7-Day Normandy Road Trip from Paris: Cliffs, Beaches & Mont St. Michel

Normandy’s rugged coastline, rich history, and artistic legacy make it an ideal destination for a road trip. Starting from Paris, this 7-day journey covers iconic sites like the white cliffs of Étretat, the D-Day landing beaches, and the mystical Mont St. Michel, blending natural beauty with profound historical narratives.

Why Choose a Road Trip in Normandy?

Driving allows flexibility to chase stunning sunsets over cliffs or detour to cider farms. The region’s compact size means short drives between highlights, leaving ample time for exploration. Expect winding coastal roads, apple orchards, and half-timbered villages that inspired painters like Monet.

Essential Planning Tips

Rental Cars: Pick up in Paris (Charles de Gaulle or city center) for automatic transmissions if preferred. Opt for compact cars for narrow roads. Fuel costs average €1.80/liter; tolls on A13/A29 total €20-30 one-way.

Best Time to Go: May-June or September-October for mild weather and fewer crowds. Summers peak with festivals but traffic.

Navigation: Use GPS apps like Google Maps or Waze; signal is reliable. Park in designated lots at popular sites to avoid fines.

• Book Mont St. Michel parking in advance (€15-20/day).
• Carry cash for rural spots.
• International Driving Permit recommended.

Day-by-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Paris to Giverny and Rouen

Depart Paris early for a 1-hour drive to Giverny, Monet’s former home. Wander the lily-pad gardens and Japanese bridge that birthed Water Lilies (pre-book tickets; €11/adult). Continue 45 minutes to Rouen via scenic D313 along the Seine.

In Rouen, climb the Gros Horloge and visit Rouen Cathedral, immortalized by Monet. Explore the old town’s timber-framed houses and the Historial Jeanne d’Arc for an immersive Joan of Arc exhibit.

Drive: 110km total, 2 hours.
Stay: Hôtel de Bourgtheroulde (luxury) or central B&B (€100-200/night).

Day 2: Rouen to Dieppe and Coastal Charm

Head 45 minutes northeast to Dieppe, a lively port with pebble beaches. Stroll the promenade, visit the Château Musée, and hike Cap Fagnet for panoramic views.

Afternoon: Relax with fresh seafood overlooking fishing boats. Dieppe’s castle houses maritime history and ivory collections.

Drive: 64km.
Stay: Return to Rouen or Hôtel Bellevue in Dieppe.

Day 3: Alabaster Coast to Fécamp

Venture onto the Côte d’Albâtre via D75/D68 through quaint resorts like Varengeville-sur-Mer and Veules-les-Roses, France’s smallest coastal village with watercress streams. Stop at St-Valery-en-Caux for its harbor and cliffs (45 minutes total).

Arrive Fécamp: Tour the Benedictine distillery (Palais Bénédictine; tastings €12) and cliffside abbey ruins. Evening walk along Bassin Bérigny.

Drive: 36km, 1 hour.
Stay: Le Grand Pavois hotel.

Day 4: Étretat’s Dramatic Cliffs

Short 20-minute drive to Étretat. Hike the white chalk cliffs via 800 steps to the needle arch and Jardin d’Étretat’s surreal sculptures. Monet painted here obsessively; views rival the Jurassic Coast.

Afternoon: Beach time or seafood at O’4 Saisons. This artist haven buzzes with galleries.

Drive: 17km.
Stay: Détective Hôtel (themed, quirky).

Day 5: Honfleur and Trouville

Drive 45 minutes to Le Havre, then bridge to Honfleur. Admire Vieux Bassin’s slate houses and Lieutenance gateway. Inside Église Ste-Catherine, the wooden roof mimics an inverted ship’s hull.

Continue 20 minutes to Trouville-sur-Mer for oyster tasting and boardwalk vibes. Deauville nearby offers luxury shops.

Drive: 50km.
Stay: Chateau de la Chenevière near cider trail.

Day 6: D-Day Beaches and Bayeux

1-hour drive to Bayeux. View the 70m Bayeux Tapestry depicting William the Conqueror’s 1066 invasion (€12 entry). Explore medieval streets and Normandy’s first liberated city.

Afternoon: D-Day sites—Omaha Beach, American Cemetery (9,000+ graves), Pointe du Hoc bunkers. D-Day Experience Museum offers immersive films (€10).

Drive: 40km loop.
Stay: Château de Bellefontaine (2 nights).

Day 7: Mont St. Michel and Return

1.5-hour drive to Mont St. Michel. Cross the tidal causeway to the Gothic abbey perched on a rocky islet (shuttle €3; abbey €11). Explore ramparts and quicksand flats at low tide.

Return to Paris (3.5 hours) via A84/A13, stopping at a cider farm for Calvados tasting.

Drive: 250km back.

Where to Stay: Regional Highlights

Normandy’s Culinary Delights

Savor apple-based treats: cider (€3/glass), calvados brandy, and Camembert cheese. Try moules frites in Honfleur, seafood platters in Dieppe, and fluffy omelets at Mont St. Michel.

• Cider Route: Between Bayeux and Honfleur; visit Drouin for tastings.
• Markets: Rouen (Saturday), Honfleur (Sunday).

Practical Driving Routes Comparison

FAQs

Is a car necessary for Normandy?

Yes for flexibility; trains reach Rouen/Bayeux, but beaches/cliffs require driving or tours.

How many days for Normandy highlights?

5-7 days ideal; shorter trips focus on D-Day or coast.

Are the D-Day sites emotional?

Deeply moving; respectful attire advised at cemeteries.

Can I visit Mont St. Michel without a car?

Yes, via shuttle from Rennes or Bayeux tours.

What’s the cider trail like?

Family farms offer tastings; kid-friendly with orchards.

Budget Breakdown (Per Person, 7 Days)

• Rental car/gas/tolls: €250
• Lodging: €700-1000
• Food: €300
• Attractions: €100
• Total: €1350-1650

Normandy rewards patient drivers with postcard views and timeless stories. Safe travels!