Normandy Itinerary
The Normandy Road Trip is a journey of discovery through some of France’s most historic and picturesque regions. Starting in Rouen, the route will take you through Giverny, Mont Saint Michel, and Caen, before returning to Rouen. The trip totals 894km and is best completed over 7 days, allowing plenty of time to take in the sights and attractions along the way. The best time to undertake this road trip is in the spring or summer months, when the weather is at its best and the countryside is in full bloom.
This route takes in some of the most impressive historical sites in France, with a number of UNESCO Heritage Monuments to discover. From the iconic Mont Saint Michel to the stunning beaches of the Normandy coast, there is something for everyone to enjoy. The roads in this part of the country are in excellent condition, making the journey easy and enjoyable.
The Normandy Road Trip is an experience that will stay with you for years to come. Suitable for all drivers, it is a journey that can be enjoyed regardless of budget. Whether you are looking for a romantic getaway or a family adventure, this road trip offers something for everyone.
7
number of days
891 km
route length
high
budget
family
good for
on the right
traffic direction
low
accident level
START
Rouen
Distance 891 km
Driving time 18.1 h
Pace: modest
231.7 kWh
Airports
BVA
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CDG
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ORY
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Rouen, located in the North of France, is the perfect starting point for the Normandy Road Trip. It is a charming city, with a long history and many interesting sights. The Rouen Cathedral, the Gros Horloge clock, the Joan of Arc Tower, the Place du Vieux Marche, and the Church of St. Maclou are among the most important historical sites and must be visited.
The closest international airport to Rouen is Paris-Charles de Gaulle, located about 80km away. The IATA code for the airport is CDG. From the airport, travelers can rent a car and easily reach Rouen. There are various car rental companies available at the airport, so travelers can choose the one that best suits their needs.
Rouen is the perfect starting point for the Normandy Road Trip, with its rich historical heritage and many interesting sites to visit. There are many car rental companies at Paris-Charles de Gaulle Airport, so travelers can easily reach the city and start their journey.
1
Rouen
- Giverny
Distance 83 km
Driving time 1.5 h
Pace: modest
21.5 kWh
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Itinerary
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Welcome, road-trippers! Let's embark on a journey through Rouen, Les Andelys, and Giverny. This 84 km route takes less than two hours to drive and offers many interesting sites along the way.
First, Rouen is a beautiful city with a rich history. Visit the Rouen Cathedral, one of the most impressive Gothic churches in France, or take a stroll through the old town and admire the 16th century half-timbered houses.
Next, Les Andelys is a charming village situated on the banks of the Seine. Visit the Château Gaillard, a 12th century castle, or explore the surrounding nature.
Finally, Giverny is a small town most famous for being the home of Claude Monet. Visit the gardens and house of the Impressionist painter, or take a walk through the charming streets of the village.
As you drive through this route, be sure to pay attention to the many historical sites along the way. For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please consult the Itinerary of this stage. Enjoy your journey!
Giverny - France - Europe - Scenic Drive - commons.wikimedia.org
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2
Giverny
- Alençon
Distance 161 km
Driving time 3.1 h
Pace: modest
41.9 kWh
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Itinerary
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Welcome road-trippers! This stage of your tour will take you through some of the most beautiful and interesting places in France. Starting in Giverny, you will be able to explore Claude Monet's house and gardens, and enjoy the stunning landscapes of the region. From Giverny, you will drive to Sees, a charming little town, and explore its impressive cathedral. Finally, your journey will end in Alençon, where you can visit the Chateau des Ducs d'Alençon and the Musee de l'Archeveche. This stage of the tour is 161 km long, and should take you no more than 4 hours to complete. For more information regarding attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please refer to the "Itinerary" of this stage. Enjoy your journey!
Alençon - France - Europe - Scenic Drive - commons.wikimedia.org
Alençon - France - Europe - Scenic Drive - commons.wikimedia.org
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3
Alençon
- Mont Saint Michel
Distance 138 km
Driving time 2.3 h
Pace: modest
35.8 kWh
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Itinerary
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Embark on an exciting road trip from Alençon to Mont Saint Michel! This 138km journey will take approximately 3 hours and will take you through some of the most interesting sites in France. Start your trip in Alençon, a small town located in the Normandy region, and explore its rich history and culture. Don’t miss the Château d'Alençon, a former royal castle built in the 12th century. Then, head to Domfront, a charming town with a stunning castle and a picturesque old city. After that, you’ll arrive in Avranches, a beautiful commune with a stunning 11th-century Romanesque church. Finally, you’ll reach Mont Saint Michel, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Here, you can explore the abbey, the village, and the bay. Don’t forget to take some amazing pictures of the breathtaking views. As you plan your journey, keep in mind that more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route is available in the "Itinerary" of this stage. So, what are you waiting for? Pack your bags and get ready for an unforgettable road trip!
Mont Saint Michel - France - Europe - Scenic Drive - commons.wikimedia.org
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4
Mont Saint Michel
- Cherbourg
Distance 171 km
Driving time 3.4 h
Pace: modest
44.5 kWh
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Itinerary
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Are you ready for an amazing road trip? Then let's start! Our journey begins in Mont Saint Michel, France. This is a must-see historical site, so don't forget to take a few pictures. From here, we will drive to Granville, a charming coastal town with a beautiful harbor and a great seafood market. Make sure to take a stroll along the harbor and enjoy the views. Our next stop is Cherbourg, a charming seaside town with a rich cultural heritage. Here, you can explore the old town, take a boat trip, or visit the local museums. The total distance of this stage is 172 km and the driving time is fewer than 4 hours. Along the way, make sure to pay attention to the historical sites and monuments. For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please check the "Itinerary" of this stage. So, what are you waiting for? Let's hit the road!
Cherbourg - France - Europe - Scenic Drive - commons.wikimedia.org
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5
Cherbourg
- Caen
Distance 180 km
Driving time 4.2 h
Pace: modest
46.7 kWh
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Itinerary
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Are you ready to explore the beautiful region of Normandy in France? This road trip starts in the charming city of Cherbourg, located on the Cotentin Peninsula, and takes you along the coast of the English Channel to Omaha Beach and then to Caen. This 180 km journey will take less than 4 hours and will take you to some of the most interesting places in the region.
Start your journey in Cherbourg and admire the unique architecture of the city. Visit the picturesque harbor and the impressive Citadelle de Cherbourg. Then, head to Omaha Beach, one of the most famous sites of the D-Day landings. Here, you can visit the American Cemetery and the Normandy Visitor Center.
Continue your journey to Caen, the capital of Lower Normandy. Visit the impressive Château de Caen, the Abbaye-aux-Hommes, and the Notre-Dame de Caen. Don't forget to take a stroll through the old town, with its beautiful half-timbered houses and cobbled streets.
This is only one stage of a larger tour, and more information regarding attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants and campsites along the route is available in the "Itinerary" of this stage. So, what are you waiting for? Pack your bags and embark on this amazing journey!
Caen - France - Europe - Scenic Drive - commons.wikimedia.org
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6
Caen
- Deauville
Distance 53 km
Driving time 1.3 h
Pace: modest
13.8 kWh
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Itinerary
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Are you ready for an exciting road trip from Caen to Deauville? This stage of your journey is only 52 km long and you can drive it in less than 2 hours. You will have the opportunity to admire the beautiful landscapes of Normandy and visit some of its most famous attractions.
In Caen, you can visit the impressive castle of William the Conqueror, the Abbaye aux Hommes, the Memorial of Caen and the Church of St. Pierre. In Deauville, you can explore the city's vibrant boardwalk, the famous Planches Promenade, as well as the historic Deauville Casino and the Deauville Racecourse.
Make sure to slow down and enjoy the scenery along the way. You will find plenty of historical sites to explore, such as the Château de Creully, the Château d'Audrieu, and the Château de Cintray.
For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please consult the Itinerary of this stage. Enjoy your road trip from Caen to Deauville!
Deauville - France - Europe - Scenic Drive - commons.wikimedia.org
Deauville - France - Europe - Scenic Drive - pixabay.com
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7
Deauville
- Rouen
Distance 106 km
Driving time 2.4 h
Pace: modest
27.6 kWh
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Itinerary
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Embark on an unforgettable road trip from Deauville to Rouen! This 107 km journey will take you less than 3 hours, and you will get the chance to explore some of the most interesting places in France.
Start your adventure in Deauville and visit the stunning beaches and the iconic casino. After that, make sure to drive to Trouville sur Mer, which is just a few kilometers away. Here, you can admire the beautiful, colorful houses and visit the Grand Casino.
Continue your drive to Rouen, the capital of Normandy. This city is filled with historical sites, such as the stunning Rouen Cathedral and the Joan of Arc Museum.
This is just a glimpse of the amazing places you will get to see on this road trip. For more information regarding attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please check the “Itinerary” of this stage. So, what are you waiting for? Pack your bags and hit the road!
Rouen
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Rouen is the perfect ending point for your Normandy Road Trip. Located in northern France, it is easily accessible by car from the nearby cities of Paris, Caen, and Le Havre.
Rouen is the capital of Normandy, and is home to many beautiful sights. The Notre-Dame Cathedral of Rouen is a stunning example of Gothic architecture and contains the tomb of Richard the Lionheart. Other notable attractions in Rouen include the Gros Horloge, a large astronomical clock, and the Church of Saint-Maclou.
For those who enjoy the outdoors, Rouen is also home to many parks and gardens. The Jardin des Plantes is the oldest botanical garden in France and contains many species of plants from around the world. The Jardin d’Eau is a beautiful park filled with water features and sculptures, perfect for a relaxing stroll.
For international travelers, the closest international airport is Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG). From there, it is a short drive to Rouen.
With its beautiful sights, parks, and gardens, Rouen is the perfect ending point for your Normandy Road Trip.
Normandy at a glance
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Start:
Rouen
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End:
Rouen
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Distance:
891 km
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Stay:
7 days
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Getting there:
Paris Beauvais Tillé Airport (BVA),
Charles de Gaulle International Airport (CDG),
Paris-Orly Airport (ORY)
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When to drive:
May, June, July, August, September, October
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More info:
More info you can find in the "Itinerary" section at each stage.
Before you set off
Embark on the Normandy Road Trip, a mesmerizing 894km journey that offers an immersive experience into the heart of France's historical legacy and picturesque vistas. Spanning 7 days, the route is meticulously designed to start and conclude in the charming city of Rouen, weaving through the quaint village of Giverny, the awe-inspiring Mont Saint Michel, and the culturally rich Caen.
Key Destinations and Top Sights:
- Rouen: Admire the intricate Gothic architecture, including the magnificent Rouen Cathedral, which was a favorite subject of Claude Monet. The city was also the historical site where Joan of Arc was tried and burned at the stake in 1431.
- Giverny: Step into the world of Impressionism at Claude Monet's house and gardens, where the artist's spirit lingers in the beautiful flora and tranquil water lily ponds that inspired his famous paintings.
- Mont Saint Michel: Visit the spellbinding island commune crowned with a majestic abbey, rising from the sea like a mirage. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is one of France's most recognizable landmarks, with a history dating back to the 8th century.
- Caen: Delve into Normandy's past with its historical buildings and the poignant Memorial de Caen museum, which eloquently narrates the story of conflict and the pursuit of peace, particularly focusing on World War II and the D-Day landings.
Best Time to Go:
Experience this idyllic Road Trip during spring or summer, when the climate is most favorable, and the landscape bursts into a kaleidoscope of colors. This is also the perfect time to witness Normandy's lush gardens and pastoral fields in full bloom.
Potential Risks:
The journey through Normandy is generally safe, with well-maintained Roads. However, travelers should stay informed about weather forecasts and be mindful of local driving customs to ensure a smooth Trip.
Facts for Roadtrippers:
- The Normandy Road Trip presents an eclectic blend of cultural depth and the serene beauty of nature.
- It offers diverse attractions that cater to romantic getaways, family excursions, history enthusiasts, and admirers of the great outdoors.
- The route provides a range of accommodations, from luxurious châteaux to cozy bed and breakfasts, and dining experiences that allow travelers to savor Normandy's gastronomic delights, including renowned cheeses, cider, and seafood.
A good choice for:
The Normandy Road Trip is an unforgettable journey, rich in historical resonance and natural splendor. It promises a driving adventure that captures the essence of France and leaves an indelible mark on those who traverse its path. Whether you're a history buff, a nature lover, or simply in search of a unique vacation, this Road Trip is an essential addition to your travel itinerary.
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