlord in June 1944.
The Musée du Débarquement in Arromanches (Gold Beach) was the first museum built in Normandy to present the events from June 6, 1944, to the conclusion of Operation Overlord and the rest of the War. In March 2023, the museum unveiled a new exhibition space to help visitors understand the incredible technological challenge of building the artificial port, a gigantic project initiated by Winston Churchill. The new building is just a few steps away from the former museum, right in front of the remains of the artificial port, Mulberry Harbour.
We toured the Musée Mémorial de la Bataille de Normandie (Memorial Museum of the Battle of Normandy) in Bayeux with our kids, and we all learned so much. We were relieved that each display had English translations, so we could easily understand everything. The girls enjoyed wandering through the displays and loved reading about the countries, leaders, and battles of Operation Overlord and seeing pictures, timelines, and the equipment used.
You can also walk any of the five D-Day landing beaches: Utah, Omaha, Gold, Juno, and Sword. We walked on Gold Beach, where we saw the remnants of one of the artificial harbors. Allied forces built these to deliver valuable equipment, tanks, troops, and reinforcements into France. We also visited Omaha Beach, where we tried to imagine what it must have been like for our soldiers to land there, facing fierce enemy fire from the German troops situated on high cliffs looming over the beach. Perched partway up the steep hillside, we found the remains of a German bunker and walked through it as a family. Looking down at the beach from this bunker gave us a deeper appreciation for the tremendous sacrifice made by our troops.
Several cemeteries provide the final resting place for those who gave their lives in the effort. We toured the Normandy American Cemetery at Omaha Beach, which overlooks the landing beach. Our children were as moved by our entire D-Day Experience as the adults, and it has been a topic of conversation on many occasions since our visit.
Insider Tip: If you visit this year between April 12 and September 12, you’ll be able to witness the “Standing with Giants” installation on the meadow fields of the British Normandy Memorial overlooking Gold Beach. The stunning silhouette display was introduced in honor of the 80th Anniversary of D-Day last year.
It was so well-received that they have brought it back to allow more visitors to witness the powerful display of 1,475 servicemen standing with heads bowed overlooking the beach. The display pays its respects to the lives lost on June 6, 1944. This year’s display will include images of radio operators, medics, and the only two women who died while saving soldiers.
Mont Saint-Michel: France's Fairy Tale Island
The iconic Mont-Saint-Michel is second only to the Eiffel Tower as France’s most popular tourist attraction. We could quickly see that this beautiful medieval walled city, crowned by its stunning Gothic abbey, was everything we imagined it would be, and more!
The island and its surrounding bay were among the first monuments classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979. Le Mont-Saint-Michel is more than just a church on a rock; it is one of the few places in France to have preserved its medieval walls. We highly recommend staying overnight to enjoy the quiet and calm as you explore the island town after dark, when it is much less crowded.
We spent nearly a full day exploring after waking up on this fairy tale island. We ventured up the many stairs to tour the abbey, indulged in sweet treats, and enjoyed the view during low tide. The whole family carefully ventured out onto the sand to get a better vantage point of the iconic Mont-Saint-Michel, enjoying the stunning view for a long time before making the trek back to pick up our luggage from the hotel, before making the relatively short drive to Rennes. We learned so much during our visit to the island, including one reason why we will return to Mont-Saint-Michel someday!
Caen: Walk in the Footsteps of William the Conqueror
The gorgeous town of Caen is bursting with history that dates back to the 9th century when the Vikings first settled the territory. The region owes its name to the Vikings, or Normans (northmen), of that historical period. For almost 150 years following the Norman conquest of England in 1066, Normandy and England were linked by having the same person reign as both Duke of Normandy and King of England. The first Norman king, William the Conqueror, has a significant presence here. He had the Abbey of Saint-Étienne built to better his relationship with the church, hoping to receive the church’s blessing for his marriage to Matilda of Flanders. The church even serves as his final resting place.
Insider Tip: From March to December, Caen celebrates its Millennium (1,000 years) with some very special events. From parades to maritime adventures to the culminating celebration in December, there has never been a better time to visit Caen!
Rouen: A City of Gothic Grandeur & Joan of Arc's Legacy
The city of Rouen is known for having some very notable buildings and landmarks. The town includes about 2,000 beautiful half-timbered houses. It is dominated by its 151m tall Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Rouen, the tallest cathedral in France. Claude Monet painted its beautiful façade over 30 times in varying degrees of light. The mummified heart of Richard the Lionheart (Richard I of England) is buried in a tomb there. It has survived religious wars, the French Revolution, and World War II!
The large clock tower, Gros-Horloge, is one of the most photographed landmarks in the city. Hovering above Rouen’s main shopping street, it welcomes visitors with its Renaissance design. Église Sainte-Jeanne-d’Arc was completed in 1979 and rises over where Joan of Arc was burned at the stake in 1431. Her namesake museum is also located in Rouen and takes visitors on an interactive journey of her life and death. In addition to its impressive historical sites, Rouen offers visitors several beautiful botanical gardens and a vibrant metropolitan city full of culture and gastronomic experiences.
If your travels take you to Rouen during the summer, you’re in for a treat. The Rouen Cathedral treats visitors to a beautiful sound and light show each evening after dark. From May 31st through September 27th, you can watch a projection light show that illuminates the cathedral. This year’s show is a Viking theme that retraces the Scandinavian invasions of Normandy.
Insider Tip: The Rouen à Table celebrates its 25th anniversary in October. The free festival attracts around 150,000 annual visitors. This year, it will occur on Saturday, October 11th, and Sunday, October 12th.
The massive event is a fabulous way to experience local foods. In addition to the apples and ciders the region is famous for, you’ll find cheeses, sausages, mustard, wine, and more. You’ll also see participants dressed in traditional Norman costumes to make you feel like you’ve been transported through time.
Giverny: Step into a Monet Painting
We ended up spending way more time here than we’d anticipated. Our daughters loved walking in Claude Monet's footsteps as we toured his spectacular home and gardens and imagined his paintings coming to life. Our youngest ended up with my phone, trying to painstakingly capture the beauty of each flower.
We spent significant time wandering through the Japanese water gardens, enjoying the stunning landscaping and the small creatures drawn to it. His home, which is filled with colorful rooms and plentiful knick-knacks, was also quite interesting to tour. We learned so much about his life and relationships, in addition to appreciating the beauty that he found so inspiring.
Le Havre: From War Ruins to Hipster Haven
Le Havre is the birthplace of Impressionism. It was here that Claude Monet painted Impression Sunrise in 1873. It was one of the nine works he showed at the First Impressionist Exhibition of 1874. It is also one of France’s most unique cities. The Independent recently crowned it a hipster heaven due to some impressively modern architecture added in the last twenty years.
Despite being heavily destroyed during World War II, the city center was rebuilt by architect Auguste Perret and was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2005. In addition to history and modern architecture, visitors will enjoy a lively music scene and some trendy bars and cafés. You might want to visit the Musée d'art moderne André Malraux (or MuMa for short). This contemporary art museum was the first museum in Le Havre. Also, check out Les Bains des Docks, the aquatic center designed by Jean Nouvel and inspired by ancient Roman baths.
Catch the Excitement of Normandy's Iconic Sailing Race
If you’re blessed to be in the Normandy region this October, you can attend a spectacular event. Formerly known as the Transat Jacques Vabre, the world’s toughest and longest-running transatlantic sailing event is getting a new name this year. The Transat Café L’OR Le Havre Normandie is a massive event on the international sailing calendar!
Every other year, at the end of October, visitors gather for the regatta, featuring 10 days of celebrations. The festivities, which are set up around where the boats are moored, end with a huge party and a fireworks display the day before sailing. The boats leave from the seaside resort of Le Havre heading toward Fort-de-France Bay in the West Indies. The course retraces the historic coffee route between the first coffee-trading port in France and the beautiful coffee-producing lands of the West Indies. The regatta is the ideal opportunity for visitors to discover this famous sailing competition.
Insider Tip: This year’s celebration takes place in Le Havre beginning on October 17 with 10 days of free entertainment, including the opportunity to meet some of the world’s greatest sailors. Nearly 200 skippers and their boats will be lined up in the Paul Vatine basin. The event will culminate in the start of the race on October 26th.
Thrills & Fun: Normandy's Best Theme Parks
Many kids love a good theme park or amusement park, and Normandy is home to many fun and unique options. Park du Bocasse is located in the countryside, just 25km from Rouen, and is Normandy’s oldest theme park. It features great thrill rides, water fun at Splash City, and plenty of fun outdoor activities for children of all ages. Festyland is Normandy’s largest theme park and boasts Viking-themed rides and shows, which are a great way to immerse your young children in the Viking/Norman influence of the region. Parc Ange Michel is another fun option with a wide range of activities in a beautiful setting, just 25 minutes from Mont-Saint-Michel!
Normandy has several climbing and adventure parks for older children who crave a challenge. Beauregard Adventure-Treetop Adventure Park is just five minutes from Caen and offers 160 activities for all ages. Les Randos de Peirrot delivers the unique concept of motorized hiking without CO2 emissions or noise.
We took our girls to Bayeux Adventure Park for a day of ziplining in the trees and playing fun games and activities. It was a huge hit, and they can’t wait to return someday. Bayeux Adventure Park also hosts a summer concert series, providing a fun way to enjoy summer. Each weekend in July and August, a different band performs at this locally loved park.
Cherbourg's Favorite Monument: A Must-Visit for History Buffs
Each year, a contest in France asks residents to vote for their favorite monument. Each region submits a candidate, and the public determines the winner. In 2022, viewers of the “Monument Préféré des Français” TV program voted for La Gare Maritime Transatlantique de Cherbourg et le sous-marin Le Redoutable. The Cherbourg Transatlantic Maritime Station was the most significant construction in France after Versailles, back when it was built in 1933. The monument beat out 13 other contenders throughout France.
Visitors will find a unique and family-friendly museum that tells the city’s maritime history. The museum is housed in an impressive Art Deco building listed as a property of national importance. The structure was partially demolished during World War II and rebuilt, keeping original features such as the rail tracks. The place that once bustled with the activity of luxury trains and wealthy passengers embarking on a transatlantic cruise liner has been lovingly preserved.
Today, you can visit Le Redoutable, the only ballistic missile nuclear submarine in the world open to the public. You can take an audio tour of the 128m long vessel to experience how the crew would have functioned daily. Another exhibit, Return to Titanic, was created in 2012 to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the sinking of the Titanic. Cherbourg holds a connection with the Titanic, which made her second-to-last stop there before heading out to her fate. The exhibit recreates several scenes onboard and is narrated from 3 different perspectives: a child, a wealthy woman, and a poor man. In addition to Le Redoutable and Return to Titanic, visitors can experience several other exhibits at the museum.
Shop Like a Local at Normandy's Bustling Markets
Almost every town, from small villages to larger cities, hosts a market. This is the best place to get the freshest locally sourced produce, cheeses, and meat. (Normandy has excellent fresh fish!) The Saint-Pierre-sur-Dives market is said to be the largest market in France and has been around since the days of William the Conqueror! The French market boasts over 200 booths selling fresh local produce, ciders, cheeses, dairy products, clothes, bags, and accessories. You can even participate in a livestock auction. The Norman barn where it is held is an attraction in itself.
Every town and village will have a website with information on when and where markets are held. These markets are the ideal place for you and your kids to try local cuisine, meet locals, and even practice your French.
Enjoy the Amazing Regional Cuisine
Gastronomy is a huge part of the culture of this region. The Normandy region is home to 28 Michelin Star restaurants! But even if you’re not planning to splurge on fine dining as a family, there are plenty of ways to introduce your kids to Normandy's excellent cuisine.
Seafood is abundant here due to its 350 miles of coastline and numerous seaside towns. The region is also famous for its Normande breed of cows, which provides a menu full of excellent meats and cheeses. You’ll also find sheep grazing throughout the region, providing a delicious bounty of milk and cheese. We enjoyed lots of crepes and gaufres (waffles) throughout France, but we found some amazing savory crepes made with buckwheat flour called galettes in Normandy. Our girls even found that their burgers were served on a buckwheat flour bun when we had dinner at Le Moulin de la Galette during our stay near Bayeux.
Another classic staple of this region is apples due to the large number of apple orchards. Apple ciders are produced in and sold throughout the region. Their origins date back to the 11th century! You’ll also want to try Calvados, an aged apple brandy that can only be made in the Normandy region of France (similar to how Bourbon only comes from Kentucky). It is offered as both an aperitif and a digestif, although it is more traditionally considered an after-dinner drink.
France is known for its delicious breads and desserts. Brioche, a bread enriched with butter and eggs, is believed to have originated in the Normandy region. Even though it’s unlikely that Marie Antoinette ever uttered the words translated as “Let them eat cake,” the phrase often attributed to her is the traditional translation of the French phrase "Qu'ils mangent de la brioche," referring to the luxury food item. In addition to brioche, the region takes advantage of the abundant apple crop in its signature dessert, the Tarte Normande. This pastry, filled with sliced apples, almonds, and sugar, is traditionally topped with egg custard and baked until the topping is caramelized. There are plenty of ways to treat your taste buds while visiting the different areas within Normandy!
Have an Uncommon Family Adventure in Normandy
The Normandy Tourism Board has compiled a list of unique experiences in the Normandy region. These include active and outdoor experiences as well as lifestyle and wellness opportunities. Some family-friendly adventures include canoeing in the Suisse Normande, water sports in the Bay of Mont-Saint-Michel, painting like Claude Monet on the Alabaster Coast, and making organic apple juice in Pays d’Auge. You can find out about these experiences and more on their website.
Create Unforgettable Family Memories in Normandy
Normandy is more than a destination; it’s an experience your family will never forget. It's a place where history comes alive, where kids can run along the same beaches that changed the course of history, explore medieval castles, and indulge in crêpes and cider after a great day of adventure. This region invites you to experience history, culture, and connection in a way that no textbook or screen ever could.
Whether you visit for the stunning coastal views and rich heritage, or simply to slow down and enjoy time with the whole family, Normandy offers an unforgettable experience for all ages.
Are you ready to turn your next trip into a legacy your kids will cherish forever? Have you visited Normandy with your family? Share your favorite places, hidden gems, or travel tips in the comments—we’d love to hear your story!
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