Attractions & Activities in Normandy

As you would expect of a region that receives vast numbers of visitors every year, Normandy has a wealth of excellent attractions and activities to offer. From theme parks and interactive museums, to historic châteaux and displays of traditional crafts, you'll discover something new and exciting to do every day of your holiday.

In addition, many of the attractions listed here offer a discount on purchases and entrance fees when you present a Brittany Ferries' Privilege Card. This card is free, and available to all groups and individuals booking a Brittany Ferries' holiday.

50300 Avranches
Tel: 02 33 48 67 48

Not for the fainthearted, but great fun if you're the daring kind! Take a micro light trip over Mont St Michel for a fantastic view of this famous island abbey, one of France's top tourist attractions. Or take a short 'discovery' flight over the local countryside. Trips must be booked in advance (minimum age 12 years) and are dependent on weather conditions.

Flights operate daily all year, starting 30 minutes before sunrise to 30 minutes after sunset.

10% discount off all flights

54 rue du Général Huard
50800 Villedieu les Poêles
Tel: 02 33 51 31 85

Villedieu is famous for its copper and bell foundries and this is one of its oldest workshops. Here you can watch and discover how using traditional methods, the skillful craftsmen transform a sheet of copper into something decorative or useful.

Closed Sun (except Jul & Aug). Open all year 9am - 12 noon & 1.30pm - 5.30pm.

14490 Balleroy
(40k west of Caen)
Tel: 02 31 21 60 61

Built in 1631, this château has undergone extensive restoration and refurbishment since its purchase by Malcolm S Forbes in 1970. In the outer court is the International Balloon Museum where pictures, miniatures, collectables and documents tell the history of ballooning. There's also a shop with a choice of gifts and memorabilia.

Open 15 Mar to 15 Oct, 10am - 6pm. Closed Tue (except Jul & Aug).

Château de Crèvecoeur
14340 Crèvecoeur en Auge
(17k west of Lisieux)
Tel: 02 31 63 02 45

Surrounded by water, this medieval château has been miraculously preserved in its original state. Protected by a group of fortifications, the church and wooden farm buildings are regrouped in the beautiful courtyard. In August various medieval events are held (phone the museum for details).

Open 1 Apr to 30 Sept 11am - 6pm. Jul/Aug open daily 11am - 7pm.

14130 Breuil en Auge (Le)
(10k north of Lisieux)
Tel: 02 31 65 60 00

This charming château in a beautiful park is home to one of Normandy's finest calvados producers. See the apple press, distillery and 17thC Orangerie cellar where the calvados is aged in oak casks, then sample this delightful brandy or pommeau in the tasting room.

Open daily all year from 9am - 12 noon and 2 - 6pm.

14700 Falaise
Tel: 02 31 41 61 44

Falaise, the birthplace of William the Conqueror, is proud of its important medieval castle surrounded by imposing walls. Two of its three towers are typical of the Anglo-Norman style and the third, known as the Round Tower, was built in the 13thC.

Open 10am - 6pm. Unaccompanied audio visual tours & free guided tours daily.

14130 Coudray Rabut
(10k south-east of Deauville)
Tel: 02 31 64 30 05

Set in an orchard, this group of typical Norman buildings includes a press, distillery, wine store, workshop and 16thC manor where you can taste and buy various types of Calvados and cider.

Free entry. Open all year (except Sun & bank holidays) 9am - 12 noon and 2 - 6pm.

Chemin de Beauvais
50480 Ste Mère l'Eglise
(38k south-east of Cherbourg)
Tel: 02 33 95 40 20

Discover the way of life of Norman country folk in days gone by in this 17th/18thC farm museum. Take a look at their homes and working quarters including a dairy, wash house, bakery, cowshed and cartwright's workshop. A collection of authentic tools is also displayed, along with pieces of agricultural equipment and temporary exhibitions.

Open April/May 2 - 6pm, June & Sept 11am - 6pm, July/Aug 11am - 7pm.

Route de Caumont
14760 Bretteville sur Odon
(6k west of Caen)
Tel: 02 31 75 04 04
www.festyland.com

This park has over 30 attractions, with the theme of Norman life through the ages. There are excellent shows and rides such as the Viking Drakkar Express and Pirate Ship. Crêperie, self-service restaurant and picnic areas.

Open Wed (1.30 - 6.30pm), Sat & Sun (11am - 6.30pm) Apr to end Sept. Daily during June (except Mon), Jul, Aug, school and bank holidays from 11am - 7pm.

Haras du Pin Tourisme
61310 Pin au Haras (Le)
(15k east of Argentan)
Tel: 02 33 36 68 68

The 300 year old Haras National du Pin is primarily a stud farm (60 stallions) but also a professional riding school and race course in the heart of a 1000 hectare estate. A guided tour is possible every day and a presentation with stallions and riding teams in the 'Cour d'Honneur' is held every Thursday afternoon from June to Sept.

Open 1 Apr to 10 Oct 9.30am - 6pm. 2pm - 5pm at other times.

Musée Maritime
50550 St Vaast la Hougue
(30k south-east of Cherbourg)
Tel: 02 33 54 33 33

This island has a maritime museum with archaeological collections as well as boats and fishing equipment. The site also has a bird-watching observatory, a shipyard and marine botanical gardens.

Open daily Apr to Sept 10am - 6pm. Rest of year weekends only, 2pm - 5.30pm.

Gare Maritime Transatlantique
50100 Cherbourg - Octeville
Tel: 02 33 20 26 26

In spring 2002, La Cité de la Mer opened up the world of deep sea exploration through exhibitions & demonstrations of the adventures of submariners and oceanographers. Attractions include the 'bottomless' aquarium (the deepest in Europe), a 10m vertical pool - see how various types of seawater life adapt to the underwater world; 16 other pools and a touch pool; Le Redoutable - the world's largest submarine open to the public.

Open 1 June to 15 Sept 9.30am - 7pm. 16 Sept to 31 May 10am - 6pm. Last entry 1 hour before closure. Closed 25 Dec to end Jan.

Esplanade Eisenhower
14066 Caen
Tel: 02 31 06 06 60

This remains the only museum to give an overview of history from 1918 to
today. Originally dedicated to the causes and consequences of the Second World War, due to expansion the museum now includes the second half of the 20thC and the Cold War. The visit ends in an area devoted to peace - an ideal place for to the D-Day Landing Beaches at a cost of €55.20 per adult in summer (no quiet reflection.

Open daily 9am - 6pm (8pm in Jul/Aug). The museum also offers guided day trips reduction for children).

Route de St Lô
14240 Caumont l'Eventé
(22k south-west of Caen)
Tel: 02 31 71 15 15

This huge complex of underground slate mines was abandoned a century ago and is now a site of exceptional natural beauty housing Europe's most famous private collection of giant crystals and precious stones.

Open 10am - 5pm (6pm high season). Last entry 15 mins before closure. Closed 15 Dec - 7 Feb & Mon (low season). Tickets include access to Les Dentsde la Terre exhibition.

Route de la Roche Torin
50220 Courtils
(10k east of Le Mont St Michel)
Tel: 02 33 89 66 00

The Maison de la Baie is close to the famous Mont St Michel and explains its fascinating history in an audiovisual tour. Through images, films and exhibitions, you will learn the astonishing natural formation of the bay which has given it its unique character. There is also an observatory offering exceptional views.

Open June to Sept 10am - 6pm (Jul & Aug 10am - 7pm).

99 rue Claude Monet
27620 Giverny
(3k south-east of Vernon)
Tel: 02 32 51 94 65

Opened in 1992, the Musée d'Art Américain (close to Monet's Garden) exhibits American art through history, in particular the paintings of artists who lived and worked in Paris during the Impressionist period. A number of these were greatly influenced by Monet.

Open 1 Apr to 31 Oct (10am - 6pm). Closed Mon.

Avenue de la Plage
50310 Quineville
(14k east of Valognes)
Tel: 02 33 21 40 44

This museum is distinctly different from other such museums in Normandy. Whilst like others it depicts the hard and sober times of the German occupation of France during World War II, this museum's theme is one of freedom and there are no weapons or arms on display. There is a reconstruction of a typical French street, showing daily life as it was during the period of the Occupation.

Open 10am - 6pm mid Mar to mid Nov. June & Sept 9.30am - 7pm, July/Aug 9.30am - 7.30pm.

14170 Vendeuvre
(15k north-east of Falaise)
Tel: 02 31 40 93 83

This château houses a fascinating museum with a collection of 750 miniature items of furniture & antiquities. The history of the château is brought to life by a series of moving models including a talking 'cook' in the kitchen. In the 'surprise' water gardens discover pretty fountains and fun water games hidden amongst the trees.

Open daily from 1 May to 30 Sept, 11am - 6pm (6.30pm in July/Aug). Apr & from Oct -11 Nov open Sun and bank holidays 2 - 6pm.

33 place du Vieux Marché
76000 Rouen
Tel: 02 35 88 02 70

Discover and relive the life of Joan of Arc in this Roman style museum dedicated to the heroine. On display are historic artefacts & models of the château & old market place where Jeanne d'Arc was burnt alive. The Galérie de Cire has 50 surprisingly lifelike wax figures of famous French characters.

Open 15 Apr to Oct daily 9.30am - 7pm (10am - 12 noon and 2pm - 6.30pm other months).

Bvd Fabian-Ware
14400 Bayeux
Tel: 02 31 51 46 90

This fascinating museum tells the heroic story of how 1.5 million allied soldiers amassed against the Nazi regime, culminating in the liberation of Normandy and eventual peace in Europe. Exhibits include models, uniforms, tanks, military equipment, war memorabilia and a cinema.
The museum is close to the British Military Cemetery in Bayeux.

Open 9.30am - 6.30pm from 1 May to 15 Sept. 10am - 12.30pm and 2 - 6pm from 16 Sept to 30 Apr.

Le Placître
50850 Ger
(20k north-west of Domfront)
Tel: 02 33 79 35 36

This authentic potter's site retraces 500 years of the evolution of pottery in this part of Normandy. See a display of kilns which are unique in Europe, a dryer, a workshop and pottery collection. A working potter will explain to you the techniques and stages of ceramic production.

Open from Apr to May 2 - 6pm. June to Sept 11am - 6pm. July & Aug 11am - 7pm.

12 quai Charcot
14150 Ouistreham
Tel: 02 31 36 05 05

This British owned, English speaking warehouse sells good quality wines, beers & spirits at reasonable prices. It is conveniently situated close to the ferry port.

Open all year, 7 days a week, 10am - 10pm.

110 rue Alexandre le Grand
76400 Fécamp
Tel: 02 35 10 26 10

Apart from the distillery producing Bénédictine, you can also visit the modern art museum and plant & spice hall where you can see, smell & touch most of the 27 plants which are blended to produce the liqueur. Try a Bénédictine speciality & visit the shop with its choice of liqueurs & gifts.

Open daily Feb to Dec approx. 10am - 12 noon & 2 - 5.30pm (10am - 6pm in Jul & Aug).

Rue de Nesmond
14400 Bayeux
Tel: 02 31 51 25 50

The famous Bayeux Tapestry depicts the events of the Norman Conquest of England and illustrates much about the life of the Normans. 231ft long & 20ins deep, it is believed to have been created for Odo, the Bishop of Bayeux, in England.

Open daily from approx 9am - 6.30pm (times vary). Last visit, including film show, is one hour 15 minutes before closure. Closed 24 & 31 Dec and 7 - 15 Jan.

50800 Villedieu les Poêles
Tel: 02 33 61 30 74

In a delightful landscaped setting with exotic gardens, this zoo is dedicated to the protection and breeding of endangered species of animals including lions, cheetahs, tigers, zebras & lemurs. Children will love the large play area and mini farm with 3 'hands on' parks where they can stroke the donkeys, goats, sheep and rabbits.

Open daily from Apr to end Sept, 10am - 6pm (7pm Jul & Aug).

14260 Jurques
(20k north-east of Vire)
Tel: 02 31 77 94 12

This zoo has great appeal for all ages. Set in 37 acres with beautiful trees, rhododendrons and shrubs, these zoological gardens have more than 500 animals from all over the world. Several shows take place in summer with colourful falconry displays, snakes, penguin feeding and big cats. Play area for young children and self-service cafeteria.

Open 10am - 7pm May to Aug, 10am - 6pm in Apr, 11am - 6pm Sept. Afternoons only (1.30 - 5.30pm) Feb, Mar, Oct, Nov. Closed 3 Nov to 8 Feb.