We are taking a trip to Normandy in July (hoping it is as cool as it usually is there in the summer) and are planning on staying part of the time in Caen. My question is, what other location should we choose? There are so many appealing options, but we really prefer staying put for 5+ days rather than changing hotels every couple of nights. We will have a car and don't mind some driving for a day trip, or using public transportation. Given that we are planning on staying in Caen itself, we were thinking perhaps for the other site, we would choose a hotel or bed and breakfast in the countryside. We have thought about near to Rouen along the Seine, or maybe on the Côte Albâtre ou Fleurie. We like hiking, as well as visiting cultural and historic sites, and touring local producers (i.e. calvados distilleries or fromageries, etc.
thanks in advance!
Posted by
NC, USA
53 posts
Totally subjective and only based on our experience staying in Bayeux, but I would stay there (choosing it over Caen). For the additional location, I’m sure there are many other good options; I think it just depends on what you want to see/do. If you’re interested in Mont-St.-Michel, for example, maybe you could arrange to stay on the mount for a couple nights? Or venture into Brittany (we loved Dinan and St. Malo). I haven’t been to the others you me mentioned, so maybe others can weigh in on those and other options.
Posted by
Orinda, California, United States
356 posts
We liked Honfleur and drove up the coast to FeCamp. We enjoyed a Benedictine tour and spent the rest of the day hiking at Etretat.
A day in Honfleur was nice as well.
Posted by
IJzendijke, The Netherlands
2363 posts
There are a lot of hiking trails along the cliffs of the Côte d’Albâtre. Lovely places, like Bénouville, Vaucottes, Yport etc. and countryside between Étretat and Fécamp. You can look for one of the many B&B’s there. However I doubt if this artea can keep you busy for a week or so, several nights will be fine to my idea.
Very popular is walking from the mainland through the wetlands to Le Mont-Saint-Michel. Do this only with a local guide, who is familiar with the tidal movements of the sea, otherwise it can be very dangerous. In stead of staying on the island you can look for a B&B in for instance Bas-Courtil.
Worth exploring is the Pays d’Auge region (roughly between Caen, Pont l’Évêque and the coast. You can follow the Route du Cidre there.
Posted by
12 posts
Cote Fleurie will be packed in July. Cote Albatre is quieter, better hiking along the cliffs. Etretat is tourist central but the trails just outside are worth it.