📍 France

MANCHE: COTENTIN BEACHES AND NORMANDY TIDAL BAYS HISTORICAL

D-Day beaches heavy with memory, bays revealed by great tides, authentic fishing ports. La Manche, between history and sea spray.

≈ 9
Days
278
Km
8
Stops
📖 5 min read 🔄 Last updated: 2026-01-17

Follow D-Day traces and Norman coastline. Explore Cherbourg and its military port. Discover Barfleur and its maritime heritage. Visit Saint-Vaast-la-Hougue and its towers. Tour Utah Beach, place of memory. Enjoy Granville and its seaside elegance.

Your day-by-day itinerary

1
Day

Cherbourg En Cotentin

naval port maritime fortress

Cherbourg En Cotentin - Photo 1Cherbourg En Cotentin - Photo 2Cherbourg En Cotentin - Photo 3
3 photos
Day 1
🔍

Discover

1
Cité de la Mer (submarine Le Redoutable).
2
Titanic).
3
Gatteville Lighthouse.
4
Vauban Towers (UNESCO).
🎯

Activities

→
Cherbourg Harbor.
→
Market Thursday and Sunday.
→
Umbrellas of Cherbourg.
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 33.2 km
Travel time: 1h06
2
Day

Barfleur

fishing harbor village tradition

Barfleur - Photo 1Barfleur - Photo 2Barfleur - Photo 3Barfleur - Photo 4Barfleur - Photo 5
5 photos
Day 2
🔍

Discover

1
Tatihou Island.
2
Sainte-Mère-Église (paratrooper).
3
Christian Dior Museum (villa).
4
Bell foundry.
🎯

Activities

→
Barfleur Mussels.
→
Amphibious crossing to Tatihou.
→
D-Day sites.
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 12.2 km
Travel time: 24min
3
Day

Saint Vaast La Hougue

maritime fortress harbor heritage

Saint Vaast La Hougue - Photo 1Saint Vaast La Hougue - Photo 2Saint Vaast La Hougue - Photo 3Saint Vaast La Hougue - Photo 4Saint Vaast La Hougue - Photo 5Saint Vaast La Hougue - Photo 6Saint Vaast La Hougue - Photo 7Saint Vaast La Hougue - Photo 8Saint Vaast La Hougue - Photo 9
9 photos
Day 3
🔍

Discover

1
Copper workshops.
2
Templar commandery.
3
Scriptorium (manuscripts from Mont-Saint-Michel).
🎯

Activities

→
Airborne Museum.
→
Cotentin marshes.
→
Chausey Islands (excursion).
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 25.5 km
Travel time: 51min
4
Day

Utah Beach

d-day memorial beach history

Utah Beach - Photo 1Utah Beach - Photo 2Utah Beach - Photo 3Utah Beach - Photo 4Utah Beach - Photo 5Utah Beach - Photo 6Utah Beach - Photo 7Utah Beach - Photo 8Utah Beach - Photo 9
9 photos
Day 4
🔍

Discover

1
Main Street.
2
Notre-Dame Cathedral (Gothic).
3
Sainte-Mère-Église (paratrooper).
🎯

Activities

→
Crafts (copperwork).
→
Tuesday market.
→
Viewpoint over Mont-Saint-Michel bay.
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 93.1 km
Travel time: 1h33
5
Day

Granville

seaside resort belle époque

Granville - Photo 1Granville - Photo 2Granville - Photo 3Granville - Photo 4Granville - Photo 5
5 photos
Day 5
🔍

Discover

1
Fortified upper town.
2
Christian Dior Museum (villa).
3
Fishing port.
🎯

Activities

→
Guided bay crossing.
→
Mother Poulard's omelet.
→
Jazz under the apple trees (May).
+1 Optional activities
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 35.7 km
Travel time: 1h11
6
Day

Villedieu Les Poeles

copper bell foundry artisan

Villedieu Les Poeles - Photo 1Villedieu Les Poeles - Photo 2Villedieu Les Poeles - Photo 3Villedieu Les Poeles - Photo 4Villedieu Les Poeles - Photo 5Villedieu Les Poeles - Photo 6
6 photos
Day 6
🔍

Discover

1
Bell foundry.
2
Copper workshops.
3
Templar commandery.
🎯

Activities

→
Crafts (copperwork).
→
Tuesday market.
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 25.7 km
Travel time: 51min
7
Day

Avranches

bay overlook regional gateway

Avranches - Photo 1Avranches - Photo 2Avranches - Photo 3Avranches - Photo 4Avranches - Photo 5
5 photos
Day 7
🔍

Discover

1
Scriptorium (manuscripts from Mont-Saint-Michel).
2
Botanical Garden.
3
Basilica.
4
Abbey (UNESCO).
+3 Places visited
🎯

Activities

→
Viewpoint over Mont-Saint-Michel bay.
→
Saturday market.
→
Guided bay crossing.
+2 Optional activities
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 53 km
Travel time: 53min
8
Day

Coutances

cathedral gothic stone spire

Coutances - Photo 1Coutances - Photo 2Coutances - Photo 3Coutances - Photo 4Coutances - Photo 5
5 photos
Day 8
🔍

Discover

1
Notre-Dame Cathedral (Gothic).
2
Botanical Garden.
3
Churches.
🎯

Activities

→
Jazz under the apple trees (May).
→
Market Thursday.

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🛡️ Travel advice - France

Check official recommendations

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❓ Frequently asked questions

What weather should you expect?

Spring (April-June): Perfect weather, blooming countryside, ideal for all regions, moderate crowds, excellent value, romantic atmosphere.

Summer (July-August): Warmest weather, peak tourist season, highest prices, crowded attractions, perfect for Mediterranean coast, festival season.

Fall (September-October): Harvest season, comfortable temperatures, fewer crowds, wine regions spectacular, excellent photography, good value.

Winter (November-March): Christmas markets, ski season Alps, fewer crowds, lowest prices, cozy indoor attractions, cultural experiences.

How many days should I plan?

We believe you will enjoy this itinerary best by dedicating between 7 and 11 days. The next step will allow you to adjust the duration of your stay.

What to discover in France?

Cultural capital with incredible cuisine, world-famous attractions, and diverse regions from Paris to Provence. Experience artistic heritage, wine culture, and sophisticated lifestyle. The country offers excellent infrastructure with cultural depth and culinary excellence. France provides complete cultural experiences with historical significance and modern sophistication in easily accessible destination.