10 Prettiest Villages in Normandy
What are the Most Beautiful Towns in Normandy?
There’s no shortage of beautiful towns in Normandy. Visit tiny villages bordering rivers, with winding paths full of enticing bistros and boutiques, and explore large towns with impressive monuments and striking architecture. Admire the traditional, half-timbered buildings and thatched roofs in the region’s communes, as well as an immense forest and a historic UNESCO site.
Normandy is known for its spectacular rural landscapes of beautiful orchards and cows grazing in lush fields. Locals love to hike, bike and go horse riding through the picturesque villages and make the most of the amazing scenery and tranquil surroundings. Discover some delightful places in Normandy to explore for yourself in this guide.
1. Mont Saint-Michel
A breathtakingly beautiful UNESCO site
Ideal para: Foto, Alimentação, Vida noturna
Mont Saint-Michel is Normandy’s iconic landmark, just off its western coast. Its narrow, cobbled path, lined with colourful boutiques and eateries, winds all the way up to a beautiful abbey at the top. Explore the islet during the day, then head to the bay area as the sun sets. Look across the water as the orange glow touches the golden statue on the abbey’s spire for a sensational sunset view.
For some unique photos of this beautiful monument, why not join a guided tour of the bay and cross the sands on foot at low tide? You’ll get some amazing pictures, and you can rest your feet in one of the many restaurants or crêperies when you reach the islet.
Mont Saint-Michel
2. Barfleur
A lively, traditional fishing village
Ideal para: Econômico, Foto, Vida noturna
Barfleur holds the prestigious Les Plus Beaux Villages de France (The Most Beautiful Villages in France) label. With its charming port, dotted with colourful boats bobbing in the azure water, it’s easy to see why. Enjoy fresh seafood or a delicious charcuterie board whilst watching the fishing boats come and go and take in the tranquil coastal scene.
It’s best to visit Barfleur in summer, when this small commune comes alive with a huge outdoor music festival and a series of evening concerts in the magnificent Saint-Nicolas de Barfleur church. Discover fantastic bargains and treasures in the port’s annual antique fair too. Admission is free and you can stroll through row after row of furniture, jewellery and paintings.
Barfleur
3. Veules-les-Roses
Idyllic and inspirational architecture
Ideal para: Econômico, Foto, Vida noturna
Veules-les-Roses is a charming coastal village in the Seine-Maritime department. Located less than 20 km from Dieppe, it’s full of traditional, half-timbered and stone houses with cosy thatched roofs. It’s also known for having the shortest river in France. The Veules is just over 1 km long and you can enjoy a scenic stroll along its banks, passing by magnificent watermills.
Discover Victor Hugo’s cave along the river trail, too. He came to Veules-les-Roses to be inspired by the amazing scenery and it’s still a popular destination for writers and artists. You’ll see easels set up along the golden beach as painters try to capture the light reflecting on the water, as well as photographers snapping a perfect sunset.
Veules-les-Roses
4. Le Bec-Hellouin
Floral displays and religious monuments
Ideal para: Foto, Compras, História
Le Bec-Hellouin is a pristine, peaceful village in the heart of the Normandy countryside. You’ll be struck by the beauty of historic Bec Abbey and its impressive tower in the centre of the commune. A large community of Benedictine monks call this stunning building home, making candles and exquisite pottery by hand to sell in the boutique.
This authentic Normandy village radiates serenity with an abbey, church and monastery all within a short distance of each other. Explore the tiny paths and alleyways full of bright floral blooms in spring, and enjoy a gentle stroll, photographing the yellow, rust and copper shades of the beech trees in autumn. You’ll get some great Instagram-worthy snaps.
Le Bec-Hellouin
5. Beuvron-en-Auge
Fantastic food and stunning scenery
Ideal para: Foto, Alimentação, Compras
Beuvron-en-Auge lies halfway between Caen and Lisieux. Classed as one of ‘The Most Beautiful Villages in France’, it’s a delightful escape to rural tranquillity. Head to Place Michel Vermughen in the centre to find a picturesque square full of half-timbered houses, tiny boutiques selling artisanal delights and a spectacular manor house. You’ll find year-round festivals dedicated to apples, cider and even geraniums, so there’s always an excuse to indulge in the local gastronomy.
The centre is home to high-quality restaurants which use fresh and locally sourced ingredients, but walk or bike to the outskirts of the village for wonderful scenery. You’ll discover green fields of horses and huge orchards extending as far as your eyes can see.
Beuvron-en-Auge
6. Lyons-la-Foret
The great outdoors
Ideal para: Econômico, Foto, Alimentação
Lyons-la-Forêt is one of the most beautiful towns in Normandy. On a sunny day, locals love to sit on the terraces of the cafes and restaurants, watching the world go by and admiring the traditional façades of the buildings. It’s a small town, approximately 35 km east of Rouen, but with lots of character and charm.
If you love being outdoors, surrounded by nature, Lyons-la-Forêt is a great place to visit. The town is surrounded by over 10,000 hectares of dense forest, with an abundance of hiking, biking and horse-riding trails. Don’t miss the arboretum, which is free to enter. Follow the signposted trail and discover a wonderful collection of trees from all over the world in this peaceful oasis.
Lyons-la-Foret
7. Saint-Ceneri-le-Gerei
A haven of peace for artists
Ideal para: Foto, Alimentação
Saint-Céneri-le-Gérei is located just over 10 km from Alençon, the administrative capital of the Orne department. Known locally as Saint Céneri, it’s a sleepy village full of old stone houses, meandering lanes and colourful flowers adorning windowsills and doorsteps. Time seems to stand still here as people stroll gently, taking their time to soak up the breathtaking scenery and tranquillity of the area.
Artists and painters have been flocking to Saint Céneri since the 19th century. You can visit a small museum, called the Auberge des Soeurs Moisy, which celebrates this tradition. Explore the tiny studios and workshops dotted amongst the quaint boutiques, and dine in a small, traditional bistro overlooking the Sarthe River and the beautiful 4-arched bridge.
Saint-Ceneri-le-Gerei
8. Les Andelys
Spectacular buildings and a local legend
Ideal para: Econômico, Foto, História
Les Andelys lies 35 km from Evreux, on the banks of the Seine. Its stunning architecture makes this one of Normandy’s most visited towns. Climb up to the ruins of Château Gaillard and take in magnificent, panoramic views. From here, you’ll see the impressive dome of Saint-Jacques hospital, as well as the striking façade of Notre-Dame church. With its immense size and beauty, it resembles a cathedral.
To discover a legend dating back over 1,500 years, head to the fountain on Rue Sainte-Clotilde. It’s said that the water is miraculous and can heal skin problems and diseases. The beautiful, half-timbered Nicolas Poussin Museum is just a short walk away, too, and it’s highly recommended.
Les Andelys
9. Etretat
A famous coastal town
Ideal para: Foto, Compras, Alimentação
Etretat is known for its unique rock formations standing tall in the cool waters of the English Channel. Stand on top of the chalky white cliffs and enjoy a magnificent vista along the Alabaster Coast and sweeping views across the water. You’ll love the dramatic, rugged coastline, which contrasts beautifully with the pristine beach below and the immaculate golf course perched high on the cliff.
The town itself is just as beautiful as the shoreline and full of pretty shops and eateries to tempt you. Stroll around the town admiring the Belle Epoque-style houses and snap some great photos of Le Vieux Marché, the indoor market with its beautiful aged wooden structure, whilst you’re shopping for souvenirs.
Etretat
10. Honfleur
Harbour views
Ideal para: Alimentação, Foto, Vida noturna
Honfleur overlooks the calm waters of the Seine estuary, and you’ll delight in a gentle walk along the cobbled streets of the harbour. Take in the brightly coloured awnings and facades of the many art galleries, cafes and restaurants, and enjoy fresh seafood or sugary crepes as you sit on the terraces and watch the boats come and go. Locals and tourists alike enjoy watching the dazzling sunsets from the harbour’s terraces, so don’t forget your camera for Instagrammable photos.
To appreciate the true beauty of Honfleur, visit the Chapel of Notre-Dame de Grâce. The church itself is mesmerising but it’s the panoramic views from its grounds, over the town and the estuary, that will take your breath away.
Honfleur
Este artigo inclui opiniões da equipe editorial dos Go Guides. A Hoteis.com remunera os autores dos textos publicados neste site, o que pode incluir custos de viagens e outras despesas.