Along the coast
♥ Our favourite
Trouville-sur-Mer & Deauville
15-20 min
Two sister cities separated only by the Touques, each with its own character. Trouville is older, more alive and a little rougher, with its fish market, its rue des Bains animated all year round and its institutions like Les Vapeurs or Le Central where it often ends up coming back. Deauville is more elegant, with its beautiful villas, long walks by the sea, its shops and this always lively and lively atmosphere that immediately gives the impression of being on holiday. Don't oppose them. Do both.
Our tip. Trouville Market: Wednesday and Sunday morning, 8am-1pm. Fish market open every day. Deauville Market: Tuesday, Friday, Saturday all year round and Sunday from April to November.
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Touch
15 minutes
A quiet and authentic Norman town, right next to Trouville but much less frequented. Cobbled streets, small medieval church, old houses and more local atmosphere. The kind of place you don't necessarily think about stopping... and that often ends up being a nice surprise. A pleasant stop before or after the coast.
Our tip. Not to be missed if you have seen Trouville several times.
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Along the coast
♥ Our favourite
Honfleur
20 minutes
One of the most famous ports in Normandy, and we quickly understand why. The Old Bassin, with its narrow houses reflected in water, still resembles today the impressionist paintings painted here more than a century ago. Plan at least half a day: galleries, cobbled alleys, the church of Sainte-Catherine built entirely of wood, the Saturday morning market or simply the pleasure of strolling without any specific purpose. Also go up to Notre-Dame de Grace Chapel for views of the Seine estuary. And above all, take the time to stop for lunch. Seafood tray on the port, cake, oysters or simple glass of wine in front of the boats: Honfleur is also at the table. In summer, the city is very busy. Try going early in the morning or late in the day. Our addresses in Honfleur - see our page Our favourites
Our tip. To be combined with the coastal road Honfleur towards Villerville to Trouville - one of our absolute recommendations. See Chasing Views page.
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Along the coast
♥ Our favourite
Villerville
20 minutes
A small coastal village of charm between Trouville and Honfleur, much quieter and quieter than its neighbours. A beach, a few alleyways, a path on the cliff and an atmosphere that makes you want to slow down a little.
Our tip. It is imperative to do as part of the coastal route: Honfleur towards Villerville towards Trouville.
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Cabourg
30 minutes
A beautifully preserved seaside resort Belle Époque with its grand avenue, elegant villas, Grand Hotel or Marcel Proust spent its summers and this timeless atmosphere unique to Cabourg. The city centre is very pleasant to explore, between shops, cafes and pretty French signs, before reaching the beach and the long promenade by the sea.
Our tip. Perfect combo for a day: Cabourg, then Dives-sur-Mer for the medieval district and the history of William the Conqueror, then Beuvron-en-Auge, one of the most beautiful villages in the Cider Route.
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Along the coast
♥ Our favourite
Dives-sur-Mer
30 minutes
In the centre of Dives lies the Village of Art Guillaume-le-Conquerant, a small medieval part surprisingly preserved and full of charm. We do not expect to discover a place like this here: half-timbered houses, small alleys, craft shops... the whole almost gives the impression of a decor remains intact. Take a break at "Dupont with a Tea" for a tea and some Norman pastries before continuing the day. For dinner : Chez Le Bougnat - see our page Our favourites https://www.normandie-cabourg-paysdauge-tourisme.fr/destinations/dives-sur-mer/
Our tip. To be combined with Cabourg right next door and Beuvron-en-Auge for a beautiful full day.
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Houlgate & Villers-sur-Mer
25-30 min
Two more discreet resorts of the Côte Fleurie, with long beaches, beautiful villas and a quieter atmosphere than Trouville or Deauville. Houlgate has something a little out of time. Villers-sur-Mer, for its part, has a shopping street particularly lively and pleasant in season, with cafes, glaciers and small shops close to the beach. In between, the cliffs of the Vaches Noires offer some of the most spectacular landscapes of this part of the coast.
Our tip. The cliffs of the Vaches Noires are also mentioned in our Chasing Views page.
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Yesstreham
50 minutes
The entrance door to the D-Day beaches from this direction, and an anime port with a ferry terminal linking Normandy to England. The lighthouse is open to visit and offers beautiful views of the estuary of Orne and the Côte de Nacre. Our favourite route - The Coastal Road One of our absolute recommendations on the coast. Instead of taking the direct route, drive from Honfleur to Trouville via the coastal route via Villerville. The sea remains almost all the way down and some days you end up riding much slower than expected just to enjoy the landscape. Plan a little more time and forget the fastest route. Open windows. It is Normandy in what it has most beautiful.
Our tip. Natural starting point for the landing beaches. See our D-Day page for the complete itinerary.
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