What to do in Normandy

Normandy, an Outdoor Activity Heaven

Whether you’re interested in golf, fishing, adventure sports or horse-riding, Normandy’s got it all and is just waiting to be conquered! Normandy is bordered along the northern coasts by the English Channel. There are granite cliffs in the west and limestone cliffs in the east, which provide unique landscapes for water sports adventures. There are also long stretches of beaches in the center of the region, which are ideal places for outdoor beach activities. The unique bocage hedges are typical of the western areas of Normandy. And the forested inland of Normandy also provides the best surroundings for golf, hiking, and even many adrenaline extreme activities. Come to Normandy and discover the various activities in this timeless land.

Photo credit © Teddy Verneuil

It’s Time to Have Some Fun!

Looking for some action-packed fun in the great outdoors on your next holiday? Normandy’s exciting natural landscapes make for perfect adventure playgrounds for you. With amazing beaches, rivers, lakes and islands and some fantastic water sports on offer, your Normandy holiday is on.

Walkers, cyclists and other nature enthusiasts will love the diversity of Normandy’s natural landscapes! From vast woodland wilderness and mile-upon-mile of rolling countryside, to dramatic coastal cliffs and areas of outstanding natural beauty, Normandy will surprise you at every single minute.

Photo credit © Refuse-to-Hibernate

Horse Riding on The Beach of Calvados

Discover a long picture-perfect stretch of golden sand, bathed in sunshine while on horseback. Facing beautiful waterfront Belle-Epoque villas, Calvados offers an extensive range of sandy beaches that make it ideal for horse riding, especially at the end of the day, when the beaches are quiet. All you can hear is the soothing sounds of crashing waves and feel the wind on your faces as you horse-ride across the breathtaking beaches, gaining a newfound sense of freedom!

More information on the Normandy Tourism website:

https://en.normandie-tourisme.fr/a-romantic-horse-ride-in-cabourg/

Photo credit © Marie-Anaïs Thierry / Olympict

PADDLE BOARDING UNDER THE ARCHES IN ETRETAT

With its majestic cliffs, natural arches and the breathtaking scenery of the Alabaster Coast, Etretat makes for a magnificent backdrop for your next stand-up paddle boarding adventure!

Under good guidance, you can paddle towards the towering Porte d’Aval until you reach its magnificent arch and paddle right through it. This will be one of the most picturesque natural wonders you have ever seen, enhanced with a very special energy.

More information on the Normandy Tourism website:

https://en.normandie-tourisme.fr/stand-up-paddle-adventure-in-etretat/

Photo credit © D. Dumas

THE BEST HIKING TRAIL IN FRANCE!

In November 2019, the GR21 hiking trail was voted the nation’s favorite walk. Among the nominees were eight of France’s most-loved hiking routes frequented by thousands of walkers all year round.

From Le Havre to Le Tréport, the GR21 trail winds through a number of different landscapes along the Alabaster Coast.

Pull on your boots and explore this stunning hiking trail for yourself, and enjoy some fresh air, thought-clearing exercise and an unrivaled sense of freedom.

More information on the Normandy Tourism website:

https://en.normandie-tourisme.fr/gr-21/

Photo credit © Nicolas Rottiers

STEP ONTO THE HIGHEST CHATEAU ROOFS IN FRANCE

Step onto the highest chateau roofs in France, while listening to extraordinary stories brought alive by the Marquis d’Oilliamson at the fascinating Château de Fontaine-Henry, where more than 800 years of history come alive.

Thanks to the endless knowledge of the Marquis d’Oilliamson, you will discover the extraordinary past and present of the chateau. Are you ready for a trip back in time?

More information on the Normandy Tourism website:

https://en.normandie-tourisme.fr/vip-tour-of-the-chateau-de-fontaine-henry/

Photo credit © Sabina Lorkin

Following the footsteps of heroes

The iconic Omaha Beach, best known for its strategic importance in D-Day, is also famed for its fine golden sand and its wide range of water sports and outdoor pursuits.

If you are up for trying something a bit different on your Normandy holiday, why not choose to explore the famous D-Day Landing Beaches by electric fat-bike? You will have the opportunity to discover Omaha Beach while learning history lessons with a private guide, and will watch historical films in a bunker. There are so many ways to discover Omaha Beach!

More information on the Normandy Tourism website:

https://en.normandie-tourisme.fr/fat-biking-on-omaha-beach/

Photo credit © Marie-Anaïs Thierry

HARNESS RACING ON DEAUVILLE BEACH

Almost every morning of the year, Deauville beach becomes a playground for horses. At low tide, both horses and riders take advantage of the town’s sweeping beach for their training, often following it with a refreshing dip in the sea. This is a perfect place for harness racing.

Discover Deauville’s beautiful sandy beach on this high-speed horse-race in a two-wheeled cart, and feel the “crazy” part of this charming coast town.

More information on the Normandy Tourism website:

https://en.normandie-tourisme.fr/learning-to-harness-race-on-deauville-beach/

Photo credit © Marie-Anaïs Thierry

WINDSURFING ON THE CAP DE LA HAGUE

Welcome to the Pôle Nautique Hague, one of the largest watersports centres in Normandy, situated on the beautiful headland of the Cap de la Hague, close to Cherbourg and the ferry Terminal.

Competitions such as the French Funboarding Championships are regularly held here. With perfect wind, waves and amazing local coaches, even a beginner can learn how to windsurf and enjoy the wild Cap de la Hague.

More information on the Normandy Tourism website:

https://en.normandie-tourisme.fr/windsurfing-cap-de-la-hague/

Photo credit © Thib’sProd/LumièresMarinesProd

COCKTAIL-MAKING AT THE BENEDICTINE PALACE

It’s time to expand your drinks repertoire at a cocktail-making class at the fascinating Benedictine Palace in Fécamp, where you can learn how to make cocktails containing Normandy’s most famous liqueur.

You will have chance to visit this extraordinary liqueur palace and learn all the tricks – how to muddle, mix, and whether to use ice cubes or crushed ice for a variety of different cocktails. This is the ultimate treat for any cocktail lover!

More information on the Normandy Tourism website:

https://en.normandie-tourisme.fr/cocktail-making-class-at-the-palais-benedictine/

Photo credit © Sabina Lorkin

MEDITATIVE WALKING IN THE BAY OF THE MONT-SAINT-MICHEL

There are times in life when we just need to focus on ourselves and listen to our bodies. Why not enjoy a revitalizing walk with the breathtaking Bay of the Mont-Saint-Michel as your backdrop?

Clear your mind and boost your energy levels near the holly mountain of Mont-Saint-Michel, then finish your walk by a well-deserved snack overlooking the Mount.

More information on the Normandy Tourism website:

https://en.normandie-tourisme.fr/meditative-walking-in-the-bay-of-the-mont-saint-michel/

Photo credit © D.Dumas

A FOODIE BIKE TOUR WITH LOCAL GUIDE

Imagine a foodie tour where you actually burn calories – that’s the dream, right? Well, this guided bike tour of Bayeux will have you pedaling from one place to another, sampling all kinds of delicious Normandy food along the way!

You will follow local guide Hugo down country lanes and cycle paths, immersing yourselves in Normandy’s amazing sights, tastes and smells…

More information on the Normandy Tourism website:

https://en.normandie-tourisme.fr/gourmet-cycling-tour-with-a-local-guide/

Photo credit © D.Dumas

SEA KAYAKING AMID ICONIC D-DAY LANDMARKS

Looking for the perfect activity for watersports and history lovers? Sea kayaking in Normandy is a unique experience which combines a great outdoor spectacle and a deep insight into the history of WWII.

The beauty of sea kayaking in Arromanches is that you can get a real insight of its heritage. Floating silently alongside these emblematic landmarks of shared history and immersing yourslves in this spectacular, dramatic environment, is an adventure you will never forget.

More information on the Normandy Tourism website:

https://en.normandie-tourisme.fr/sea-kayaking-dday-landmarks/

Photo credit © Thomas Le Floc’H

A SPORTY WEEKEND IN THE SUISSE NORMANDE

Welcome to the Suisse Normande, a picturesque hilly area just south of Caen renowned for its amazing activities like hiking, via ferrata and canoeing.

After around 10km hiking in the hills, you will arrive at the top of the slope and will be rewarded with wonderfully tranquil views of the viaduct crossing the Orne River below. Your adventure continues with a canoeing experience on the Orne River, which is full of surprises. This is where you will find true beauty of ‘Norman Switzerland’.

More information on the Normandy Tourism website:

https://en.normandie-tourisme.fr/a-sporty-weekend-in-the-suisse-normande/

Photo credit © A. Poirier

EXTREME SPORTS AT THE SOULEUVRE VIADUCT

Spending a day at the Souleuvre Viaduct is the perfect thrilling adventure to share with your loved-ones!

With a bunch of friends, you will join the world reference in extreme sports, AJ Hackett Normandie, to face your fears, slip outside of your comfort zone and enjoy the thrills of the giant zip line, the bungee jump and the giant swing. A truly exhilarating experience!

More information on the Normandy Tourism website:

https://en.normandie-tourisme.fr/extreme-sports-at-the-souleuvre-viaduct/

Photo credit © Thib’s Prod

POLO FOR BEGINNERS IN DEAUVILLE

This seaside resort of Deauville is unarguably the French home of horses and polo and, founded in 1907, the Deauville Polo Club is an equestrian institution.

With a long and illustrious history, Deauville’s Polo Club hosts an international tournament every summer where the world’s greatest players all compete.

Here, you can find introductory lesson to teach you basic techniques of the game, to further understand this fascinating sport.

More information on the Normandy Tourism website:

https://en.normandie-tourisme.fr/polo-for-beginners-in-deauville/

Photo credit © M-A Thierry/Olympict

OYSTER FARM TOURS IN THE BAY OF VEYS

Perfect weather, delicious oysters…On the coast of Normandy, there’s a secretive oyster world for all oyster lovers!

Welcome to the Baie des Veys, where you will get a chance to explore a beautiful part of La Manche, and to visit amazing oyster farms with local oyster experts in the immense Bay of the Veys! You will learn information on this thriving local ecosystem, grades and sizes of oysters, and taste the freshest oysters of course!

More information on the Normandy Tourism website:

https://en.normandie-tourisme.fr/oyster-farm-tours-in-the-bay-of-veys/

Photo credit © Sabina Lorkin

MAKE YOUR OWN CALVADOS AT THE CHATEAU DU BREUIL

Have you ever dreamed of making your own Normandy Calvados? At the iconic Château du Breuil in the heart of the Pays d’Auge, you will have the chance to take your novice palates and scarce knowledge to its magical blending workshop, and understand the ins and outs of Calvados-making!

All you need is a double distillation, a lot of patience, and to follow the steps of a Calvados expert to become a master blender! It will be a dream tour for all Calvados lovers.

More information on the Normandy Tourism website:

https://en.normandie-tourisme.fr/make-your-own-calvados-at-the-chateau-du-breuil/

Photo credit © M-A Thierry

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