Normandy’s got this rare mix of history and natural beauty, and the last week of May 2025 really shows it off. From the legendary Mont-Saint-Michel abbey to the lively Beauregard Festival near Caen, there’s something for just about everyone. Here’s a list of experiences that’ll help you catch both the blockbuster sights and a few lesser-known favorites across this storied French region.
You’re catching Normandy at a good moment: the Caen Millennium celebrations are just kicking off, and there are special D-Day commemorations too. Weather’s usually on your side—ideal for checking out coastal spots like Juno Beach or wandering inland to Monet’s gardens at Giverny, which should be bursting with late spring color.
1) Explore the Medieval Old Town of Rouen
Rouen’s old center is a dream for anyone into medieval architecture. Start at the Big Clock, a 14th-century landmark that pops up in nearly every photo of the city.
Wandering the cobblestone lanes, you’ll hit the Cathedrale Notre-Dame de Rouen, which Monet famously painted over and over. Its Gothic spires and detailed façade are genuinely impressive in person.
This week, you can join special walking tours of the medieval quarter. Guides share stories about the half-timbered houses and ancient markets that make Rouen stand out.
Drop by the Place du Vieux-Marché, where Joan of Arc was executed in 1431. There’s a modern church and memorial here—hard not to feel the weight of history.
If you’re into art, the Museum of Fine Arts is worth a stop. It’s got works by Monet, Sisley, and other Impressionists who fell for Normandy’s landscapes.
2) Visit Mont-Saint-Michel Abbey at low tide
Catching Mont-Saint-Michel Abbey at low tide is something else. As the water pulls back, you get these wide sandy flats all around the abbey—a sight that’s easy to miss if you come at high tide.
Low tides hit at different times this week, but Tuesday and Thursday afternoons look especially good. Double-check the official tide schedules so you don’t miss out.
If you’re up for it, walk the exposed seabed. It’s muddy and uneven, so bring sturdy shoes, but it gives you a sense of what medieval pilgrims might have felt approaching the abbey.
The Abbey tour feels extra magical at low tide—seeing that massive stone structure rise out of the empty bay is wild. The emptiness around it just makes the place feel even more epic.
You can also walk the ramparts for sweeping views. The North Tower is a favorite spot for taking in the tidal drama.
3) Tour the Normandy American Cemetery at Omaha Beach
Set above Omaha Beach, the Normandy American Cemetery is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Entrance is free, but it’s smart to arrive at least half an hour before closing.
Walking among the 9,388 white crosses and Stars of David is a sobering experience. The rows stretch on with military precision, a stark reminder of what happened here.
Start at the visitor center for exhibits and stories that put D-Day in context. Old maps and photos help you piece together how the operation unfolded.
The Normandy American Cemetery runs daily tours. Guides share details about specific soldiers and their units, which makes the history feel more personal.
If you can, spend some time on Bayeux-attractions/Omaha-Beach/d909-a1634″>Omaha Beach itself. The calm shoreline today really throws the events of June 6, 1944, into sharp relief.
Small group tours from Paris are available if you’d rather not drive. They usually include transport and a guide, which makes the day a lot easier.
4) Walk along the dramatic cliffs of Etretat
The limestone cliffs of Etretat are a highlight of Normandy’s coast. This week’s weather is just right for exploring these famous formations that have inspired painters for ages.
Take the Chemin des Douaniers, a clifftop trail with jaw-dropping views of three natural arches and the Needle.
Please, stay on the marked paths and don’t get too close to the edge—landslides happen, and walking underneath is illegal for good reason.
For fewer crowds and the best light for photos, go early. The cliffs look especially dramatic in the morning.
If you want a different view, check out the Étretat Gardens up top. They mix art with sweeping vistas of the shoreline.
The full walk takes about two hours if you’re not rushing. Bring comfy shoes and water, especially if it’s warm.
5) Discover WWII History at Pointe du Hoc
Pointe du Hoc sits on a clifftop between Omaha and Utah beaches, and it’s one of the most important WWII sites in Normandy. German artillery here once threatened the Allied landings.
On June 6, 1944, US Army Rangers scaled these 100-foot cliffs in a daring assault. Today, you can walk the same ground, with many original bunkers and gun sites still visible.
The landscape is still marked by bomb craters, giving you a real sense of the battle’s intensity.
The visitor center has exhibits and info on the operation. Rangers lost over 60% of their force here, only to find the main guns had been moved.
Guided tours run daily at 10am and 2pm, with guides who really know their stuff. Give yourself 1-2 hours to wander and soak in the views—hard to imagine how strategic this spot once was.
6) Enjoy traditional Normandy cuisine in Honfleur
Honfleur’s harbor is a postcard, but it’s also a food lover’s haven. The old town makes a great setting for trying Norman specialties.
Locals talk about the “4 C’s”: Camembert, Calvados, Cider, and Cream. You’ll see these everywhere on Honfleur menus.
Several harborside spots are doing special prix-fixe menus this week with seasonal Norman ingredients. Book ahead, especially for dinner—late May gets busy.
Don’t skip the seafood—restaurants get the daily catch fresh each morning.
Pair your meal with local apple cider, served in those classic ceramic cups. The slight fizz is a perfect match for rich Norman dishes.
After your meal, wander the harbor and watch fishermen prepping their boats for tomorrow’s catch. It’s a nice, authentic end to the evening.
7) Hike in the scenic Suisse Normande region
Suisse Normande offers some of Normandy’s best hiking, with over 600km of marked trails. Sunday morning looks ideal for exploring this rugged landscape of cliffs and winding rivers.
Start from Le Vey on the Pain de Sucre – Rochers des Parcs trail, a 9km loop that gives you a taste of the region’s wild terrain. You’ll pass forests, meadows, and dramatic rocks along the way.
There are 31 trails here ranging from 6 to 17.5km, so you can pick something that fits your mood and fitness. The signage is solid, so you shouldn’t get lost.
Local tourism offices hand out free guides for 14 routes. These include tidbits about the places you’ll see, which adds some depth to the hike.
The forecast for Sunday? Mild, around 18°C (65°F), with some clouds—pretty much perfect. Bring water, sturdy shoes, and maybe a light jacket, since the weather can shift quickly.
8) Explore the galleries at Omaha Beach Memorial Museum
The Omaha Beach Memorial Museum is just 200 meters from the actual landing site. Standing there, you really feel the history.
Inside, you’ll find personal artifacts, military vehicles, uniforms, and weapons that tell the story of D-Day. The way the museum lays things out helps you wrap your head around the scale of the American landing on June 6, 1944.
Dioramas make the events feel immediate, and the old documents and photos add extra context.
This week, the museum’s open later into the evening, so you can avoid the midday rush. After 4pm, it’s usually quieter.
Don’t rush through the vehicle hall—restored equipment shows off the engineering feats behind the landings. The personal effects are moving, giving you glimpses into individual soldiers’ lives.
Since you’re right on Omaha Beach, step outside after your visit to take in the shoreline. It’s the kind of spot that sticks with you.
9) Take a river boat trip on the Seine
The Seine winds right through Normandy, and honestly, there’s no better way to see those villages and landscapes than from the water. Several boat operators head out daily from different spots along the river—easy to find one that fits your schedule.
Viking River Cruises does a longer scenic route, gliding past fields and farms, with comfy seats and commentary that’s actually interesting (not just a dry recitation of facts).
If you’d rather keep it short and sweet, hop on a local boat in Rouen. You’ll catch a great angle of the Gothic Cathedral—seeing it from the river really brings out details you just miss from the street.
Sailing past the medieval Château de La Roche-Guyon, you get a dramatic view wedged between cliffs and water. You can snap photos without having to elbow your way through crowds.
Near Les Andelys, the ruins of Château Gaillard—King Richard the Lionheart’s castle—loom above the river. Approaching by boat, it’s not hard to imagine how travelers centuries ago must’ve felt seeing that fortress for the first time.
Evening cruises this week offer sunset departures. The light gets golden, which photographers love, but even if you’re not a photo buff, it’s just plain beautiful. Bring a light jacket—May evenings on the water can be chillier than you’d think.
10) Visit the Abbeys of Jumièges and Saint-Martin-de-Boscherville
Wrap up your week with a trip through Normandy’s medieval religious sites. Jumièges Abbey is one of France’s most striking ruins—a haunting place that feels both peaceful and grand.
Those twin towers rise above the countryside, and you can wander through the old church and cloisters at your own pace. There are plenty of displays to fill you in on the history, but you can just soak it in if that’s more your speed.
Just a short drive away, Saint-Georges Abbey in Saint-Martin-de-Boscherville offers a more complete look at Norman architecture. The church has some pretty stunning stonework, and the gardens are a nice place to sit for a bit if you need a breather.
Both abbeys are close to the Seine, so the drive between them is lovely. The Norman Seine River Meanders Regional Nature Park nearby has extra walking trails if you feel like stretching your legs.
If you stop at Jumièges, swing by the Bureau d’Information Touristique for maps and tips. The village itself also has a few cafés—perfect for grabbing lunch between abbey visits.
Essential Travel Tips for Visiting Normandy in Late May
Late May is probably the best time to see Normandy—everything’s green, the crowds aren’t too bad, and the weather’s usually pretty pleasant. Still, a little planning will make things go smoother.
Weather and What to Pack
Normandy in late May usually means mild days—think 50-68°F (10-20°C)—but you’ll want to be ready for rain. The coast gets windier and a bit cooler than inland spots.
What to pack:
- Waterproof jacket or umbrella (trust me, you’ll use it)
- Light layers you can peel off as the day warms up
- Comfortable, waterproof shoes (those cobblestones get slick)
- Sunscreen and sunglasses (it’s not always gray)
- Light scarf for breezy evenings or coastal walks
Weather flips fast here, especially by the sea. Check the forecast every morning and try to hit outdoor spots like the D-Day beaches when it’s clear.
Mornings start off chilly, but it usually warms up by lunch. Evenings, especially by the coast, can surprise you with a real chill after sunset.
Navigating Local Transportation
Honestly, renting a car is the way to go if you want to see the best of Normandy—places like Mont-Saint-Michel, Étretat, and Bayeux are spread out. Main roads are good, but rural routes can get confusing, so bring a GPS or at least download offline maps.
Public transit exists, but it’s a bit patchy:
- Regional TER trains link the bigger towns
- Local buses run but not super frequently
- Guided tours cover D-Day sites and some major attractions
Book train tickets ahead, especially for popular spots like Mont-Saint-Michel. Last buses from tourist areas often leave earlier than you’d expect—sometimes by mid-afternoon.
Staying in a central town like Bayeux, Honfleur, or Rouen saves you a lot of back-and-forth each day.
Cultural Insights and Local Festivals
Normandy’s culture feels especially alive this week, with local traditions and small-town festivals popping up all over. There’s something about the region—maybe it’s the mix of old and new, or the way people hang onto their customs.
Understanding Normandy’s Regional Traditions
Normandy’s got a quirky blend of Celtic, Viking, and French roots, and you see it everywhere. At the markets, you’ll find woodworkers and textile artists showing off crafts passed down for ages.
This week, you can catch lace-making demonstrations in Bayeux. Local artisans keep this old Norman tradition alive, with daily sessions from 10am-4pm at the Cultural Center. Worth a look, even if you’re not usually into crafts.
Out in the countryside, farmers still tend traditional apple orchards for that signature Norman cider and calvados. It’s a big deal here, and you can taste the difference.
The half-timbered houses—called colombage—stand out with their unique patterns, and every little town seems to have its own style. It’s a practical design, sure, but there’s a lot of charm in those weathered beams and painted panels.
Upcoming Festivals and Community Events
The D-Day Festival Normandy kicks off this weekend, marking the 81st anniversary of the Allied landings. Events stretch all along the D-Day coastline, from Pegasus Bridge to Sainte-Mère-Église.
A few things you might want to catch:
- Historical reenactments in Sainte-Mère-Église (May 25-26)
- Vintage military vehicle parade in Arromanches (May 27, 2pm)
- 1940s swing dance in Caen (May 29, 7pm-11pm)
- Memorial ceremonies at the American Cemetery (May 30, 10am)
Foodies, you’re in luck—this week’s got the Norman Cheese Festival in Livarot (May 31). Expect tastings of Camembert, Livarot, Pont-l’Évêque, and, of course, local cider to wash it all down.
If you’re around Friday night, swing by Honfleur’s old harbor for some good old-fashioned folk music. Local musicians bring out classic Norman instruments like the vielle (hurdy-gurdy). Should be a pretty special vibe.
Annual D-Day Anniversary Events
D-Day Commemorations
D-Day Overseas: Memorials and Museums Around the World
Digital D-Day: Discovering History Through Technology
Free Overlord Routes and Map
List of Normandy Cemeteries
Normandy, France Travel Guide: Discover the Charming Coastal Region
Normandy’s D-Day Historic Towns
Preserving D-Day History
Relics & Reminders: Traces of Operation Overlord in Normandy
Where to Stay in Normandy, France – Best Hotels, BnBs, Vacation Homes, and More!
