Normandy Road Trip – The Best 3 Day Itinerary (+ free map)

3 Days in Normandy Itinerary Overview + Free Map

You may already know it, but 3 days is certainly not enough to discover the whole Normandy region as it extends on about 30,000 square kilometers. You would need weeks of traveling to visit everything!

So, to make the most out of your 3 days, I’ve focused this itinerary on 4 major spots of Normandy, starting from Paris. The first step of this road trip, Rouen, is located only a 1,5-hour drive from Paris.

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Keep reading below to get more details with photos about each step of this road trip to Normandy.

Day 1 – Rouen 

Rouen is a very good choice to start a Normandy trip when coming from Paris as you won’t spend too much time driving. Also, Rouen is a must-see as it’s the capital of Normandy, a city marked by history since Roman times and full of exceptional sites to discover.  

To be able to see all the following spots in a day, I recommend arriving in Rouen around 10 am at most.   

🚗 Driving time from Paris to Rouen: 1,5 hour

🅿️ Where to park in Rouen: Free parking on Ile Lacroix or several paying parking. Check Rouen parking rules here.

🍕 Where to eat in Rouen: Gill, Bisou, Holy Moly Burger

🏠 Best accommodation in Rouen: Ibis Styles Rouen Centre Rive Gauche

1. Botanical Garden

After arriving in Rouen in the morning, I recommend starting your visit to Rouen with the Botanical Garden.

Park in one of the many parking spots available around and visit for about 1 hour this green oasis full of beautiful plant species from all over the world. The greenhouse inside the park is 170 years old!

2. Panorama of Rouen

After visiting the Botanical Garden, head to the Panorama de Rouen on the St Catherine hill to get the most beautiful view you can have of the city. It was here that the famous painter Claude Monet realized his work General View of Rouen in 1892.

You have 2 options to get there: you can drive and park directly on top of the hill, or you can hike up the hill for about 20min round-trip. If you choose to climb the 525 steps, you can park close to the trail entrance. 

From the top, you’ll love seeing Rouen’s best landmarks including the Seine River, Rouen Cathedral, as well as the pretty roofs typical of the region.  Don’t forget your camera to capture this magical moment!

3. Old Town

Get back to your car and head to the Ile Lacroix to park for free before visiting on foot the Old Town of Rouen.

Indeed, it can be difficult to find a parking spot inside the town, especially on weekends, and it can be expensive. That’s why I strongly recommend parking on Ile Lacroix, a small island located only a 10min walk from the heart of the Old Town. It’s free and you can park for as long as you want! 

Street in the Old Town of Rouen

From Ile Lacroix, the first monument you’ll encounter is the St. Maclou Catholic Church. Classified as a historical monument, the Catholic church of St. Maclou is a jewel of Gothic art completed in 1521.  

Although the church suffered damages during WWII, especially the lantern tower and spire, it was beautifully renovated both inside and outside. 

St. Maclou Catholic Church

Right after St. Maclou at only 4min walking distance, you’ll find Rouen’s most famous monument: Rouen Cathedral also known as the Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Rouen. 

Built in the 12th century, the cathedral will impress you with its spire that rises to more than 150 meters, the highest cast-iron spire in France. Like St. Maclou, the monument was bombed by the Allies during the Second World War and the building has been constantly transformed.

Inside, you can admire a series of 28 paintings by painter Monet who made the cathedral famous throughout the world.

Walk for about 7min to reach the St. Ouen Abbey Church, located right next to the city hall of Rouen. It used to be one of the most powerful Benedictine monasteries in Normandy during the 14th-16th centuries. 

You’ll be impressed by the dimensions of this medieval abbey: 137 meters high and 33 meters under the vaults. Because of its size, some visitors sometimes confuse it with the cathedral! 

Inside, the abbey church has 80 stained glass windows that give it exceptional luminosity. But the building is best known for its great organ, which is one of the most recorded instruments in the world.

After visiting the abbey, walk to the Rue du Gros Horloge, a pretty cobbled street crossing the Old Town famous for its huge clock, one of the most emblematic monuments of Rouen.

The astronomical clock dates from the Renaissance and spans the street by an arch. It tells the time to the people of the city thanks to a double dial with a single needle.

Rue du Gros Horloge in Rouen

Finish your day at the Place du Vieux Marché, the legendary place where Joan of Arc was burned alive on May 30, 1431.

In the center of this square surrounded by restaurants and bars, sits a large cross symbolizing the pyre on which she was burned. There is also a huge church that was erected in her memory in 1979. 

Ending the day at the Place du Vieux Marché is perfect as you’ll find plenty of tasty restaurants where you can try some local food. I definitely recommend the Gill or the Bisou. 

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Day 2 – Étretat

After a good night of sleep in Rouen, let’s go west to Étretat, the most unmissable landscape of Normandy. It’s a world-famous seaside resort that attracts 2 million visitors every year thanks to its spectacular chalk cliffs that stretch along several kilometers of coastline. It’s also one of the favorite beach destinations near Paris.

I recommend leaving Rouen in the morning around 9 am to arrive in Étretat around 10.30 am. 

🚗 Driving time from Rouen to Étretat: 1 hour 15min

🅿️ Where to park in Étretat: Parking inside Etretat is free from mid-November to the end of January. If you’re visiting outside this period and if it doesn’t bother you walking for 20min to the beach, I recommend the free parking on the Criquetot l’Esneval road. Otherwise, choose the Parking du Grand Val which is more central and cost 10€ for 10 hours.  But be aware that during the tourist season, from April to September, the parking lots near the city center get full very quickly.   

🍕 Where to eat in Étretat: Lann Bihoué, La Flottille, Le Clos Lupin

🏠 Best accommodation in Étretat: La Famiglia

1. Étretat Gardens

From the Parking du Grand Val, Walk for about 20min through the town of Étretat and its beautiful picturesque streets to reach the Étretat Gardens. From the free parking, it will take you about 30min walk. 

The gardens are made of 7 different areas. Each one has a particular theme and each one is pretty in its own way. There are not only plants but also sculptures and an exceptional view over the cliffs of Étretat. It’s a magical place to get an overview of the town and start your tour.

Entry is 12€ for adults, 7,5€ for kids from 7 to 14 years old, and free for kids under 7. Book your ticket here. 

2. Chapelle Notre-Dame-de-la-Garde

Right next to the gardens, you’ll find the Chapelle Notre-Dame-de-la-Garde. Covered with slate and made of stone, this chapel was built in 1854 and rebuilt identically in 1950 after it was destroyed by the Germans during the war.

Although a gate prevents entry into the building, the view from the outside of the chapel is definitely worth a look. The pictures you’ll take of it overlooking the cliffs will be breathtaking.

3. Étretat Beach

Go down for 10min towards the beach of Étretat for a beautiful stroll on the seafront, relax while watching the sea, and picnic if you’re lucky with the weather. 

This pebble beach extends over nearly 1 kilometer, between the Falaise d’Amont, and the Falaise d’Aval. All along the beach, you’ll find beautiful landscapes and terraces where you can refresh yourself with a drink or a snack. If you’re visiting during low tide, you’ll be able to see the ancient oyster gardens of Marie Antoinette emerging from the sea.

Being on the beach will make you realize how big are the cliffs from below.

4. Hike on the cliffs of Étretat

The best way to discover the Alabaster Coast of Étretat is by far hiking. Plenty of trails lead to the top of the cliffs more than 100 meters above the sea and crisscross the entire coastline, offering breathtaking and vertiginous panoramas in places.

The most beautiful hikes in Étretat, without much difficulty overall, are not for those who suffer from vertigo, you have been warned!

There are trails for all levels, as some hikes take only an hour, while others can take up to 6 hours. But if there’s one hike that I can recommend as part of this itinerary, it’s the Étretat cliffs hike which takes about 1 hour 45 round trip. Absolutely unmissable, this easy trail starts from the beach of Étretat and winds its way up the most spectacular and emblematic cliffs of Étretat.

Stop by the tourist office before going on a hike to get all the information and maps.

Depending on the time you’ll be back from the hike to the city center, relax on a terrace with a drink or have dinner at Lann Bihoué to taste a Breton crepe. 

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Day 3 – Le Havre/Honfleur

After sleeping in Étretat, head south to Le Havre to start the last day of this itinerary. Too often reduced to its industrial port, the city of Le Havre is actually classified by UNESCO for its architectural heritage from the 20th century and fully deserves a visit. 

To make sure you can follow the final day’s itinerary, I recommend leaving from Étretat in the morning at around 9 am to arrive at 9.30 in Le Havre. 

🚗 Driving time from Étretat to Le Havre: 35min

🅿️ Where to park in Le Havre: There are free parking lots close to Le Havre Beach, but they get crowded very quickly. So, if you can’t find a parking spot there, the best thing to do is to park in one of the many green zones (on Quai George V for example). They don’t cost a lot and are free on Sundays. Check here the green zones. 

🍕 Where to eat in Le Havre: Le Bouche à Oreille, Crêpe Chignon

1. Morning and Early Afternoon in Le Havre

Start your tour of Le Havre with a 1-hour visit to the Hanging Gardens (free parking is available in front of the north entrance). Located in a former 19th-century fort, these unique gardens are perfect for a family or romantic walk. 

The garden has thematic sections dedicated to the 5 continents of the globe. The Japanese garden in particular is not to be missed. You’ll also see a large collection of exotic and aromatic plants with delicate perfumes.

Last but not least, you’ll have a breathtaking panoramic view of the city that stretches out at your feet at the gardens’ main entrance.

The Hanging Gardens of Le Havre

Go back to your car and head to the beach of Le Havre. Park at the entrance of the beach or in one of the green zones to quickly access it. 

Stretching over 2 kilometers, this pebble beach is great to chill in the sun and relax. If you have good weather, grab a sandwich and have a picnic at the beach to fully appreciate it. Otherwise, prefer a walk along the jetty to avoid the very strong wind. 

Le Havre Beach

After the lunch break, visit Le Havre city center in 1-2 hours starting with St. Joseph Church. You can’t miss this building because of its size and shape. From the outside, the church is very surprising because it does not look like a church at all. But it’s also surprising from the inside!  

Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this church was built in 1957 as a tribute to the victims of WWII and has since become an iconic landmark of Le Havre.

Back to the seafront, stroll along the port of Le Havre up to the Catène de Conteneurs, this colorful structure made of containers symbolic of the city.

You’ll first see the marina, pass by the MuMa (André Malraux Museum of Modern Art) and arrive at the Catène de Conteneurs. If you have time, I recommend taking a drink on one of the terraces facing the structure.  

Catène de Conteneurs

Finish your walking tour with a quick stop at the Cathédrale Notre-Dame, a beautiful 16th-century church, and at the Volcan (meaning the volcano in French), a performance hall made by architect Oscar Niemeyer that impresses all visitors because of its unique shape.
 

Le Volcan

2. Afternoon in Honfleur

Get back to your car and drive for about 30min through the Pont de Normandy to Honfleur, the mythical port of Normandy whose village atmosphere charms all tourists from across the world. Well, there’s no better way to finish this trip! 

🚗 Driving time from Le Havre to Honfleur: 35min

🅿️ Where to park in Honfleur: free Parking VL Beaulieu, Naturospace free parking

🍕 Where to eat in Honfleur: Le Gambetta, Chez Justine et Quentin, for brunch: Cakes et Gourmandises – Maison Blondel 

🏠 Best accommodation in Honfleur: Ma Poésie

Start your sightseeing of Honfleur with the Jardin des Personnalités, before the sun goes down. Park your car for free at the Naturospace and walk through this pretty garden towards the beach (the walk will take about 10min). 

Jardin des Personnalités in Honfleur

At the end of the garden, an exit gate leads directly to the beaches, Plage du Butin and Honfleur Beach. These sandy beaches aren’t the most beautiful you’ll ever see, but it’s a great spot to breathe some fresh air and relax a bit. You can even swim here in summer! 

To go back to Honfleur city center, you can either leave your car at the Jardin des Personnalités and walk for about 20min, or take your car and drive for about 7min to the Parking VL Beaulieu, much easier to access from the city center.  

When in the city center, there are 2 main attractions to see: the Vieux Bassin and St. Catherine’s Church. 

Vieux Bassin is the neighborhood of Honfleur’s picturesque old port and a pleasant place to walk around while admiring the pleasure boats. The narrow, colorful facades of the 17th and 18th-century wooden houses full of bars and restaurants line the harbor and are mirrored in the water. Several of these houses are listed as historical monuments.

Honfleur’s Vieux Bassin

Only a 3min-walk from the port through the historical center, discover the magnificent St. Catherine’s Church and its district filled with half-timbered houses that give the feeling of a journey through time. 

It’s one of the last timber-framed churches in France and the largest built in the country with a separate bell tower. It was built in the 15th century, after the Hundred Years War, by shipbuilders. That’s why, when you enter the church, you have the feeling of having above you the hull of an overturned ship.

This is the end of DAY 3 and your Normandy road trip is now over! 🎉

But several options are available to you at this stage of the itinerary, depending on whether or not you carry on with your trip: 

1. End your trip here and go back to Paris. It should take you about 2,5 hours but be aware of traffic, it can be really heavy on Sundays. So make sure to check it early in the afternoon. 
2. You can sleep on-site before heading back to Paris or to another Normandy attraction if you want to continue the trip.   
3. If you continue the trip, you can sleep at your next destination instead of sleeping in Honfleur to avoid driving in the morning.

If you choose one of the 2 last options, it means you have more than 3 days to explore Normandy. So, keep reading below to complete your itinerary with other Normandy’s best spots. 👇

Extending your Road Trip to Normandy 

Having the chance to extend your Normandy road trip itinerary is really great as the region has so much to offer you could spend months visiting. 

Find below some of the greatest attractions in Normandy you can easily add to the 3 day-itinerary already planned above. Let’s start with Deauville, located only 20min drive from Honfleur. 

PS: the following spots can extend your trip from 1 to 4 days. 

1. Deauville 

Deauville is a seaside resort renowned worldwide and is one of the most popular destinations on the French coast. Especially appreciated by the Parisians, it has earned the nickname of the “21st arrondissement of Paris”.

Known in particular for its two-kilometer-long sandy beach and its cabins named after international artists, Deauville is a great choice for a day at the beach.

2. Cabourg 

Located only a 30min drive from Deauville, Cabourg is another seaside resort not to be missed on any trip to Normandy beaches. 

Cabourg’s famous beach lined with large hotels and dotted with blue-striped cabins contribute to the town’s picturesque charm. Its historic center is full of architectural gems that will take you back in time.

3. Caen 

Caen is a great historical city with a rich cultural and religious heritage. Located approx 35min drive from Cabourg, the city is known worldwide for its D-Day beaches.

Caen city center is very dynamic and full of stores and nice cafés. If you are there during the summer, you will be able to see many street festivals.

5. Omaha Beach

The Normandy coastline was the scene of one of the most important events in world history, WWII. It’s therefore difficult to ignore one of the most historically charged sites.

Located about 50min drive from Caen, Omaha is the beach where the American troops came to free France from the Germans in 1945. It’s the most famous of the Normandy landing beaches. 

4. Mont Saint Michel

It’s impossible not to visit the Mont Saint Michel on any Normandy road trip. Located about 1hour45min drive from Omaha Beach, this castle in the middle of the water is an incredible place to see at least once in a lifetime. 

Mont Saint Michel is in fact a tiny island topped by an abbey known for its tides, the largest in Europe, and the spectacular sceneries they create every day. 

Best Time to Visit Normandy

☀️ Summer (June to September): The best time to visit Normandy is definitely in summer. Temperatures are mild (14 – 25°C) and rain is rare, which is perfect to enjoy the beaches. But you’ll have to deal with the crowds as it’s the high season. Lots of tourists from the world, but also lots of locals come here to enjoy cooler temperatures than elsewhere in France. 

🍂 Fall (September to December): If you prefer to visit in the off-season to avoid the huge crowds, fall is a great time, especially in September-October as the temperatures vary from 12 to 22°C. 

❄️ Winter (December to March): You should avoid going to Normandy in winter. It rains a lot, temperatures are cold (2 – 14°C) with an even colder feeling because of the wind typical of the Channel coastline. 

🌸 Spring (March to May): With fall, going to Normandy in spring is also a good time to avoid people and enjoy mild temperatures, especially in April-May (6 – 18°C). 

How to Go From Paris to Normandy

There are several ways to travel from Paris to Normandy. But depending on where you want to go in Normandy, one way will be better than the other. Here are the different options: 

🚗 Paris to Normandy by car: The distance from Paris to Normandy is about 200 kilometers. Driving from Paris to Normandy’s Rouen, the first step of this itinerary will take about 1,5 hours.

Click here to choose a car to rent close to you. 

👉 I strongly recommend renting a car for this 3 days in Normandy itinerary so you’ll be free to move as you wish through the region. 

🚄 Paris to Normandy by train: Going to Rouen from Paris Saint Lazare train station will take you 1,5 hours. The French train service serves well the towns of Normandy, including those of this 3-day itinerary. So you can choose the train to do it, but be aware that it will take you more time to travel from one town to another, and that this itinerary will inevitably be modified to match the train hours. 

Click here to check the trains running through Normandy.

Where to Stay on your Normandy Road Trip

I’ve gathered below different accommodation options for you to choose from, breakdown by itinerary stage and travel style: 

Best accommodations in Rouen: 

• 💰Best Budget: Studio Le Medicis – 4
• ✅ Comfy: Ibis Styles Rouen Centre Rive Gauche
• ⭐️ Luxury: Best Western Plus Hotel Litteraire Gustave Flaubert

Best accommodations in Etretat: 

• 💰Best Budget: apartement 1 mn to the beach
• ✅ Comfy: La Famiglia
• ⭐️ Luxury: Les Pins de César – La campagne d’Etretat

Best accommodations in Honfleur: 

• 💰Best Budget: Le17HO
• ✅ Comfy: Ma Poésie
• ⭐️ Luxury: Les Maisons De Léa

I hope you will enjoy your road trip Normandie! If you have any questions, let me know in the comments below, I always reply. 🙂