Normandy: land of authenticity
Renowned for its many assets, Normandy is a region you absolutely need to discover.
Between its spectacular landscapes, its diverse gastronomy and its rich historical heritage, your stay in Norman land will charm you.
Begin your road trip in the Eure (27) then drive down the coast to the Manche (50) and let yourself be entranced by your discoveries…
Step
St-André-de-l'Eure
Kilometer 0
To discover
This Norman road trip starts in the Eure department, more precisely in the town of St André de l’Eure. Discover this rural village, which was created after the merging of three parishes around a church.
Activities:
- Visit the Saint André church in the heart of the village.
- Spend some time in the Wind Instruments Museum: this is the very first museum dedicated to instrument making.
- Stroll through the Norman countryside and admire the local fauna and flora.
To taste
Norman cider
Cider is made from the fermented juice of apples from which sugar is transformed into alcohol. Discover and taste different types of cider: dry, medium dry, sweet…
Step
Evreux
Kilometer 18
To discover
We continue our tour to the town of Evreux. This urban break will allow you to discover its Gallo-Roman remains, its buildings and many shops.
Activities:
- - Admire the Notre Dame cathedral and its style halfway between the Roman and Renaissance periods.
- - Visit the Art, History and Archeology Museum.
- - Have a walk in the botanical garden François Mitterrand.
To taste
Norman Tart: apple pie
We love apples in every shape and form, but there’s nothing better than apple pie for a sweet moment!
Step
Incheville
Kilometer 163
To discover
Before reaching the next stage, make a stopover in the beautiful city of Rouen, capital of Normandy! This mutli-faceted town will seduce you with its cobbled streets and its unique heritage. Then, head towards Incheville, a quiet town steeped in history.
Activities:
- - Visit Briga, an archaeological site of « Bois l’Abbé » and walk among the Gallo-Roman ruins and dwellings.
- - Discover plenty of plant varieties in the Jungle Karlostachys garden.
- - Visit the Musée des Traditions Verrières (glassmaking traditions) and admire a precious and ancestral savoir-faire.
To taste
Camembert
You cannot leave Normandy without tasting one of its iconic cheeses! For the first tasting, try the famous Camembert.
Step
Flocques
Kilometer 176
To discover
Drive further to Flocques, a town on the English Channel offering a beautiful atmosphere in which to unwind.
Activities:
- Follow the « Sentier des mares » trail: a pleasurable itinerary of 3 kilometers in the village. The trail links 5 ponds with different themes and layouts.
- Visit the Tréport Museum located only 3 kilometers from Flocques: tourism at the time of sea bathing, the life of fishermen, shipwrecks and sea rescues… great discoveries are to be expected!
To join the next step from Flocques, follow the coastal road: Etretat, Le Havre, Honfleur, Deauville, Cabourg… so many names to dream about!
To taste
Fresh fish
Go to the Tréport market on Tuesday morning to buy local fish!
Step
Lion-sur-Mer
Kilometer 421
To discover
Take now the direction of Lion-sur-Mer, a seaside resort in the Calvados department. This tourist city is full of surprises with its history and importance during WW2.
Activities:
- Visit the Saint-Pierre church, listed as a National Heritage Site.
- Admire the former 19th century casino, now known as « La Villa Louis » and also listed as a National Heritage Site.
- Retrace the footsteps of the soldiers by walking on « Sword Beach », one of the landing beaches.
- Admire the authentic whale skeleton less than 5 kilometers from the town in Luc-sur-Mer.
To taste
Calvados
Calvados is the quintessential Norman brandy to enjoy… in moderation!
Good deal
Restaurant de L'Hôtel de Ville
A kir offered as an aperitif on presentation of your PASS'ETAPES card.
Restaurant de L'Hôtel de Ville
Postal address
: 26, Rue Marcotte 14780 Lion sur mer
02 31 96 10 56
Valid
from 01/02/2022
to 31/12/2024
Reserved for customers
Offer:
A kir offered as an aperitif on presentation of your PASS'ETAPES card.
Step
Caen
Kilometer 439
To discover
And now, head for Caen « City of a Hundred Spires » famous for its history. A city break where activities will please everyone!
Activities:
- Visit the Mémorial de Caen and recount the soldiers’ history during WW2.
- Contemplate and admire the Abbey of Saint-Etienne (Abbaye aux Hommes), now the Caen town hall, a true masterpiece of medieval art.
- Walk around the marina and have a drink on one of the terraces.
- Discover La Colline aux Oiseaux, a natural site of 17 hectares where you can admire various plants and gardens.
To taste
The Teurgoule of Caen
True culinary speciality of Caen, the Teurgoule is an emblematic desert of Normandy made of rice, milk and spices.
Good deal
Boutiques de l'Office de Tourisme
Valid
from 07/06/2023
to 31/12/2024
Reserved for customers
Offer:
Sur présentation de votre carte PASS'ETAPES :
Bénéficiez d'une remise de 5% sur une sélection de produits dans les boutiques de l’Office de Tourisme de Caen, Ouistreham et Lion-sur-mer
Step
Carentan
Kilometer 513
To discover
The two last stages of this road trip take place in the Manche departement, an authentic and wild land of Normandy. To begin with, make a stopover in Carentan, a town with a past marked by history.
Activities:
- Visit the Notre Dame de Carentan church, which has managed to remain standing despite the bombings.
- Follow the « Normandy Discovery Tours » to recount the D-Day landings.
- Stroll through the harbour of Carentan, which has existed since Gallic times.
To taste
The leek of Carentan
A classic Norman vegetable, leeks can be cooked in all kinds of recipes.
Step
Utah Beach
Kilometer 531
To discover
Let’s stay in the Manche department for this last stage. It is the perfect occasion to experience the vestiges of an important past again. What better destination than Utah Beach, one of the 5 D-Day beaches?
Activities:
- Visit the Musée du Débarquement (D-Day): it recounts the 10 key stages of the D-Day landings.
- Take a walk along one of the landing beaches.
- Discover the Airborne Museum near the Sainte-Mère-Eglise church.
Family
The Sainte-Mère-l’Eglise biscuits
Bring back a box of biscuits from Sainte-Mère-l’Eglise to enjoy a bit more of Normandy.