📍 France

NORMANDY CLASSICS: COASTAL CLIFFS AND BOCAGE VILLAGES

Chalk cliffs rising under gray skies, half-timbered villages along rivers, abbey bells ringing in silence. Normandy, poetic.

≈ 16
Days
1250
Km
13
Stops
📖 8 min read 🔄 Last updated: 2026-01-17

Journey through Normandy between harbors, cliffs and character villages. Wander through Honfleur, admire Étretat and its arches, visit Veules-les-Roses and Lyons-la-Forêt, discover Giverny, Pont-Audemer and Barfleur, then approach Mont-Saint-Michel before reaching Villedieu-les-Poêles.

Your day-by-day itinerary

1
Day

Honfleur

harbor facades paint poetry

🔍

Discover

1
Honfleur — Old Basin, half-timbered streets, art galleries.
2
Pont de Normandie — viewpoint over the estuary (quick).
🎯

Activities

Twilight walk around the port + sunset.
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Next stop
Distance: 45 km
Travel time: 53min
2
Day

Honfleur

harbor facades paint poetry

🔍

Discover

1
Saint-Aubin-sur-Mer (Calvados) — seafront & villas.
🎯

Activities

Relaxing return to Honfleur (galleries/cafés).
3
Day

Etretat

white cliffs pierce ocean

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Discover

1
Yport — valleuse, boats and white cabins.
2
Étretat — cliffs, arches & village (market hall, Belle Époque villas).
🎯

Activities

Cliff path (depending on weather & tide).
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Next stop
Distance: 184 km
Travel time: 3h41
4
Day

Veules Les Roses

stream winds through roses

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Discover

1
Veules-les-Roses — smallest river in France, mills & small gardens.
2
Saint-Aubin-sur-Mer (Calvados) — seafront & beach.
🎯

Activities

Coastal walk (Côte d'Albâtre).
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Next stop
Distance: 60 km
Travel time: 1h12
5
Day

Lyons La Foret

forest silence holds magic

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Discover

1
Lyons-la-Forêt — market halls, half-timbered houses, beech forest edge.
2
Les Andelys — Château Gaillard & meanders of the Seine.
🎯

Activities

View of the Seine from the ruins of Gaillard.
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 47 km
Travel time: 56min
6
Day

Giverny

monet light paints water

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Discover

1
Giverny — Monet's house & gardens (water lilies, Japanese bridge).
🎯

Activities

Village art galleries & studios.
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 135 km
Travel time: 2h42
7
Day

Pont Audemer

river curves old charm

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Discover

1
Pont-Audemer — Risle canals, "Norman Venice".
2
Le Bec-Hellouin — abbey & preserved village.
🎯

Activities

Walking loop along the canals & bridges.
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Next stop
Distance: 91 km
Travel time: 1h49
8
Day

Saint Ceneri Le Gerei

pastoral heights crown views

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Discover

1
Saint-Céneri-le-Gérei — "painters' village" on the Sarthe.
🎯

Activities

Left bank/right bank loop & stone bridge.
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Next stop
Distance: 149 km
Travel time: 2h59
9
Day

Beuvron En Auge

timber frames embrace tradition

🔍

Discover

1
Beuvron-en-Auge — central square, half-timbered houses, cider route.
2
Saint-Pierre-sur-Dives — medieval market hall & abbey church.
🎯

Activities

Cider tasting/Pays d'Auge (local producers).
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Next stop
Distance: 59 km
Travel time: 1h11
10
Day

Barfleur

maritime fortress guards coast

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Discover

1
Barfleur — granite port & bright facades, Gatteville lighthouse (nearby).
2
Saint-Vaast-la-Hougue — oyster farms & Vauban (Tatihou islands).
🎯

Activities

Oyster tasting (depending on tide) & harbor walk.
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Next stop
Distance: 214 km
Travel time: 4h16
11
Day

Goury Cap De La Hague

rocky cape stands bold

🔍

Discover

1
Goury (Cap de la Hague) — lighthouse, port & wind-swept moors.
🎯

Activities

Coastal GR trail (cliffs, pastures) — panoramic loop.
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Next stop
Distance: 64 km
Travel time: 1h17
12
Day

Barneville Carteret

peninsula offers refuge calm

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Discover

1
Barneville-Carteret — beaches, dunes & port.
🎯

Activities

Coastal walk & seafood.
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Next stop
Distance: 52 km
Travel time: 1h03
13
Day

Mont Saint Michel

island abbey rises sacred

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Discover

1
Mont-Saint-Michel — Gothic abbey & medieval village.
🎯

Activities

Guided crossing of the bay (according to tide schedules).
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Next stop
Distance: 110 km
Travel time: 2h12
14
Day

Villedieu Les Poeles

copper bells ring bright

🔍

Discover

1
Villedieu-les-Poêles — copper workshops & bell foundry.
🎯

Activities

Arts and crafts trail (historic center).
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 40 km
Travel time: 48min

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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 13 and 19 days. The next step will allow you to adjust the duration of your stay.

What to discover in France?

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