Before heading to Brittany, I actually drove through Normandy after crossing into France from Belgium. I have visited Normandy a few times before, and I really enjoy this part of France. Just like Brittany, it is especially beautiful when the sun is shining. I started my journey with the iconic Le Mont Saint Michel. Followed by Rouen and the D-Day coastline. What incredible places to visit! It had been on my bucket list for years, and it certainly lived up to the hype.
From the historic streets of Rouen to the picturesque harbour of Honfleur and the many charming villages in between, Normandy always has something to offer.
Read about my experience in Brittany here – Discovering the pretty towns of Brittany.
Le Mont Saint Michel
As you drive along, it finally comes into view: the famous Le Mont-Saint-Michel, a place that had been on my bucket list for quite some time. This historic abbey rises from a rocky island. It is surrounded by a small village that is still home to around 44 residents, many of whom are monks.
My original plan was to cycle there, but bikes aren’t allowed between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m., so I ended up walking the roughly 2 km causeway leading to the abbey instead. (If you prefer, there’s also a shuttle bus.)
It was absolutely stunning. With every step closer, the views became even more impressive, revealing more of the intricate details of the buildings. Seeing Le Mont-Saint-Michel rise out of the surrounding landscape was every bit as spectacular as I’d hoped.
For me, Le Mont Saint Michel is even more impressive from the outside than from within. As soon as you enter Le Mont Saint Michel, the narrow streets and passageways can feel quite enclosed. Moreover, they’re often packed with tourists, especially during the middle of the day.
Personally, I didn’t find the abbey itself worth visiting from the inside, but I’ll leave that decision up to you. The real highlight of Le Mont Saint Michel was climbing the many staircases, wandering through the medieval streets, and enjoying the spectacular views across the surrounding bay. If you’re exploring Rouen and the D-Day coastline, Le Mont Saint Michel is an unforgettable stop. It is also one of the most iconic sights in Normandy.
Cycling of course …
As my hotel was close to Le Mont Saint Michel, I took the opportunity to cycle there the following morning. It was mainly for the photos, of course, but also so I could say I’d ridden my bike to one of France’s most iconic landmarks.
During my stay at Le Mont Saint Michel, the tide was out. While it was still impressive, it was a little disappointing not to see Le Mont Saint Michel completely surrounded by the sea, as I’d always imagined it. Even so, finally visiting Le Mont Saint Michel and crossing it off my bucket list was an incredible experience. One I’ll remember for a long time.
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Rouen – beautiful Rouen
I have visited Rouen several times, and it remains one of my favourite cities in France—yes, even more than Paris. Rouen is best known as the city of Joan of Arc, who was tried and burned at the stake here in 1431. Today, you can visit the moving memorial at the historic Place du Vieux-Marché, where these events took place.
Beyond its fascinating history, Rouen is simply a beautiful place to wander. The cobbled streets, medieval half-timbered houses, and charming squares make it one of the most picturesque cities in Normandy. The magnificent Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Rouen is another highlight, with its breathtaking Gothic façade that inspired a series of paintings by Claude Monet. If you’re a fan of his work, it’s also worth visiting Giverny, where Monet’s famous house and gardens are just over an hour away.
I was lucky enough to visit Rouen on a beautiful sunny day. As it happened, a boat festival featuring some of the world’s tallest sailing ships was taking place along the River Seine. It made for a spectacular backdrop in my photos, although there were simply too many people around for me to venture into the event itself.
If you’re planning a trip to France, make sure to put Rouen on your itinerary. While Paris gets most of the attention, Rouen offers beautiful medieval architecture, fascinating history, and a much more relaxed atmosphere without the crowds and chaos of the French capital.
For anyone exploring Rouen and the D-Day coastline, this charming Normandy city makes the perfect stop. In my opinion, Rouen is one of the most underrated cities in France, and I already can’t wait to return.
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The coast of Normandy
Most people have heard of the D-Day landings on the Normandy coast. On 6 June 1944, during Operation Overlord, Allied forces launched the largest seaborne invasion in history. This invasion marked the beginning of the liberation of Western Europe during the Second World War.
The D-Day coastline stretches for more than 100 kilometres, and during my trip I visited several of its famous landing beaches and memorials, from Juno Beach to Omaha Beach. The weather was cold and windy, but that somehow added to the atmosphere. Standing on these historic beaches really brings the events of D-Day into perspective. For this reason, history is always part of travelling, and nowhere is that more evident than along the D-Day coastline.
It was definitely different to the Le Mont Saint Michel.
D-Day coastline
Continuing west along the D-Day coastline, make sure to stop in the charming town of Bayeux. Its magnificent cathedral is well worth a visit and is another architectural masterpiece in Normandy.
By this point in my travels, though, I think I’ve seen more than my fair share of cathedrals! Somehow, they all manage to impress me in their own way, but I’ll admit they do start to blend together after a while.
And while you’re exploring Rouen and the D-Day coastline, don’t miss the picturesque harbour town of Honfleur (photos at the end) and the elegant seaside resort of Deauville. Both are relatively small, but each has its own unique charm and idyllic atmosphere.
Honfleur is famous for its colourful harbour and narrow streets, while Deauville has a distinctly luxurious feel. Where else can you find Hermès and Louis Vuitton boutiques housed in beautiful historic buildings? It’s a combination that feels uniquely French.
And so…
I thoroughly enjoyed exploring Rouen and the D-Day coastline. Finally seeing Le Mont Saint Michel in person was undoubtedly the highlight of the trip, while returning to beautiful Rouen reminded me why it’s one of my favourite cities in France. I’m certain it won’t be my last visit to this incredible part of Normandy.
After plenty of driving, exploring historic towns, and discovering the stunning coastline of Normandy and Brittany, it was time to swap four wheels for two. My next adventure is all about cycling through France, and I can’t wait to share it with you.
Stay tuned… there’s plenty more to come! Read here my next blog: Cycling the la loire a vélo path - from Bois to Orléans Photos - Beautiful Honfleur Town:
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