Chasing Views

Panorama of Beaumont-en-Auge

20 minutes

One of our favorite views in the Pays d’Auge. From the viewpoint, the hills follow each other to the sea which is sometimes seen in the distance behind Deauville and Trouville. The village is tiny, but very nice for a quiet walk between beautiful Norman houses, small shops and cafes.

The coastal route - Honfleur to Trouville via Villerville

20 minutes

One of our absolute recommendations. Instead of taking the direct route, drive from Honfleur to Trouville via the coastal route via Villerville. The road follows the cliffs with the sea just below almost all along and in clear weather the light is magnificent. Allow a little more time and drive slowly. Open windows!

Notre-Dame de Grace Chapel - Honfleur

20 minutes

Perched above the Honfleur, this small chapel offers magnificent views of the Seine estuary and the Normandy Bridge. The place is quiet, simple and full of history. Inside, the models of suspended boats remind former sailors who came here to pray before taking the sea. The outside carillon of 23 bells rings every 15 minutes - try to be there at noon.

Our tip. Go up to the chapel before or after your visit to Honfleur. The path from the center is on foot in 20 minutes, or by car.

Mount Canisy Battery

Benerville-sur-mer 20 min

A historic site of the Second World War perched on the heights, with a panoramic view 180 degrees over the entire Côte Fleurie - the marshes of the Touques, the hills of the Pays d’Auge, the cliffs of the Vaches Noires and the sea. One of the most broad views of the region, and little frequented. The site is freely accessible.

The cliffs of the Vaches Noires

25 min

Between Houlgate and Villers-sur-Mer, these dark and cut cliffs offer some of the most impressive landscapes on this part of the coast. The contrast between black rocks, large beaches and Norman light gives the place something rather wild.

Our tip. Check the tides - some passages down the cliffs are only accessible at low tide. The upper trail is accessible in any season.

The cliffs of Étretat from the beach

1h

The view from the pebble beach of Étretat, facing the cliffs and the Aiguille - it is one of the most iconic images of France, and it is even more striking in real life. But the views from the top of the cliffs, walking towards the Manneporte or the Aval Gate, are just as extraordinary and much less known. Both are worth a visit. Depending on the weather, light and tides, the place changes completely in atmosphere.

Our tip. Check the tidal schedules if you descend near the cliffs - some passages close at high tide.

The Normandy Bridge

25 min

The Normandy Bridge connects Honfleur to Le Havre over the Seine estuary. At 52 meters above the water, the view of the estuary, the harbours and the Norman hills is striking - and completely unexpected for those who cross it for the first time. The bridge itself is the landscape.

Our tip. Cross it in both directions if you have the opportunity - the view changes completely according to the coé.

Château Gaillard - The Andelys

1h

One of our favorite places in Normandy. The ruins of Château Gaillard dominate one of the most beautiful landscapes in the Seine Valley. Built by Richard Coeur de Lion, the fortress overlooks the cliffs and meanderings of the river with spectacular views of the entire surrounding area.

Our tip. To be combined with Giverny on the same day - both are in the Eure and complement each other perfectly.

Bay of Mont Saint-Michel

2h

The bay of Mont Saint-Michel at sunrise or at bedtime - with the Mount reflected in the water mirrors left by the descending tide - is one of the most extraordinary natural shows in France. Even for those who know, it blows away every time.

Our tip. Check the tidal schedules before leaving - the great tides offer the most beautiful shows.

The Pointe du Cotentin - Baie d’Écalgrain

2h30

At the end of the Cotentin peninsula, the bay of Écalgrain and the point of the Nose of Jobourg offer some of the wildest landscapes of Normandy. Dark falsies, often agitated sea, large spaces and horizon to England in clear weather... this part of the region sometimes has Irish air.

Our tip. For travellers who love raw landscapes and have a whole day ahead of them.