Culture & châteaux

Château de Boutemont & L'Orangerie

15 minutes

A Norman castle surrounded by splendid gardens that change greatly according to the seasons. The walk in the park is already a very nice visit in itself. Not to be missed: a break in L-Orangerie, the castle tea room, for a tea, a pancake or a snack in a particularly pleasant setting.

Our tip. Ideal on weekdays to avoid the rush of the weekend in high season.

The Jardins du Pays d’Auge - Cambremer

25 min

For garden lovers, these gardens are absolutely beautiful. Nestled at Cambremer in the heart of the Cider Route, they offer several thematic spaces of great beauty and serenity. The flowers change over the seasons and each visit is different. A place full of sweetness and charm, not to be missed.

Our tip. Open from April to November. To be combined with the Cider Route and Beuvron-en-Auge for a nice day in the Pays d’Auge.

Château de Vendeuvre & its water gardens

40 min

An 18th century castle with surprising water gardens and a miniature furniture museum - an unusual and fascinating collection. The park and the water games make it a popular visit for families and history lovers.

Our tip. Very well with children - water games are a real happiness in summer.

Canon Castle & Park

40 min

A beautiful English park punctuated with small pavilions and factories hidden in the gardens. The place is quiet, elegant and particularly pleasant in spring and summer.

Château Saint-Germain-de-Livet

30 minutes

One of the most beautiful castles in Normandy, yet still relatively unknown. With its facades mixing stone and green flint, moat and waterfront setting, the place has a lot of charm. The interior is very well preserved and the visit remains pleasant even for those who are not passionate about castles.

Our tip. Open to the public - check schedules according to the season before leaving.

Château de Crèvecœur-en-Auge

45 min

A small medieval castle in the heart of the Pays d’Auge, surrounded by half-timbered and Norman countryside. The place remains simple, very authentic and pleasant to visit with family.

Our tip. Medieval activities and workshops are often offered during school holidays.

Bayeux & Bayeux Tapestry

1:10

Bayeux is a very beautiful preserved medieval - one of the few Norman cities not to have been destroyed during the war. Its ancient alleyways, Gothic cathedral and Saturday market make it a beautiful stop. The famous Tapestry of Bayeux tells of the conquest of England by William the Conqueror over nearly 70 meters. Even those who think they don't like historical museums are often fascinated by the visit.

Our tip. The Tapestry is visited with an audioguide available in several languages - indispensable to understand each scene. Allow 1h30 minimum. Market on Wednesday and Saturday.

Les Franciscaines - Deauville

20 minutes

Former fully rehabilitated convent, Les Franciscaines has become one of the most interesting cultural places in the Côte Fleurie. Between library, exhibitions, museum and contemporary architecture, the place is as pleasant to spend an hour there as a whole afternoon.

Our tip. Ideal in rain - see also our page When it rains. Check the current exhibitions program on their site.

Vascoeil Castle & its gardens

1h

A medieval castle surrounded by gardens where contemporary sculptures and works of art by Dali, Calder, Léger and other great names are scattered. It is an open-air museum in a magnificent setting - an experience that combines heritage, nature and contemporary art in a very successful way. The restaurant and tea room on site allow to extend the visit pleasantly.

Our tip. Temporary exhibitions change regularly - check the program before leaving.

Jumièges Abbey

1:15

The ruins of Jumièges Abbey are among the most impressive in Normandy. The large white towers that stand in the middle of greenery create a rather unforgettable landscape.

Our tip. To be combined with the Seine river bends and Château Gaillard for a beautiful day in the Eure.

Château du Champ de Bataille

50 minutes

Nicknamed the Norman Versailles, this 17th century castle and its French-style gardens redesigned by Jacques Garcia are of impressive size. A visit for lovers of great classic gardens.

Falaise Castle

1h

The native castle of William the Conqueror still dominates the city of Falaise from its rocky promontory. The visit is modern, accessible and allows to better understand the history of medieval Normandy.

Our tip. To combine with Caen for a day Guillaume the Conqueror - both sites respond perfectly.

Haras du Pin

1h

The famous Horse Versailles. Large stables, majestic alleys and equestrian shows in a beautiful 18th century estate.

Our tip. Thursdays in summer, equestrian show in the courtyard of honour - a spectacular moment.

Eugene Boudin Museum - Honfleur

20 minutes

A beautiful museum dedicated to Norman landscapes and Impressionist painters related to Honfleur. A nice way to understand why this light inspired artists so much.

André Malraux Museum of Modern Art - Le Havre

50 minutes

One of the most beautiful museums in Normandy, housed in a glass and steel building by the sea. The impressionist collection is remarkable - Monet, Boudin, Pissarro, Sisley. The light that enters through the large bay windows facing the sea adds something special to the visit.

Our tip. To combine with a visit to the center rebuilt by Perret - see our page Les Grandes Villes.

Museum of Fine Arts - Rouen

1h

One of the great museums of French province, with beautiful collections ranging from Renaissance to Impressionists.

Our tip. To combine with a morning in the medieval streets of Rouen - see our page Les Grandes Villes.

Museum of Normandy - Caen

1h

Located in the castle of William the Conqueror, this museum traces the Norman history of prehistory until the 19th century. An interesting visit to better understand the region as a whole.

Basilica Sainte-Therese - Lisieux

20 minutes

One of the largest basilicas in France, visible from very far away when arriving at Lisieux. Even without a religious dimension, architecture and proportions impress.