Caroline McGuire LOUNGING on my bunk bed with a good book and chilled glass of French wine I felt more smug than stressed while heading abroad for the May half term No, my mum friend and I, with my five-year-old son and her daughter, also five, were not on a cruise — we were making the six-hour ferry crossing from Portsmouth to Caen on France’s Normandy coast We’d hardly taken this ferry to save time — our journey would have been half an hour shorter if we’d sailed to Calais then driven to our holiday rental near Caen But given the non-existent queues at the ferry port and the three hours spent reading a book in our cabin — with en-suite — it was certainly the right choice Add to that the surprisingly impressive on-board French restaurant the children’s soft play for our little ones and my son was more than a little put out when it was time to move to dry land he can be easily swayed with fancy cakes and beaches — which this part of the country has in abundance a quaint seaside town popular with holidaymakers since the 1800s thanks to its huge sandy beach and fabulous cuisine But it has resolutely kept its quaint charm Yes, there’s a kids’ arcade but it’s tucked into the basement of the glamorous casino Yes, there’s crazy golf but it’s petite, just off the old-fashioned wooden boardwalk surrounded by grand 19th-century mansions. This particular area is famous for its crepes, so we made it our mission to sample as many as possible — with chocolate, ice cream and seafood The humble lemon-and-sugar will no longer get a look-in at my house on Shrove Tuesday the town is also very big on moules — we even spotted a pizza piled high with them Keen to assimilate with the locals, or possibly just excited about using shells as cutlery, even my son tucked into a bowl at one of the town’s best restaurants I’m also keen to live like a local, so sampled as much of the local wine and Calvados brandy as possible It was bittersweet to find magnums of quality rosé sold for €10 in a French supermarket when the 750ml version costs £14 in my local shop back home the entire supermarket shop was a joy — even with our two young kids in tow They were especially into the patisseries — and I can’t blame them The €3 cakes we bought wouldn’t look out of place in a top restaurant back in Britain We were spoilt for choice for groceries thanks to the town’s twice-weekly street market taking place a few doors down from our holiday home Everything from shucked oysters and giant tomatoes to the stinkiest cheese and hot coq-au-vin was on sale But I could not resist the chance to do some vintage shopping while in France Trouville-Sur-Mer has a few antique shops but I was more interested in the brocantes in the surrounding countryside — barns stuffed with everything from oil paintings to silver cutlery and old toys I picked up a set of ten vintage pink wine glasses for €40 while my son found a retro Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle for just €2 Alongside the many commemorations at museums there are also hundreds of activities taking place until October Of course, we are far from the only British tourists to have headed to this part of France this year — Normandy and its beaches have been heavily featured in the news recently as part of the D-Day anniversary celebrations June 6 marked 80 years since the D-Day landings — the start of the Battle of Normandy which helped to liberate France and Europe from the Nazis Unlike our former Prime Minister, Rishi Sunak we weren’t in a rush to get back to the UK We reluctantly returned across the Channel to Portsmouth But that’s what a holiday in France is all about GETTING THERE: Brittany Ferries operates from Portsmouth to Caen three times daily Fares start from £103 each way for a car plus two passengers or from £148 each way for a car plus family of four See brittany-ferries.co.uk or call 0330 159 7000 STAYING THERE: Four-bed townhouse in Trouville-sur-Mer with garden from £143per night in September. See airbnb.co.uk Our journalists strive for accuracy but on occasion we make mistakes. For further details of our complaints policy and to make a complaint please click this link: thesun.co.uk/editorial-complaints/ and end up experiencing history in a whole new way An enormous cement caisson—the remains of a Mulberry Harbour one of two temporary ports built off Normandy during World War II— marks the otherwise idyllic beach at Arromanches One of the very best trips my family has taken was one in which I (a consummate planner) had little time to plan at all A set of unforeseen circumstances—my then six-year-old daughter and Air France had staged a strike—left us stranded with at least four idle days and I weighed our options: Stay in a town we were already familiar with or strike out for someplace new and easy to get to and my only association with it was the D-Day beaches and Mont St-Michel I knew a little about Bayeux and Honfleur (me: art history minor) and about Deauville and nearby Trouville (daughter: obsessed with Gigi) all I had were some suggestions from friends and my smartphone Our rough plan had us spending a night or two in Honfleur before exploring the coastline farther west We left the city in the morning and pulled into Giverny—the famous home of Monet which is only ten minutes off the highway—a little over an hour later Monet’s much-painted garden is heavily touristed; you might run into the couple you chatted with while admiring his water lilies at the Musée de l’Orangerie in Paris two days before it’s ideal: a beautiful setting and a hit of bona fide culture Tripping down the cobblestoned alleyway outside the sixteenth-century building that houses Honfleur’s Ethnography and Norman Popular Arts Museum a small medieval city strung along the banks of the Seine suggested to us by a cheesemonger friend in New York It’s probably best known for the Gros Horloge the great astronomical clock that’s nearly 500 years old with internal mechanisms that are far older the facade of which was prodigiously reproduced by Monet It has centuries of historical significance in the wars between the English and the French was that Rouen is the place where Joan of Arc was burned at the stake we parked our car right at the site of her martyrdom on the Place du Vieux Marché This of course necessitated an explanation of who she was (which is why all of Rouen’s other attractions will forever be sound-tracked to an endless feedback loop of my daughter asking it’s so charming that it can be overrun with tourists in summer the people who live there are genuinely welcoming it has a great organic farmers’ market every Wednesday morning right next to St-Catherine’s Church a quiet port town that has inspired so many of the country’s most renowned artists The composer and pianist Erik Satie was born there That night we stayed on the outskirts of town at a lovely hotel called La Chaumière with wood-paneled walls; the views were vast the breakfasts delicious and abundant; and the whole place was surrounded by grassy lawns that ran all the way down to the sea: heavenly Some of our favorites of the region’s sites and museums Bayeux Tapestry Museum Château de Balleroy (Museum of Balloons) Cornille-Havard Bell Foundry **Mémorial de Caen Museum ** Normandy American Cemetery and Memorial We could have remained longer in Honfleur—and indeed it’s the perfect place to stay when exploring much of Normandy—but we wanted to press on deeper into the region Our next move was to base ourselves in Port-en-Bessin exactly what you want in this corner of the world with a perfect blend of comfort and old-school style: towering French windows brass candlesticks on the fireplace mantles The staff are well informed and gave us great suggestions for off-the-beaten-path adventures One recommendation we followed immediately was to visit Les Sablés d’Asnelles a bakery in tiny Asnelles that is famous for its tinned shortbread cookies epitomizes what’s really special about Normandy Not far from the solemn significance of the landing beaches are these living small-industry villages that champion many of the things the French (and most of us) hold dear: good wholesome food and drink and beautiful handcrafted things that last and Pont l’Évêque cheeses all come from Normandy those lovely caramels made with creamy Norman salted butter the grand old estate house has just the right mix of comfort and luxury Photography Matt Hranek captures Normandy's breezy beauty read more we came across an umbrella maker called H2O Parapluies It’s a small family operation where all the components are hand-made and assembled in one room and it happens to be on a farm (Clara and I attempted to wrangle chickens while Matt shopped the in- credible selection of umbrellas owner René Petrich took us on a tour of his 200-year-old family-owned organic cider farm holding our daughter’s hand as we strolled up and down rows of trees bearing different apple varietals He also offered us a map of the cider route—indeed you could come to Normandy for the cider alone (And certainly don’t leave without picking up some of Petrich’s amazing Calvados and Pommier.) The seafood here is some of France’s best—like this plate of plucked-from-the-ocean oysters including its own impressive cathedral and the exceptional Bayeux Tapestry Museum (we sold Clara on a visit by pitching the tapestry as the world’s longest comic strip) their tiny delicate shears and hair-thin needles lined up precisely before them (This is where lace is made for some of the couture houses of Paris.) Then we indulged in the tarte aux pommes Normande at the town’s most famous tearoom it has what is probably the region’s greatest selection of striped mariner’s shirts one of our favorite restaurants of the trip: Le Bistrot d’à Côté whose seafood towers are stacked high with fresh langoustines and shrimp (for a fraction of what you’d spend in Paris) we couldn’t properly see Normandy without paying our respects at Utah and Omaha beaches As we walked with Clara past the endless rows of white crosses an old-fashioned carousel is painted in sugary pinks and greens and blues long beach and in the steel-blue waters beyond are enormous cement caissons—the remaining sections of the Mulberry Harbours that the British erected as temporary ports during World War II I was struck by the fact that these relics of one of the bloodiest battles of our time live right next to such sweet symbols of innocence and childhood by Charles Neal (Wine Appreciation Guild; $95) 1944: The Climactic Battle of World War II The Longest Day: The Classic Epic of D-Day by Cornelius Ryan (Simon and Schuster; $17) _ Traveling with Clara in tow was a reminder of how different—and oddly liberating—it is to visit a history-rich town with a kid we would’ve likely succumbed to the self-imposed yet inescapable pressure of The Checklist you adjust your expectations: You want to keep your kids stimulated you often find yourself discover- ing places—little streets small shops—that you might not have on your own because you’d have been so busy trying to see everything you thought you had to we stopped at a small hotel called La Marine we asked the clerk for some suggestions for the next day’s road trip to Mont St-Michel but because of the distance from Paris (three and a half hours by car) The sight of the island appearing on the horizon is nothing short of dazzling But then we got to the parking lots and had to wait in line And then we pushed through a near-solid wall of humanity at the city ramparts only to find another crush of visitors inside (And this was during the off-season.) Finally we conceded defeat and fled back to the car what must be the copper pot capital of the world an utterly charming town with a genuine fonderie de cloches that produces enormous The Cornille-Havard Bell Foundry is open to the public so we took a tour of the workshop and forge where we got to see artisans plying their trade using techniques that date back to the Middle Ages We couldn’t leave town without at least one piece of copper: We chose a tiny butter warmer we passed through the tiny village of Noron-la-Poterie which is equally famous for pottery—simple designs beautifully executed and produced in prodigious amounts we sighed over shelves and shelves of egg cups But of all the things we bought and did while on our trip what I cherished most—and cherish still—was the little joys we encountered along the way: a walk through an apple orchard; a perfect plate of moules-frites; an umbrella maker tucked away on a farm and historical poignancy—a perfect expression of Normandy itself Le Bistrot d’à Côté Les Vapeurs Château d’Audrieu Audrieu; 33-2-31-80-21-52; doubles from $275 Château La Chenevière Luxury hotel near the landing beaches and the picturesque fishing village of Port-en-Bessin Port-en-Bessin; 33-2-31-51-25-25; doubles from $350 Hôtel de la Marin, Quai du Canada Three-star hotel with a good restaurant and great views onto the sea Arromanches; 33-2- 31-22-34-19; doubles from $83 Hôtel des Loges with just the right modern touches and an organic breakfast Honfleur; 33-2-31- 89-38-26; doubles from $160 Hôtel La Chaumière Timbered manor house with smartly decorated rooms close to Honfleur and Deauville Honfleur; 33-2-31-81-63-20; doubles from $360 Hôtel Saint James, Well-appointed small inn with antiques and a fireplace in the salon. 16 rue de la Plage, Trouville-sur-Mer; 33-2-31-88-05-23; doubles from $130 up-to-the-minute voice in all things travel Condé Nast Traveler is the global citizen’s bible and muse We understand that time is the greatest luxury which is why Condé Nast Traveler mines its network of experts and influencers so that you never waste a meal or a hotel stay wherever you are in the world and grains of sand are famously mixed into the paint testifying — along with the picture's boldness and immediacy — to the fact that Monet painted it en situation while in Trouville on his honeymoon The boardwalk at Trouville by Claude Monet Trouville was the last word in smart; it has long been overtaken in chic by the glitzier and oodles of designer stores policed by tanned men and women who look as if they will step outside their premises and ask to see your credit card if you wish to keep on window-shopping for any length of time The gentleness and understated charm of Trouville-sur-Mer certainly seemed nicer to me The town is often described as Nice to Deauville's Cannes It is perhaps Torquay to Deauville's Brighton or maybe Kate Middleton to Deauville's Kate Moss The famous beach itself was evidently painted by Monet facing west like so many such places of illicit pleasure on the French coasts is not a sleazy little underground club but a grand Monet's prospect has been marred by an ugly-looking property development But the beach really is a wonderful expanse a great sandy reach which extends miles uninterruptedly up the coast in the other direction sometimes sparsely populated or even dreamily empty even on the sunniest days it is like an old-fashioned bucket-and-spade English seaside town and in the 19th century it was credited with having imported to France the English fad for "sea-bathing" There are pony rides on the sand and at high summer actual donkey races It is where the young Gustave Flaubert fell in love in 1836 and gallantly picking up her cape which had fallen on to the sand Marcel Proust stayed in one of the villas overlooking the beach making it the model for La Raspelière in Remembrance Of Things Past and stayed also in the Hotel Des Roches Noires purposeful march out into the surf even when the tide was in; a geographical peculiarity in the form of a long trough parallel to the shoreline means that the water gets deep and then suddenly which is why a coast guard actually stands watchfully in the water with his trousers rolled up to his knees When we retreated from a swim one afternoon my three-year-old son discovered the dead body of a shark (What happens is that they get caught by fishing boats and then thrown back to be washed up later.) There was a great temptation to grab the shark carry it up to my wife — sunbathing and generally chillaxing — and treat her to a playful jape But touching a shark carries a powerful taboo especially if you are afraid that some final beyond-the-grave muscle reflex will make it snap its jaws round your hand one last time pavilion-like structure designed in the 1930s is now a listed building While I snoozed in a hammock in the garden of our rented villa one afternoon my wife and niece nonetheless took an urgent stroll to Deauville for some shopping — an area in which Trouville is obviously outclassed this means taking the ferry across the inlet when the tide is in walking back with one's carrier-bags across a kind of impromptu slatted wooden walkway which rests on the muddy river bed though none of us tried the lobster à la Trouville and very much the priciest thing on the menu A very un-Trouville-ish thing to want to eat — out of keeping with this discreet Travel by Eurostar from London St Pancras to Paris Nord and then from Paris St Lazare to Trouville-Deauville through www.raileurope.com We rented our villa directly from the owner via:homelidays.com/trouville-sur-mer FrancePhoto: AlamySave this storySaveSave this storySaveIn its prewar heyday Normandy’s northern coast was the go-to spot for fashionable Parisians looking for a weekend getaway Deauville and neighboring Trouville-sur-Mer—the relative grande dames of the region with their Belle Epoque–style villas and stylish casinos—were and still remain the closest places to escape Paris’s stifling summer heat it was coastal Normandy’s general joie de vivre mentality that kept people coming back for more A weekend in Deauville was to Paris what East Hampton is to New York City Deauville was a place to let your hair down; gorge on the bounty of freshly caught seafood and apple brandy (local Norman delicacies); and imbibe with the best of them until the sun comes up Scott Fitzgerald had Tom and Daisy Buchanan spend part of their year in France here in The Great Gatsby Normandy remains something of a time capsule of its former self World War II and the D-Day invasion left an indelible mark on France’s northern coast and while it doesn’t possess the same pizzazz of its Côte d’Azur neighbor to the south and idyllic landscapes that add a certain je ne sais quoi to the little pocket of life found in France’s northwest corner the rolling hills and lush meadows filled with half-timbered farmhouses throughout Normandy’s countryside are a furious swirl of colors and bucolic charm It was these very landscapes that not only inspired some of the 20th century’s most important works but have also continued to bring with them a steady mix of artists from visiting the coastal seaside villages to sipping calvados in a 17th-century farmhouse in Honfleur and bearing witness to the majesty of Mont-Saint-Michel here’s why you should skip the French Riviera and head to Normandy instead this summer: where the dishes are as pretty as one of Monet’s luscious landscapes it’s time to head north to the picturesque port town of Honfleur Considered to be the birthplace of French impressionism and Monet came to capture the light and brooding Norman skies over the Seine A former fortress town and fishing village Honfleur today still maintains much of its old-world charm Take a stroll around Le Vieux Bassin (or Old Harbor) or lose yourself among the labyrinth of tiny streets It’s worth a quick visit to Saint Catherine’s Once a sojourn for young artists in residence, Ferme Saint Simeon is a charming 17th-century inn and the perfect place to post up for the night Enjoy a traditional-inspired dinner in the farmhouse-style dining room before retiring for a glass of locally distilled calvados HonfleurPhoto: Courtesy of Michelle GrossDeauvilleConsidered the “Riviera” of the north the 25-mile stretch between Honfleur and Caen known as the Côte Fleurie (or “the flowered coast”) is a beautiful stretch of craggily coastline and gorgeous beachside towns adorned with Belle Epoque–style haunts and villas Designed as luxury getaways for well-heeled Parisians at the turn of the last century Deauville and neighboring Trouville-sur-Mer’s are the perfect places to soak in some seaside merriment Deauville is perhaps best known today for hosting the American Film Festival each year and its acclaimed horse racing culture Madame Chanel loved Deauville so much that it was here she opened her first clothing store French novelist Marcel Proust first gained inspiration for many of his later works including In Search of Lost Time Enjoy dinner on the oceanfront terrace of Le Balbec or cocktails in the bar aptly named La Belle Époque a seafood tower that includes locally caught lobster a charming 18th-century townhouse complete with parquet floors and period decor and don’t miss a chance to have breakfast and coffee in the hotel’s beautifully appointed garden before you go and pick up some of France’s original sailor stripes the island monastery of Mont-Saint-Michel is one of France’s most visited landmarks It was transformed into a prison from 1793 to 1863 and subsequently used as everything from a military base to religious commune only a handful of nuns and monks reside on the island abbey and it is easily one of the most beautiful architectural landmarks you’ll ever set foot on For a little something sweet on the way up head to Crêperie La Sirène for traditional Breton galette (buckwheat pancake) La Mère Poulard Café has been a Mont-Saint-Michel mainstay since it opened in 1888 and is renowned for its open-fire-cooked omelets and local delicacies including salt marsh lamb and apple cider You don't have permission to access the page you requested. What is this page?The website you are visiting is protected.For security reasons this page cannot be displayed. around 1900 Gimpel family archives/Archives of American Art; Smithsonian Institution the Paris court of appeal has ordered the restitution of three landscapes by André Derain from two public collections to the grandchildren of the Jewish art dealer René Gimpel The works in question are Paysage à Cassis and Le Moulin the court ruled there were enough “serious precise and concordant clues” that the paintings were looted in 1942 said she was “thrilled by a decision doing justice to René Gimpel and his heirs after seven long years of battle with the museums and the state” She deplored that “nothing has changed in their behaviour since 1999” when she obtained a condemnation of the Louvre which was blocking the restitution of a Tiepolo and four other paintings recovered in Germany in 1945 to the descendants of a Jewish-Italian collector even if René Gimpel was a dealer and sold the paintings he was forced to do so for his survival as a member of the Resistance in hiding on the French Riviera The court did not accept the French culture ministry’s counter-argument that the restitutions should be denied due to the “current uncertainty” surrounding the exact dates and conditions of the sales The Gimpel family should not have to produce “impossible evidence” of sales that the dealer had to conceal France also refused to hand back the Derain paintings because the country’s public collections are considered sacrosanct The museums of Troyes and Marseilles claimed they had acquired the landscapes in good faith after the war but failed to produce any research of provenance the court praised the Gimpel family for undertaking “considerable historical research” which led to the discovery of “new elements” contributing to its decision The taskforce was established last year to speed up France’s slow progress on the restitution of Nazi-era loot, after a damning 2018 report criticised the government’s record of “weak responses and inaction” on the issue. the magistrates claimed jurisdiction of the French courts over the High Court in London news3 June 2019Court case over three Derain paintings will test France's promise to speed up Nazi-era claims Grandchildren of art dealer René Gimpel accuse French culture ministry of blocking restitution of works hanging in state museums Angela di Paolo - The Purist Retreat & Spa Scenes of the first Parisian getaways in the early 20th century the endless beaches of Deauville and Trouville continue to attract urbanites seeking a breath of fresh air just 2 hours from the capital Stay two or three days to truly enjoy a stroll between seafood feasts and indulge in treatments at a dreamy new spa Right next to the iconic casino that Françoise Sagan couldn’t resist the five-star Cures Marines Trouville Hotel Thalasso & Spa-MGallery offers the ultimate seaside comfort Spacious and light-filled rooms make for perfect naps especially after a session at the spa (more on that below) Jean-Philippe Nuel has once again created an elegant atmosphere perfectly suited to the charm of a refined seaside retreat where time seems to stand still which champions balanced yet delicious cuisine: black garlic emulsion leeks and garlic bread poached rhubarb with granola—served in the stunning dining room overlooking the terrace Don’t miss the cocktail bar and their whimsical goldfish-patterned couch—let us know what you think Cures Marines Trouville Hotel Thalasso & Spa-MGallery, Bd de la Cahotte Rooms start at €276.© Cures Marines Trouville Hotel Thalasso & Spa-MGallery at the end of the Planches walkway adorned with the names of movie stars who loved Deauville you’ll find the charming Bar de la Mer and dive into hearty marine dishes that warm the soul: a tender lobster roll (€25) a heavenly avocado-shrimp salad (€19) and even lobster with potatoes and house-made béarnaise sauce (€46) The friendly server might even offer a double portion of whipped cream for your strawberries and raspberries (€13) or you can opt for a divine chocolate fondant with vanilla ice cream (€13) best paired with a Savage Garden cocktail of white martini Le Bar de la Mer, Planches de Deauville You’re probably familiar with Beaumarly’s Parisian hotspots from Thoumieux to Georges and Café Marly The chic Costes group has brought the only true festive restaurant to the coast: Le Deauville it’s now the most stylish table in town Indulge in a seafood platter (from €31) or opt for sea bass ceviche (€19) giant prawns with tom yum sauce (€38) escalating from feel-good tunes to full-on table dancing by 11 pm thanks to Céline Dion and Dalida hits Pro tip: Le Deauville recently launched a Sunday brunch featuring top-quality seafood (€59) Le Deauville No seaside getaway is complete without some thalasso indulgence and The Purist Retreat & Spa takes it to the next level Located across three levels of Cures Marines (where you’ll hopefully have booked a room—see above) you’ll get a tailored program for a few hours or even several days Treatments range from Balinese massages to seaweed wraps The Thermal Space with its heated seawater pool Good to know: The Purist also welcomes non-hotel guests so you can treat yourself even if you’re staying with friends The Purist x Cures Marines Trouville - MGallery Collection 02 31 14 25 70.© The Purist Retreat & Spa Housed in a former 19th-century convent (which also served as an orphanage) Les Franciscaines offers a rich cultural blend: exhibitions serving delicious locavore dishes (Sunday brunch and evening service during performances) this is a must-visit spot for culture buffs in Deauville Current highlights include: an exploration of the aesthetics of sports (until May 12) paintings by the artist Zao Wou-Ki (until May 26) and a fascinating deep dive into architecture (until January 2025) Les Franciscaines, 145 avenue de la République where Chanel and Dior bags gleaming in the window might just lure you into breaking the bank © La Maison Deauville (@lamaisondeauville) - L’Intemporelle Deauville Discover also Your program for a dream weekend in Rome and Getaways with a spa less than 2 hours from Paris. 10 off-road dresses you absolutely must put on this winter Hotels with rooftop that make our head spin in Paris Maslow Temple: bigger, more beautiful and even better! 12 turn-key looks to be in the spotlight at a wedding The 5 New Parisian Boutiques You Absolutely Need to Check Out Glucose Goddess: Jessie Inchauspé's Revolutionary Method Bacha: a coffee shop worthy of the 1,001 nights Three New Italian Restaurants to Try Right Away! Where to Indulge in an Insane Strawberry Tart? Metro, cryo, sleep: 3 icy treatments that do wonders The most beautiful committed florists in Paris on a short circuit The concept store Merci opens a sublime 2nd space Please enable JS and disable any ad blocker From Antibes in the south to Deauville in the north here’s our pick of French destinations to explore I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Full of cultural attractions, renowned food and wine, 5,500km of coastline and seven main mountain ranges, France has a great deal to offer all types of travellers Whether you prefer hitting the slopes or sipping cocktails on a sun-soaked beach most of the top destinations in France are easily accessible from the UK our Gallic neighbour can be reached by ferry or train thanks to numerous transport connections helping travellers make the more sustainable choice France welcomed 100 million international tourists which saw 84 million international arrivals heading to city destinations like Paris and Marseille as well as the beaches of Normandy or the French Riviera it’s possible to soak up some sights and stock up on beautiful views and good food during a long weekend But there’s also plenty to do if you have time to stick around for a couple of weeks or more We’ve rounded up some of the country’s best holiday destinations including snowy vistas and sandy coastal spots Read more on France travel: made with vintage champagne and freshly pressed fruit juice helping you to visualise the glamorous guests that have sashayed through the corridors or sipped drinks at the bar over the past 130 years Famous names inlcude Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton For art lovers, a visit to the Picasso museum in Antibes is a must It dates back to 1946 when Picasso was offered the exceptional opportunity to set up his workshop in the heart of Château Grimaldi the famous castle of Antibes Juan-les-Pins Between mid-September and mid-November 1946 he created numerous works within the castle walls including “Les Clés d’Antibes” (”The Keys of Antibes”) Picasso left 23 paintings and 44 drawings behind Between May and September you’ll experience the best of the Mediterranean sun and perfect weather for seaside fun Temperatures peak in July with an average of 29C temperatures hover around 25C and most travellers have gone back to school and work so you can enjoy quieter beaches Flights from London to Nice can be picked up for as little as £33 return on easyJet You can catch the train from Nice to Antibes from €6 visit in late September to the end of October an elegant seaside town on southwestern France’s Basque coast has been a popular resort since European royalty began visiting in the 1800s with long sandy beaches and surf schools offering lessons for beginners If you’ve never been on a board before you can spend days refining your technique until you eventually catch a wave The water is calmer from May through to September so more experienced surfers tend to visit from October to April when the waves are bigger amd more consistent with lots of regional delicacies that you won’t find elsewhere in France spice up your meals with some Espelette pepper and slurp a fisherman’s soup called ttoro like a local which is considered the chocolate capital of France as well as the birthplace of Bayonne ham visit the tourist office to book a tour of the town’s chocolateries some of which have been producing chocolate since the 17th century there are many charcuteries selling Bayonne ham June and September are the best months weather-wise when temperatures remain high (averages between 22C and 25C) but there’s enough of a breeze for good surfing conditons July and August see temperatures of 27C and more September and October are when you’ll find excellent deals on accommodation and travel to Biarritz In the summer you can fly from Stansted direct to Biarritz via Ryanair but the train is the best way to travel off-season followed by a four-hour trip from Paris Montparnasse to Bayonne direct (from €25 if you book in advance on the SNCF website) If you want to surf without being bothered by beginners One of the highest ski resorts in the Alps with guaranteed skiing virtually year round Tignes is a fantastic option for active travellers who get thrills from buzzing down mountains While the après-ski may not be as lively as the neighbouring Val-d'Isère there are some fun restaurants and late night bars in Val Claret this resort has very few queues and the snow is ever-reliable due to the high altitude In June and July summer skiing is possible on the 3,656m Grande Motte glacier which offers 20km of pistes and a snowpark for jumps Ski and snowboard camps for juniors and adults run in the school summer holidays so you can sharpen your skills and show off the improvements to your friends on your next winter ski trip long sweeping runs down the Grand Motte glacier which should be the goal for the end of a beginner’s first week skiing in Tignes For intermediate skiers there is a good percentage of difficult blues and reds which are challenging without being unsafe There are 300km of runs in Tignes in total Other activities to try in Tignes include the lagoon swimming centre in Le Lac You can also try snowkiting or ice climbing if you’re feeling particularly adventurous Tignes has reliable snow from November to May you can even ski on the Grande Motte glacier in June and July Snow-risky early November and the cold depths of January are a good time to visit Tignes on the cheap. If you’re looking for summer skiing, aim for the end of season in July for better deals. You can book a train ticket to Moutiers on the Eurostar website; prices start from £39 each way for the Eurostar and €25 for the TGV part of the journey If you want to ski in relative peace and quiet France’s capital is one of the most romantic cities in the world, as well as a fun destination to visit as a family. With world-famous art galleries, iconic sights like the Eiffel Tower and a number of beautifully kept outdoor parks Paris offers tourists of all ages the chance to burn off a lot of energy while enriching their minds with culture and history hosting famous guests and politicians since the late 19th century Emmanuel Macron hosted a party here after his 2017 election victory Other must-see tourist sights in Paris are the Louvre, home to the famous Mona Lisa, and, of course, the Eiffel Tower. You can book tickets to climb to the summit of the Eiffel Tower on its official website to avoid the queues If you have children young enough to need a stroller simply fold it up in the elevator and all ages are welcome be prepared for longer queues at the Louvre as there’s usually a line to see the most famous paintings Avoid July and August when it can get hot and crowded September is also often fine and dry so you can walk around without needing too many layers The cheapest time to visit is in the autumn months of October and November when temperatures begin to fall There are fewer queues when the weather starts to get cold so you’ll have the city as your playground in October and November the school Easter holidays and the May half-term holiday see fewer crowds in Paris than the summer holidays and the weather tends to be lovely then Read more: 10 mos beautiful places in Paris A short ferry ride from the UK lies the chic Normandy beach resort of Deauville Known for its chalky white cliffs and colourful flowers Deauville is often dubbed the Parisian Riviera Reachable by road two hours north of the French capital it’s the perfect escape for stressed-out city dwellers looking for rest and relaxation Walk the Promenade des Planches and look at the names of the cabins. Each of the buildings on the 762m long strech of boardwalk is named after a famous movie star, paying homage to Deauville’s annual American Film Festival which takes place during the first week of September you can watch polo matches in the fields at the centre of the world-renowned Deauville La Touques Racecourse Gabrielle ‘Coco’ Chanel chose Deauville as the location of her first ever fashion boutique in 1913 She introduced deluxe casual clothing suitable for leisure and sport tailored trousers and chic pyjamas that were suitable for the beach with some cute beach boutiques selling classic laidback French glamour There are also luxury boutiques like Louis Vuitton and Hermès around the town’s casino Deauville starts heating up in May with average temperatures of 18C and low rainfall The cheapest time to visit is before May or after September Late April or early October are both pleasantly warm and you can usually pick up a great deal on accommodation if you travel in these months Travel by ferry from Portsmouth to Caen from £102 each way (for one person and a car); Deauville is an hour’s drive once you dock in Caen June sees warm weather and more space for your towel and sun lounger on the beach than July or August Or wait until the schools go back in September and stay for a week take a road trip to Rouen for the Joan of Arc museum and castle ruins Lake Annecy is known as Europe’s cleanest lake thanks to strict environmental regulations stand-up paddle board or scuba dive and the water reaches 24C in summer Surrounded by majestic snow-capped mountains the lake has grassy banks to lounge on while enjoying the spectacular scenery The town of Annecy has lots to explore bridges and medieval architecture have earned the city the nickname of the “Venice of the Alps” The cobbled streets and web of canals make for great backdrops for photos and videos to capture a snap of the colourful buildings and vibrant plants and flowers lining the shores where you can see contemporary art and learn about the history of the area a 12th-century building in the middle of the Thiou canal the days are longer and the water temperature is higher Annecy has lots of campsites in which you can spend the night in a tent for a very reasonable price compared to staying in a hotel or guesthouse This will keep the cost down if you want to visit in summer September sees the lowest prices in Annecy as the weather starts to cool down so visiting Annecy in June or September will mean you beat the crowds of swimmers It’s also less crowded on the city streets Read more of our reviews of the best French hotels Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies {"adUnitPath":"71347885/_main_independent/in_travel/in_europe/image/gallery_mpu_sb","autoGallery":true,"disableAds":false,"gallery":[{"data":{"title":"iStock-813628656.jpg","description":"Lighthouse in Trouville-sur-Mer harbor, Normandy, France. Composite photo","caption":"The Lighthouse in Trouville-sur-Mer harbour is a picturesque sight in Normandy The Lighthouse in Trouville-sur-Mer harbour is a picturesque sight in Normandy Please upgrade your browser to improve your experience Chef Yannick Alléno’s Le 1947 now joins 26 other restaurants in France that already hold three Michelin stars Azimin Saini was formerly Digital Features Editor at the Michelin Guide Singapore website The massive foodie enjoys cooking in his free time and relishes the silence of hidden eateries around the city The Mexican capital takes center stage alongside the culinary world's top talents The Golden State's capital welcomes the culinary world's top talents Six states join the illustrious selection with the region's signature flair and flavors Explore the just-revealed full list of 654 MICHELIN-Star restaurants in France 2025 The 68 new Stars for the 2025 edition appear in red Explore the just-revealed full list of MICHELIN-Star restaurants in Paris 2025 The MICHELIN Guide unveils its 2025 Jiangsu Province selection in Nanjing a historic yet modern culinary powerhouse along the Yangtze River We get top recommendations from one of the world’s most decorated chefs including where she goes for proper French cuisine The MICHELIN Guide has arrived in the Philippines setting its sights on Manila and Environs & Cebu for its highly anticipated 2026 debut With our expert Inspectors already exploring the country’s vibrant dining scene Filipino cuisine is poised to take centre stage on the global culinary map The Lone Star State becomes the 11th MICHELIN Guide destination in North America Da Nang becomes the third Vietnamese destination to be scouted by the MICHELIN Guide Inspectors Ho Chi Minh City and Da Nang will be revealed in June 2024 the MICHELIN Key recognizes the most exceptional hotels throughout the world The MICHELIN Guide and Destination Toronto today revealed an expansion of the MICHELIN Guide with the announcement of the MICHELIN Guide Toronto making it the first Canadian destination for the selection MICHELIN Guide California's newest recommendations in the Bay Area and Wine Country With several new stars and the launch of the MICHELIN Green Star selection the second edition of the MICHELIN Guide Beijing celebrates novelty The 2020 edition of the Guide to Guangzhou 31 Bib Gourmand restaurants and 46 Michelin Plate restaurants Non-members can add the privileges at checkout through our 30 day free trial By continuing I accept the Terms & Condition and Privacy Policy. I would like to receive Newsletter from MICHELIN Guide Save lists of your favorite restaurants & hotels Gordon Ramsay\u2019s Le Pressoir d\u2019Argent in Bordeux and Restaurant Kei in Paris 70 new stars were awarded which brings the total number of Michelin-starred restaurants in the home of the red guide to 616 \u2013 16 more than last year This announcement follows last week\u2019s release of the Bib Gourmand list which sees 17 new wallet-friendly and casual eateries in Paris alone Marseille is a crossroads of culture and cuisine shaped by 2,600 years of migration and maritime trade From its Greek founders to waves of immigrants from Italy each community has left an indelible mark on the city’s dynamic food culture the latest edition of The MICHELIN Guide France celebrates two new Three-Star restaurants Discover the best of the 2025 Paris restaurant scene and a whole host of new MICHELIN-Star restaurants A MICHELIN Inspector reports back on his personal experience at Le Coquillage in northern Brittany where Chef Hugo Roellinger has clinched Three Stars in the 2025 selection An Inspector shares her first-hand experience of dining at Christopher Coutanceau's eponymous La Rochelle restaurant which has been awarded Three Stars in The MICHELIN Guide France 2025 Enjoy 10 days dedicated to exploring all the riches of Moselle; with castles this region at the crossroads of Europe is a treasure trove of unexpected wonders From chic new hot spots to iconic favorites discover the must-visit restaurants and hotels that capture the spirit of each fashion capital this season often hailed as one of Paris' trendiest neighborhoods actually remains deeply rooted in its heritage This eclectic pocket of the city blends a rich history Its unpolished streets are alive with authentic global flavors making Belleville a must-visit destination for food-lovers Delve into some of the world's most magical winter wonderlands with the help of exceptional hotels and Three Star cuisine France is primarily a part of Western Europe and comprises Metropolitan France amongst several marine regions and borders Metropolitan France extends from the area of Rhine to the North Sea Mediterranean Sea and the English Channel on its way The marine borders of France include French Guiana of South America and many islands located across the Atlantic and Germany towards its northeast direction; countries of Switzerland and Italy towards the east direction and countries of Andorra and Spain towards the southern direction Some of the hip areas of France include Lyon The country of France has the highest number of time zones ever constituted by any country France has the fifth-largest UNESCO World Heritage Site of the world with a record of more than 89 million foreign visitors visiting in 2018 France is also a member of the World Trade Organization (WTO) and it conducts foreign trade with other European partners France is U.S.’s ninth-largest trading partner Africa and Asia are also important trade partners to France This European country is a renowned centre of literature and fashion and a significant exporter of such goods The French government encourages every aspect of their foreign trade Paris was ranked as the second most crucial location globally for the world’s 500 largest companies’ headquarters The Ports in French also play a significant role in the export and import trade of the country The country is the second-largest exporter and importer in Europe after Germany Let us look into the most important ports in France The Autonomous Port of Paris is recognized as a State public institution Its mission is to develop waterway transport of goods and passengers in the Ile-de-France region and operating the port facilities of Paris and the surrounding region The Autonomous Port of Paris develops river traffic in the Paris region it also manages port facilities along over 300 miles of navigable routes The port was France’s first inland container port and it is the crucial river port system of France The Autonomous Port of Paris welcomes both goods and passengers The Autonomous Port of Paris’s major multi-modal platforms combines up to five transport modes: the waterway the port has introduced facilities to construct a kind of “metro system” for goods that are indispensable to both the economy and urban ecology The Port also ensures that these new changes blend in the landscape have high architectural and global planning standards is one of France’s main maritime ports The port has overall traffic of 88 million tons one in the northern Marseille from La Joliette to l’Estaque and the other in the Fos-sur-Mer Marseille’s port is France’s largest port This port transported 79 million tons of goods in 2019 The local port was historically known as the Old Port of Marseille The Port of Lyon is famously known as port Édouard-Herriot Lyon is a Rhone-Saone river cruise port in the Auvergne-Rhone-Alpes region in east-central France It exists between Marseille and Paris City on the river Rhone and covers nearly 520 acres The Port is responsible for handling over 12 million tons of goods per year The Port of Lyon facilitates trade with the north of Europe A state agency known as the Grand Port Maritime du Havre efficiently manages the Port of Le Havre It is the Port and port authority of the French city of Le Havre This port is the second-largest among the commercial ports of France when it comes to overall tonnage It is also the largest container seaport in the country This port deals with a wide range of goods with three sets of terminals dedicated to containers and over four miles of docks The north terminal of this Port covers approximately 237 acres An excellent feature of this port is that it can accommodate all sizes of world cruise liners and a significant new marina is on the plans The Le Havre Port is linked to Portsmouth and England by Brittany Ferries This Port in France is the harbour of the town of Deauville The Marina is built within the residential complex of Port Deauville Port Deauville was built in 1972 to compensate for the yacht basin’s saturation at Port Morny Port Deauville can accommodate as many as 850 yachts one of the most westerly significant ports lies on France’s northern coast in the Bretagne (Brittany) region It is secured from the mighty Atlantic Ocean by the Queen Peninsula and the Goulet Passage It is assumed to be the first port in France that vessel from America Brest’s port is known for offering its customers easy access at any time and quick and effective service and quality famously known as grand port maritime de La Rochelle is the commercial deep-water port of La Rochelle in France The Port of La Rochella has oil unloading equipment and mainly handles tropical wood La Pallice is the home of La Rochelle’s fishing fleet which was moved from the old harbour in the city centre during the 1980s The Port of Calais in northern France is a port in Calais This port was the first cable ship in Europe and it is the largest for passenger traffic The Port of Calais accounts for more than one-third of the economic activity in the town of Calais The Port of Trouville-sur-Mer is the harbor of the city of Trouville-sur-Mer along the Boulevard Fernand Moureaux and downstream from the Pont des Belges in France The docks of Trouville constitute a district within the city The main building on the docks is the fish market The Port of Gennevilliers is the most prominent French river port and the largest port in the Ile-de-France located in the commune of Gennevilliers in the north of the Hauts-de-Seine the Port of Gennevilliers is important in France This port has a highly crucial delivery terminal meant for semi non-perishable freight and heavy essentials and heavy materials travel through the French canal system low value-added bulk materials such as sand and gravel The ports authority of French runs the seaports and the Government of France operates these France’s ports authority is also responsible for providing a safe and efficient transportation system that ensures safe and secure trading in the ports and simultaneously improves its economic prosperity Disclaimer : The information contained in this website is for general information purposes only While we endeavour to keep the information up to date and correct we make no representations or warranties of any kind suitability or availability with respect to the website or the information or related graphics contained on the website for any purpose Any reliance you place on such information is therefore strictly at your own risk In no event will we be liable for any loss or damage including without limitation or any loss or damage whatsoever arising from loss of data or profits arising out of Do you have info to share with us ? Suggest a correction Mohit Kaushik is a marine engineer sailing with Maersk Shipping He handles website development and technical support at Marine Insight Apart from handling web development projects he also manages a logistics company and have a keen interest in modern logistic technologies Signup today and get maritime ebooks submitted to your inbox directly. © 2010 - 2025 Marine Insight — All Rights Reserved We respect your privacy and take protecting it very seriously Here's the perfect list for a weekend getaway by the sea Discover the beautiful beaches located less than 300 km from Paris are you ready for a beautiful natural interlude on the edge of what is so aptly called the “flowery coast” Trouville contrasts with the chic of Deauville This coastal town is particularly popular with families friendly atmosphere and unrivalled seaside architecture swimming is a popular activity on Etretat’s beautiful beach take a sailing course or go for a boat trip Dieppe beach is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful seaside resorts in Normandy Parisians will be seduced by its pebble beach and white cliffs with a breathtaking view of the sea Dieppe’s picturesque port is also the guardian of its deep-rooted maritime heritage Dieppe is the ideal destination for a change of scenery for the whole family walk along the waterfront and simply enjoy the beauty of the landscape… If you’re in the mood to get away from it all and walk with your feet in the sand here’s a getaway you’re sure to love If you want to enjoy a seaside stroll without being too far from Paris Le Touquet-Plage is the seaside resort of your dreams The 12 km of fine sand bordered by dunes on its beach which has nothing to envy the beaches of southern France sunbathing and taking a dip when the weather’s warm Cabourg will literally plunge you into a postcard setting An emblematic seaside destination to enjoy sea views breathe in the sea air and take an invigorating natural bath Cabourg beach has a charm all of its own that will delight tourists and Parisians in search of vacations Just a few kilometers from Paris lies the lovely beach of Honfleur the town of Honfleur offers visitors a change of scenery picturesque medieval streets and the Butin beach at the end of the pier Whether you’re wearing a yellow raincoat or a bikini Honfleur is the perfect getaway to take a deep breath of fresh air and admire all the beauty nature has to offer Here are the best train journeys to make at least once from Paris See the country and enjoy France's varied landscapes An ideal destination for an invigorating weekend one of France’s most beautiful villages Provins a medieval city in the Seine-et-Marne region is also a lovely destination to plan this year beautiful half-timbered houses and old-world charm .. Rambouillet offers beautiful walks around the château The sheepfold is ideal for an educational outing with the kids and the forest is as beautiful as it is soothing whose garden inspired his most beautiful works and stroll around to admire the blossoming gardens of nearby houses in spring A charming town to see in any season to feast your eyes on He succeeds Éric Gorjux, who managed the brasserie since it reopened in November 2023 With over 30 years’ experience as a restaurant manager Stéphane Tendero will be bringing his expertise to bear leading the staff and maintaining the excellent standards of the Café de Paris Monte-Carlo Stéphane Tendero worked in prestigious Parisian establishments before joining Monte-Carlo Société des Bains de Mer he made a name for himself with key roles in prestigious establishments in France where he managed some of the capital’s most iconic venues Notable achievements include his role as Executive Director at La Coupole and his success in opening Thierry Marx’ brasserie for the Lagardère Travel Retail group SBM and École Hôtelière de Lausanne sign prestigious partnership May 4, 2025 | Airshow News, Display Team Schedules After a delayed start due to an accident during Winter training La Patrouille de France will start their season in June and take in displays in France wetlands and amazing coastline in Normandy and Picardy offer great hiking – plus excellent fish cafes and crêperies for refuelling in afterwards Canal de la Somme Photograph: Mike RaynerPart of the Canal de la Somme runs from Abbeville to the Somme estuary The very minor road will take you to a small parking area next to a swing bridge From there you can walk in either direction or across the bridge into the open countryside beyond The canal is tree-lined and you will only be disturbed in your enjoyment of the countryside and wildlife by the occasional cyclist or pleasure cruiser The towpath is suitable for wheelchairs and the proximity of the car park makes it suitable for those with limited mobility Opposite the car park is a small picnic area If you want a round trip take the bus to Boismont You could alternatively hire a bike or a pleasure cruiser at St Valery.Mike Rayner Monet loved the view from there and would have been excited by the window Braque designed for the little church.John Pelling Photograph: Dave LeggettThe Forêt d’Eu is the perfect place to get away from the crowds one of the many landmarks at crossroads throughout the forest the route (one of the Grandes Randonnées de Pays) follows a pretty track before descending to the village of Mienval then joining a tiny road back up to the starting point.Dave Leggett The Sentier des Douaniers Photograph: Guy Thouvenin/Getty ImagesYou can join the Normandy coastal path (Sentier des Douaniers) at any point of its well-marked way but my favourite is the final part for its breathtaking views of Mont St-Michel stretching out into the Atlantic as the sun sets and haunting shadows stretch across the waves In spring the heather is in full bloom and the neatly divided 20km footpaths are comfortable for all shoes winding past old churches before tempting you with simple fish cafes or crêpe stalls.funinfinland I’ve been going to Normandy on holiday for many years and Beuvron-en-Auge is one of the most beautiful villages in the region Note: wear bright clothing on the roads and wear reflective material at night but dogs are welcome in the village and even in the restaurants Our dachshund had a refreshing drink at the “doggie fountain” in the village square Photograph: AlamyPlace Jean Mermoz is a pretty little square in Villers-sur-Mer that is particularly memorable for its dinosaur made from flowers and its wonderful cafes and fish restaurants Walk east along the promenade past magnificent beach houses up into Blonville-su-Mer which has some great old German defences on the clifftop playground of the wealthy Parisians and home to an international film festival After Deauville you come into Trouville-sur-Mer a delightful little fishing town where they land the catch on the harbour and sell it in the restaurants opposite with a detour up the hill in Blonville to see the concrete bunkers it is one of the best walks you can do in Normandy.aningeniousname Photograph: AlamyWe cycled from our base in Barfleur past Quettehou to Morsalines (“the dead salts”) Then we took a little path to the shore and walked south along the tidal flats Cordgrass thrives in the salty sand and makes for a satisfyingly bleak view over the wide horizon Eventually we were scrunching over low ridges of shells to take a right-hand lane leaving the beach going up through the hills to the hamlet of Beauvais then down again through woods and past cabbage fields to a little brook Turning right again to bear north along the stream we found a stile to eat our sandwiches by then headed back to find our bikes at Morsalines It was about a 5km round trip.ProfMcTeach The French Air & Space Force’s competition aerobatics team will once again have a busy season supporting airshows with solo Belgium and visit the UK twice for events in Ayr and at Duxford Normandy beacheshave no reason to envy Mediterranean ones They are famous for their distinctive beauty We can prove it to you with a selection of our favourite beaches So here isone of the most beautiful and recognisable French beaches Framed by pebble beaches and the famous cliffs of Etretat But beware: you are not allowed to remove pebbles from the beach Here’s a tip: A walk along the beach will lead you to the 17th-century oyster beds and the legendary "trou à l'homme" (manhole) but you should always be wary of the tides. The 19th century Queen of Beacheshas kept its beauty thanks to charming houses along the beach Here’s a tip: Trouville has preserved its fishing-village essence A trip to the traditional fish market is a real must with 11 fishmongers selling delicious seafoodsuch as scallops >> Head to Trouville by train Deauville's renowned beach is covered with colourful parasols running along the boardwalk with cabins named after American celebrities.. Here’s a tip: The Deauville racetracks organise many races and events centered around horses including polo games in August on the beach A romantic beach that is also family-friendly This charming seaside resort is the perfect place to spend a family weekend and villas dating back to the beginning of the 20th century Here’s a tip: Cabourg is a town that appeals to food lovers Don't hesitate to dine at one of the local restaurants to taste the truly fresh seafood Barneville-Carteret also has the Family Plus designation You won't be surprised to find a wide range of organised activities for families on the beach including entertainment and water sports.. Here’s a tip: The surrounding nature is diverse you will be able to see the famous beach huts The beach offers a variety of water sports: you can rent sea kayaks It’s a cool spot for fans of skateboarding: the Digue Nord skatepark is the biggest free skatepark in France There is also a playground where you can play beach volleyball speedminton (a mix of squash and badminton) Here’s a tip: Before sunbathing on Le Havre's beach you can make a cultural stop at the André Malraux Museum >> Book your train tickets to Le Havre where you can rent one of the 160 beach cabins (from 15 June to 15 September) take the stairs leading to Dior Villa gardens it is a fine example of resort architecture: bow windows The pink of the façade and the grey of the gravel became the famous fashion designer's favourite colours Here’s a tip: Take a boat trip to the Chausey Islands a small and beautiful archipelago unlike any other in Europe the large island of Chausey can be visited in a day...or more You can also opt for a guided tour of the archipelago or a boat trip around the bay of Mont-Saint-Michel >> Book your train tickets to Granville Hauteville-sur-Mer is afamily seaside resort par excellence(it also has the Family Plus label) concerts...There are plenty of things to do Here’s a tip: When the tide is out,the sea uncovers oyster beds and a medieval "fishery," a gigantic V-shaped fish trap located about 2 km from the beach May 2, 2025 | Airshow News, Display Team Schedules The French Air & Space Force Dassault Rafale Solo Display is perhaps the most popular of all the solo jet displays in Europe Returning for a second season as pilot is Captaine Jean-Brice ‘Mimouss’ Millet and he will be display in France Last Updated on 1st July 2024 by Sophie Nadeau But what about when you want to see the rest of France and other architecture without heading too far away from the City of Light then you simply must head to the French region of Normandy Here’s a long weekend in Normandy travel itinerary you’ll want to steal you can easily reach the quaint and timber-framed town of Rouen which also happens to be the capital of the Normandy region Then it’s a drive straight along westwards along the coast to reach the quaint resort towns of Deauville and Trouville-Sur-Mer it’s just a short stretch until you reach the magical tidal island of Mont Saint Michel A place where land meets sea and myth comes to life it’s the perfect place to end your Normandy adventure Pretty in pastel shade façades and steeped in oodles of history it’s even alleged that Joan of Arc was burned at the stake right here in Rouen the impressive Gothic Cathedral was once the tallest building in the world, William the Conqueror was present at the building’s consecration and the cathedral is now the final resting place of King Richard the Lionheart As the capital of the Normandy region, there’s plenty more to see and do when it comes to Rouen, especially if you love architecture, museums, or photography! After all, there’s a Musée des Beaux-Arts (Museum of Fine Arts), one of the oldest still working clock mechanisms in France in the form of Le Gros Horloge de Rouen Read more: A quick guide to the best things to do in Rouen. the seaside resort towns of Deauville and Trouville-Sur-Mer are favourite holiday hotspots for Parisians and are often referred to as the ’21st arrondissement of Paris’ If you’re looking to spend a long weekend in Normandy then I totally recommend a stay in one of these beautiful French towns for at least a night it’s worth dedicating at least two or three nights in Deauville to truly uncover the beauty of these pretty resort towns Both Deauville and Trouville-Sur-Mer are best visited in the summer months when everything around town is open and the sun is shining down the best things to do in both French settlements are predominantly outdoor activities; tandem cycling Read more: Most beautiful towns and cities in Normandy! you can’t spend a long weekend in Normandy and miss Mont Saint Michel The conical tidal island has been inhabited since time immemorial and is now home to a dramatic abbey characterised by its many turrets and remoteness when the sea rolls in twice a day and separates the island from the rest of France There has been an abbey on site in some form or another for well over a thousand years First attested as early as the 8th-century prior to this the site was used as a Gallo-Roman fort Best visited earlier in the day so as to watch the candy colours dance across the sky at sunrise and to avoid the crowds make the trip to Mont Saint Michel and you won’t forget it any time soon Popularity means that the island itself can be incredibly expensive to stay on in comparison with the quality of accommodation on offer. Therefore, I suggest that following your trip to Mont Saint Michel, you either travel the few hours it takes to get to Paris or carry along venturing along the coastline to the stunning region of Brittany. Read more: Here’s why you should add Mont Saint Michel to your French bucket list! Sophie Nadeau is a full time travel writer and photographer focused on cultural experiences in Europe and beyond When she's not chasing after the sunset (or cute dogs she sees on her travels) she can be found reading and website in this browser for the next time I comment Δdocument.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value" This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed. I started this site back in 2015 with one mission in mind: I wanted to create useful travel guides with a historical and cultural focus Today it has blossomed into my full time job and together with a small team of writers (including my husband and sister) we craft articles to help you travel better throughout Europe © 2015- 2025 Sophie Nadeau. Nadeau Pasquier LTD. All Rights Reserved. solosophie participates in various affiliate marketing programs. solosophie is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Privacy Policy Last Updated on 20th October 2022 by Sophie Nadeau oodles of history and charming towns all come together to form a ‘must-see’ region to the North West of Paris Here’s your ultimate guide to the most beautiful towns in Normandy Situated on one of the most Northernmost points of France Normandy has long held a certain mystery and allure that draws in hundreds of thousands of visitors in on an annual basis Famously known as being the home of the ‘Bayeux Tapestry’ the town of Bayeux is a rich blend of history Located in the Calvados region of Normandy the town is located just a few miles from the English Channel Bayeux was founded by Gallo-Romans in the 1st Century and you should head here if you love museums Of all the most beautiful towns in Normandy on this list, the picturesque city of Rouen is probably my favourite it’s fair to say that Rouen has seen its fair share of history Filled with little cobbled lanes and timber-framed houses you can’t go wrong by dedicating a couple of days to visit this ancient city the city was once home to Joan of Arc and is now the final resting place of Richard the Lionheart A towering castle overlooks the charming town of Les Andelys. Everyone knows that the English King, Richard the Lionheart spent much of his time in Normandy (and is buried in the grand cathedral of Rouen) in a fortified castle in Les Andelys that he resided you’ll find half-timbered houses and various museums Deauville is where all the Parisians head to for a summer getaway Chic and just over an hour away from Paris the town has been a popular vacation resort since the 1800s In Deauville, you’ll find a series of boutique stores, a golf course and a candy coloured boardwalk dating all the way back to the 1920s. In order to truly enjoy the best of Deauville, I highly recommend incorporating it into an itinerary for a long weekend in Normandy you’ll find the charming town of Trouville-sur-Mer Also referred to as simply ‘Trouville’ it’s a popular tourist destination for locals and international visitors alike Some of the best things to do in the charming town include eating at one of the many restaurants visiting the local culture museum and having a go at riding Rosalie bicycles (a four-seater Located by the sea, the inhabitants of the charming town of Honfleur are known as Honfleurais. The town easily makes the list of being one of the most beautiful towns in Normandy on account of its stunning architecture and ancient buildings Honfleur is home to the largest wooden church in France and dates all the way back to 1027 AD Sitting sleepily beside the seaside and famous the world over, you can’t go wrong by spending a couple of days exploring all that Étretat has to offer but France has Étretat and its chalky columns jutting out of the sea Aside from the many coastal walks and hidden caverns, you’ll also find a blissful beach and cute town. Nearby, you’ll also find the Château du Tilleul an ancient French mansion house with a rather curious past Giverny has existed in some form or another all the way since Neolithic times But what really brought the town to the forefront of people’s minds is its association with Claude Monet the famous artist spent many of his final years in the town painting his surrounds and admiring the landscape The secluded island of Mont Saint Michel is located approximately half a mile off the coast of France the conical shaped piece of land is cut off twice daily from the rest of Normandy by the rising sea Mont Saint Michel is easily one of those ‘must see’ France attractions the ancient town of Beuvron-en-Auge is all timber-framed houses and small cobbled lanes It’s often cited as being one of the most beautiful villages in France The town is also well known for its cider scene (an annual ‘Fête du Cidre’- cider festival is held in the autumn) as well as its many boutiques Varengeville-Sur-Mer (as its name suggests) is right by the sea Situated a short drive away from Dieppe and often called ‘Varengeville’ for short the Normandy settlement is located along the Alabaster coastline of France Best-known for its proximity to the ocean (the beaches surrounding the Norman town are simply breathtaking) other points of interest in Varengeville include the 16th-century manorhouse known as Manoir d’Ango and the final resting place of cubist painter Georges Braque in the churchyard Enjoyed reading about the best towns in Normandy I concur with most of your choices of towns to visit Giverny must be the biggest tourist trap in all of France Having just returned from a month touring Normandy and Brittany our visit to Giverny was the low point of the trip but they don’t control the number of people entering the grounds that show up without a ticket The congestion inside the house and gardens was insane You can barely move through the small rooms and staircases I haven’t made it to Rouen or Etretat so now will need to go back when the pandemic is over Honfleur is my favorite – absolutely fell in love with it and didn’t want to leave I visited on tour June 2016 and loved everything I saw especially Rouen I had no idea that Normandy was this beautiful I had seen pictures before of Mont Saint Michel on Instagram but not the other spots I think you have now totally sold this region to me