Where to Stay in Normandy 🇫🇷: 7 Best Areas & Hotels

Normandy is full of beautiful towns, stunning beaches, and peaceful countryside. Choosing where to stay can be tricky, but I’m here to help you find the perfect spot.

Normandy, France

In this article, I’ll guide you through 7 amazing areas in Normandy. Whether you love history, food, or relaxing by the sea, you’ll discover the best place for your trip.

1. Bayeux – Where to Stay in Normandy for First-Time Visitors and D-Day Beaches

Central Location. Bayeux is my favorite starting point in Normandy. This small town is close to the D-Day beaches, famous museums, and the Bayeux Tapestry. I love that you can walk everywhere, from cozy cafés to local markets.

Bayeux, Normandy, France

D-Day Access. Staying in Bayeux means you’re just a short drive from Omaha Beach, Utah Beach, and the American Cemetery. Guided tours leave daily from the center, so you don’t need a car to reach the main sites. I’ve taken a few, and they always include powerful stories and hidden spots.

Car-Free Options. Bayeux is one of the few Normandy towns where you don’t need a car. The train station links you to Paris and Caen, and local buses or tours take you to the beaches. I always appreciate the freedom to explore on foot or join a small group tour without worrying about parking.

Local Food and Markets. I always make time for the Bayeux Saturday market, where you can try fresh Normandy cheese, cider, and local pastries. Le Garde-Manger serves continuous meals from 10am to 9:15pm daily with menus from €20.90-35.90, while Le P’tit Resto offers lunch menus at €17.90 near the cathedral. You can also shop at E.Leclerc supermarket for local produce, fresh pastries, and regional wines with 160 covered parking spaces.

The Bayeux Tapestry Museum, Normandy, France

Museum and Tapestry Access. The Bayeux Tapestry Museum opens at 9am daily (10am in winter) with adult tickets at €11 and free entry for under-18s. I recommend visiting early to avoid crowds, then walking to the nearby Cathedral Notre-Dame which is free to visit. The Baron Gérard Museum showcases local art and history for €7.50, and you can buy combined tickets for all three attractions at €16.50.

Luxury Hotels

• Domaine de Bayeux – This elegant 18th-century property is set in a tree-lined park in the heart of Bayeux, offering spacious rooms with garden views and a blend of historic charm with modern comfort.
• Château de Bellefontaine - Teritoria – An authentic 18th-century château surrounded by moats, lush parklands and a majestic swan pond, featuring 20 rooms overlooking the countryside.
• Hotel Reine Mathilde – Located in a historic building just 150m from the Cathedral and Tapestry, this hotel offers 32 air-conditioned rooms with old-world charm and modern conveniences.

Best Cheap/Moderate Hotels

• Le Declic – A cozy mid-range option in Bayeux offering good value accommodation with modern amenities and convenient location for exploring the historic city center.
• La Naomath - Maison d'hôtes, Hébergement insolite & Gîte – This unique guesthouse offers distinctive accommodation with a blend of traditional charm and modern comfort, perfect for travelers seeking something different.
• Hôtel Le Saint Patrice – A welcoming hotel providing cozy rooms and friendly service at reasonable rates, ideally positioned for visiting Bayeux’s main attractions.

Best Budget Hotels

• Ibis Budget Bayeux – This modern budget hotel offers clean, cozy rooms with essential amenities at affordable prices, perfect for travelers prioritizing value and convenience.
• Campanile Bayeux – A reliable chain hotel providing consistent quality accommodation with practical amenities and easy access to Bayeux’s historic center and D-Day beaches.
• le Cozy Bayeusain – A cozy, intimate accommodation option offering personalized service and cozy rooms at budget-friendly rates in the heart of Bayeux.

2. Honfleur – Perfect Area for Couples and Charm

Picturesque Harbor. Honfleur’s old port is one of the most photographed spots in France. I love walking around the colorful houses that line the Vieux Bassin, especially in the early morning when the light hits the water perfectly. The town has inspired countless artists, and you’ll understand why once you see it.

Honfleur, Normandy, France

Art and Culture. This town is packed with galleries, museums, and artist studios. The Sainte-Catherine Church, built entirely of wood by shipbuilders, is unlike anything I’ve seen elsewhere. You can spend hours just wandering the narrow cobblestone streets and discovering hidden courtyards.

Romantic Atmosphere. Honfleur is perfect for couples looking for intimate dinners and quiet walks. L’Envie restaurant on Place de la Porte de Rouen offers elegant dishes like fillet of duckling and veal rib, open Thursday-Tuesday with lunch from 11:30am-2:30pm and dinner from 6:30pm-9:30pm. Le Bistrot des Artistes at 30 Place Pierre Berthelot serves homemade Norman cuisine with beautiful views over Vieux Bassin port.

Saturday Market Experience. The Honfleur Saturday market mixes clothes, household goods, and exceptional food from local artisan farmers. Côté Resto at 8 Place Sainte-Catherine serves seafood platters with oysters, langoustines, and crab, open daily with lunch from 12pm-2:30pm and dinner from 7pm-9:30pm. Au P’tit Mareyeur on 4 Rue Haute specializes in Honfleur matelote fish stew and offers unbeatable lunch value, open Thursday-Monday.

Easy Access to Coast. From Honfleur, you can reach Deauville in 20 minutes and Trouville in 15 minutes by car. The town also connects well to other coastal spots, making it a great base for exploring the Normandy beaches without staying directly on them.

Musée du Vieux Honfleur, Normandy, France

Parking and Shopping. The main parking area at Place Arthur Boudin costs €2 per hour with a maximum stay of 4 hours, but I’ve found free spots along Cours des Fossés if you arrive early. For shopping, visit Galerie du Vieux Honfleur for local art and crafts, or browse the antique shops on Rue de l’Homme de Bois. The Carrefour Market on Boulevard Charles V stocks everything you need, including local specialties like Pont-l’Évêque cheese and Calvados.

Luxury Hotels

• Les Maisons de Léa & Spa - Radisson Individuals – This elegant spa hotel in the heart of Honfleur combines contemporary luxury with traditional Norman charm, featuring spacious rooms and a full-service wellness center just steps from the historic harbor.
• Hôtel Saint-Delis - La Maison du Peintre - Relais & Châteaux – A prestigious Relais & Châteaux property housed in a beautifully restored 17th-century building, offering refined accommodations with artistic touches and exceptional service in Honfleur’s historic center.
• La Ferme Saint Simeon Spa - Relais & Chateaux – This legendary hotel and spa sits on a hillside overlooking the Seine estuary, where Impressionist painters once gathered, featuring elegant rooms, gourmet dining, and extensive wellness facilities.

Best Cheap/Moderate Hotels

• ibis Honfleur – A reliable mid-range option offering cozy, modern rooms with consistent quality and amenities, conveniently located for exploring Honfleur’s attractions while maintaining excellent value for money.
• Charmante Maison De Pêcheur – This charming fisherman’s house conversion provides authentic Norman character with cozy accommodations, offering a unique stay experience in the heart of Honfleur’s historic district.
• Hotel Le Dauphin – A traditional hotel offering cozy rooms with classic French hospitality, perfectly positioned for exploring Honfleur’s picturesque harbor and cobblestone streets at reasonable rates.

Best Budget Hotels

• Tulip Inn Honfleur Residence & Spa – This budget-friendly residence offers apartment-style accommodations with kitchenettes and spa facilities, providing excellent value for longer stays and families visiting Honfleur.
• Premiere Classe Honfleur – A no-frills budget hotel chain offering clean, basic accommodations with essential amenities at very affordable rates, ideal for travelers prioritizing location and value over luxury.
• B&B Hotel Honfleur – This modern budget hotel provides cozy rooms with contemporary design and practical amenities, offering excellent value for money while maintaining quality standards for budget-conscious travelers.

3. Deauville & Cabourg – Best Place for Beaches and Luxury

Famous Sandy Beaches. These twin resort towns offer some of Normandy’s best beaches with fine sand and elegant boardwalks. Deauville’s Planches (wooden boardwalk) is lined with colorful beach umbrellas and Art Deco buildings. I love the contrast between the sophisticated atmosphere and the relaxed beach vibe.

Deauville et Cabourg, Normandy, France

Luxury and Entertainment. Both towns feature casinos, high-end boutiques, and upscale restaurants. Le Hibouville at 12 Place de Morny in Deauville serves French gastropub cuisine from 8am-1am daily, though prices can be steep for the quality. The American Film Festival happens in Deauville every September, bringing Hollywood glamour to Normandy.

Cabourg Fine Dining. Le Balbec at the Grand Hôtel de Cabourg offers gastronomic menus from €95-135 for adults and €29 for children under 12. Chef Frédéric Lanteri creates refined dishes in a Belle Époque setting overlooking the seafront. They also serve Sunday brunch for €105 adults and €45 children, plus bistro menus from €35-45.

Activities for All Ages:

• Beach volleyball and water sports
• Horse riding on the beach
• Golf courses with sea views
• Spa treatments and wellness centers
• Shopping in designer boutiques
• Casino gaming and entertainment

Family-Friendly Features. Cabourg is slightly more family-oriented than Deauville, with gentler waves and more space on the beach. Both towns have kids’ clubs, playgrounds, and family-friendly restaurants. The beaches are supervised during summer months, which gives parents peace of mind.

Transportation Hub. Both towns have train stations with direct connections to Paris (2 hours) and Caen (30 minutes). This makes them perfect for car-free visitors who still want beach access and luxury amenities.

Le Balbec, Normandy, France

Beach Services and Costs. Beach parasol rental costs €15-20 per day in Deauville and €12-18 in Cabourg, with deck chairs at €8-12 each. The Deauville Casino opens at 10am daily with slot machines and table games, while Cabourg Casino operates from 9am with a dress code after 8pm. Both towns offer beach clubs for children aged 4-12 during July and August for €25-30 per half-day session.

Best Hotels in Deauville & Cabourg

Luxury Hotels

• Hôtel Barrière Le Royal Deauville – This iconic hotel sits directly on Deauville’s famous beach promenade, offering elegant rooms with sea views, a prestigious spa, and world-class dining in the heart of the resort town.
• Hôtel Le Patio - Deauville – A sophisticated boutique hotel featuring contemporary design and premium amenities, perfectly located in Deauville’s center with easy access to the beach, casino, and high-end shopping.
• Hôtel Barrière Le Normandy – The legendary flagship hotel of Deauville, this Belle Époque palace offers luxurious accommodations, exceptional service, and direct beach access along the famous Planches boardwalk.

Best Cheap/Moderate Hotels

• ibis Deauville Centre – A reliable mid-range option in the heart of Deauville offering cozy, modern rooms with consistent quality and convenient access to the beach, shops, and restaurants.
• ibis Styles Deauville Centre – This stylish hotel provides contemporary accommodations with colorful design elements, excellent amenities, and a central location perfect for exploring Deauville’s attractions.
• Novotel Deauville Plage – A modern beachfront hotel offering spacious rooms, family-friendly facilities, and direct access to Deauville’s sandy beach with panoramic sea views.

Best Budget Hotels

• B&B HOTEL Deauville-Touques – A clean, efficient budget hotel offering essential amenities and cozy rooms at excellent value, with easy access to Deauville’s center and attractions.
• Hotel Ibis Budget Deauville – This no-frills budget option provides basic but cozy accommodations with modern amenities, perfect for travelers prioritizing location and value over luxury.
• Sweet Home Appart'Hôtel Deauville Sud – An apartment-style hotel offering spacious accommodations with kitchenettes, ideal for longer stays and families seeking budget-friendly options with extra space and convenience.

4. Arromanches & D-Day Beaches – Best Area for History Lovers

Direct Beach Access. Staying near the area puts you right on Gold Beach, where you can still see remnants of the Mulberry Harbor. I find it moving to walk these beaches at sunrise, imagining what happened here decades ago. The proximity to other landing beaches makes this area perfect for history enthusiasts.

D-Day Beach, Normandy, France

Museums and Memorials. The area is packed with world-class museums and memorial sites. The Arromanches 360° Cinema and D-Day Landing Museum are within walking distance of most accommodations. You can easily spend several days exploring without traveling far.

Guided Tour Access. Many local guides operate from this area, offering specialized tours of the battlefields and hidden sites. I always recommend booking with local experts who can share stories passed down through families. Some accommodations even arrange private tours for their guests.

Quiet Evenings. Unlike busier resort towns, this area offers peaceful evenings perfect for reflection. The restaurants focus on local cuisine rather than tourist menus, and you’ll often find yourself dining alongside locals rather than crowds of visitors.

The Arromanches 360°, Normandy, France

Museum Tickets and Timing. The Arromanches 360° Cinema costs €5.50 for adults and shows films every 20 minutes from 9:10am-6:30pm (extended hours in summer). The D-Day Landing Museum charges €9.50 for adults with combined tickets available for €13. I suggest visiting the American Cemetery at Colleville-sur-Mer early morning around 8am when it opens – it’s free but incredibly powerful, and the visitor center provides excellent context before exploring the beach areas.

Luxury Hotels

• DDay Aviators Le Manoir – This elegant manor house offers luxurious accommodations with historical charm, perfectly positioned near Gold Beach and the D-Day landing sites for an immersive historical experience.
• Les Villas d'Arromanches, Teritoria – These sophisticated villas provide upscale accommodation with modern amenities and stunning views, offering a premium base for exploring the D-Day beaches and local attractions.
• Au Bon Gite - Studio – A high-end studio accommodation offering luxury amenities and personalized service, ideal for travelers seeking exclusive comfort near the historic landing beaches.

Best Cheap/Moderate Hotels

• Hôtel De La Marine – A traditional seaside hotel offering cozy rooms with authentic charm, conveniently located for exploring Arromanches and the surrounding D-Day sites at reasonable rates.
• DDay Aviators – This themed hotel provides cozy accommodations with historical significance, offering good value for travelers interested in WWII history and the D-Day landings.
• LE RUBAN BLEU FACE A LA MER – A charming beachfront property offering cozy rooms with sea views, perfect for those wanting to stay directly facing the historic Gold Beach at moderate prices.

Best Budget Hotels

• Hôtel L'ideal le Mountbatten – A cozy budget-friendly option providing clean, cozy accommodations with artistic touches, ideal for travelers seeking affordable stays near the D-Day museums and beaches.
• Hôtel Restaurant Le Mulberry Arromanches – This budget hotel and restaurant combination offers simple, cozy rooms with good dining options, providing excellent value for history enthusiasts visiting the area.
• Le DINGSON – An affordable accommodation option offering basic but cozy rooms, perfect for budget-conscious travelers who want to stay close to the historic D-Day landing sites.

5. Mont Saint-Michel Area – Where to Stay in Normandy for Iconic Sights

Proximity to the Abbey. Staying near Mont Saint-Michel means you can visit the famous abbey at different times of day and see how the light changes on the medieval walls. I love being there early morning or late evening when the crowds thin out and you can truly appreciate the magic of this place.

Mont Saint-Michel, Normandy, France

Tidal Experiences. The area offers unique experiences like guided walks across the bay at low tide or watching the tide come in from a safe distance. Local guides know the safest routes and timing, which is essential for these activities.

Photography Opportunities. The changing tides and light conditions create endless photography possibilities. I recommend staying at least two nights to capture different moods and tidal states. The sunset views from nearby hills are particularly spectacular.

Local Cuisine. The area is famous for its lamb raised on the salt marshes and fresh seafood. Many restaurants offer specialties you won’t find elsewhere in Normandy. The local cider and calvados pair perfectly with regional dishes.

Shuttle Services. Free shuttle buses run regularly from the parking areas to the mount, making access easy even without a car. Some accommodations also provide their own shuttle services during peak season.

Mont Saint-Michel Abbey, Normandy, France

Abbey Tickets and Bay Walks. Mont Saint-Michel Abbey tickets cost €11 for adults (free for under-18s from EU countries) and include an audio guide in multiple languages. The abbey opens at 9am daily, closing between 6pm-7pm depending on season. Bay walking tours with certified guides cost €12-15 per adult and last 2-3 hours – book through Maison de la Baie in Genêts or directly with guides like Découverte de la Baie. Always check tide schedules before planning visits, as high tides can cut off access roads.

Luxury Hotels

• Les Terrasses Poulard – This prestigious hotel sits directly on Mont Saint-Michel, offering elegant rooms with stunning views of the bay and abbey, providing an exclusive experience within the medieval walls of this UNESCO World Heritage site.
• La Mère Poulard – The legendary hotel famous for its historic omelette restaurant, located right on Mont Saint-Michel with luxurious accommodations and unparalleled access to the abbey and medieval streets.
• Le Mouton Blanc – A charming hotel situated on the mount itself, offering refined rooms with traditional décor and breathtaking views of the surrounding bay and tidal landscapes.

Best Cheap/Moderate Hotels

• Mercure Mont Saint Michel – A reliable mid-range hotel offering modern comfort and amenities with excellent views of Mont Saint-Michel, providing good value for money while maintaining quality standards and convenient access to the abbey.
• Hôtel Vert – A cozy hotel with traditional hospitality, offering well-appointed rooms at reasonable rates with easy access to Mont Saint-Michel and the surrounding attractions.
• Hotel Gabriel – A welcoming mid-range accommodation providing cozy rooms and friendly service, perfectly positioned for exploring Mont Saint-Michel while offering excellent value for families and couples.

6. Normandy Countryside – Where to Stay in Normandy for Peace and Authenticity

Charming Rural Properties. The Normandy countryside offers authentic experiences in converted farmhouses, historic manors, and elegant châteaux. I love staying at places like Château du Breuil near Lisieux, where you can tour the Calvados distillery and taste apple brandy aged in oak barrels. The rolling hills dotted with apple orchards and traditional half-timbered houses create perfect postcard scenery.

Château du Breuil, Normandy, France

Farm-to-Table Dining. Rural Normandy excels at farm-to-table cuisine with restaurants sourcing ingredients from their own gardens and local farms. La Ferme de la Rançonnière in Crépon serves traditional dishes using vegetables from their kitchen garden, with dinner menus from €32-48. Many countryside accommodations offer cooking classes where you can learn to make tarte Tatin, Camembert cheese soufflé, and other regional specialties.

Outdoor Activities and Nature. The countryside provides excellent hiking, cycling, and horse riding opportunities through the Suisse Normande region and Perche Natural Park. Bike rental costs €15-25 per day from local shops, and many accommodations provide maps of scenic routes through apple orchards and along the Orne River.

Countryside Activity Options:

• Apple orchard tours and cider tastings
• Horse riding through forest trails
• Fishing in rivers and private ponds
• Antique hunting at local brocantes
• Visiting traditional markets in small towns
• Exploring medieval villages and churches

Local Markets and Shopping. Small countryside towns host weekly markets where local farmers sell fresh produce, artisanal cheeses, and homemade preserves. The Livarot market on Saturday mornings features the famous Livarot cheese (€8-12 per wheel), while Pont-l’Évêque market on Monday offers excellent local butter and cream. Many farms sell directly to visitors, with signs reading “Vente Directe” along country roads.

Transportation and Access. While a car is helpful for exploring remote areas, many countryside accommodations offer shuttle services to nearby train stations. The Caen-Bayeux train line connects to several rural areas, and local bus services run to major towns. I recommend renting a car for maximum flexibility, with rates starting around €35-50 per day from Europcar or Hertz in Caen.

Perche Natural Park, Normandy, France

Seasonal Experiences. Spring brings apple blossoms and mild weather perfect for outdoor activities, while autumn offers harvest festivals and cider-making demonstrations. Many farms open their doors during harvest season (September-October) for apple picking at €3-5 per basket. Winter provides cozy fireside evenings and reduced accommodation rates, often 30-40% lower than summer prices.

Luxury Châteaux & Manor Houses

• Manoir des Lions de Tourgéville, Deauville – This elegant 19th-century place sits in beautiful parkland near Deauville, offering luxurious rooms with period furnishings and modern amenities, perfect for a sophisticated retreat with easy beach access.
• Château d'Avesnes - Le Castelet, Avesnes-en-Bray – A magnificent château set in extensive grounds, featuring opulent accommodations with historic charm and contemporary luxury, offering an authentic aristocratic experience.
• Domaine Spa Perret - Château Art Déco, Sainte-Geneviève-lès-Gasny – An exceptional Art Déco château near Giverny featuring luxury suites, full spa facilities, swimming pool, and extensive grounds with children’s areas.

Best Mid-Range Manor Houses

• Le Manoir du Ribardon, Neuvy-au-Houlme – A charming traditional place offering cozy accommodations with authentic Norman character.
• Château de Grandval - Sainte Mere Eglise, Neuville-au-Plain – This historic château near the D-Day landing sites provides elegant yet affordable accommodations, combining historical significance with cozy modern amenities in a beautiful rural setting.
• Le haut Manoir, Tourville-sur-Sienne – A welcoming place offering good value accommodations with traditional Norman hospitality, ideally positioned for exploring the coastal areas.

Best Budget Rural Properties

• La Ferme du Manoir Etretat, Bordeaux-Saint-Clair – A converted farmhouse offering budget-friendly accommodations providing authentic rural charm with easy access to dramatic coastal scenery and hiking trails.
• Gîtes des marais du Lozon - Maison à la campagne, Remilly-sur-Lozon – House offering affordable self-catering accommodation in the peaceful marshlands, perfect for families and travelers seeking authentic rural experiences at budget-friendly rates.

7. Etretat – Where to Stay in Normandy for Dramatic Cliffs and Nature

Famous White Cliffs. The dramatic chalk cliffs and natural arches create some of France’s most spectacular coastal scenery. The Falaise d’Amont and Falaise d’Aval offer different perspectives, with hiking trails leading to viewpoints that inspired painters like Monet and Courbet.

Etretat, Normandy, France

Hiking and Outdoor Adventures. The GR21 coastal path runs through the area, offering challenging hikes with rewarding views. The cliff-top walk to the Chapelle Notre-Dame-de-la-Garde takes about 45 minutes each way and provides panoramic views of the coastline. Local guide services charge €25-35 per person for 2-3 hour guided walks that include geological explanations and historical stories.

Photography and Art Heritage. The place attracts photographers and artists year-round, with the changing light creating different moods throughout the day. The town has several art galleries showcasing local landscapes, and photography workshops are available during summer months for €45-65 per session. The best viewpoints include the Jardins d’Etretat (€12 entry) with sculpted landscapes overlooking the cliffs.

Local Dining and Specialties. Etretat’s restaurants focus on fresh seafood and regional specialties. Le Galion on Boulevard René Coty serves excellent fish soup and grilled sole, open daily with lunch from 12pm-2pm and dinner from 7pm-9pm. Prices range from €28-45 for main courses. The local specialty is marmite dieppoise, a rich seafood stew that pairs perfectly with local white wine.

Jardins d'Etretat, Normandy, France

Beach Activities and Services. The pebble beach offers swimming during summer months, though the water stays cool even in July and August. Beach equipment rental includes windbreaks (€8/day), deck chairs (€6/day), and umbrellas (€5/day). The beach is supervised from June through September, with first aid stations and lifeguards on duty from 10am-6pm.