Normandy 7-Day Itinerary
Historical Towns and Beautiful Countryside
Are you trying to plan a fantastic trip around Normandy? If you're not sure where to start, where to go, how much it will cost, or how much time you need, then we've got the answers. This route will let you experience the delicious food, museums, beautiful locations, and couples of the region. This itinerary can be used as a guide and an outline for your next trip, because here you'll find all of the information you need to put together an amazing seven-day trip.
If you follow this guide, you'll find historic towns, D-Day sights, delicious food, and beautiful countryside. All of the specific planning information you need will be covered below, such as the route, expected budget, activities, and where to stay.
This itinerary will take you through the following destinations:
- Rouen (2 days)
- Honfleur (2 days)
- Caen (2 days)
- Mont-Saint-Michel (1 day)
Caen, France
Itinerary Highlights
- Great for couples
- Family-friendly
- Good for backpackers and budget travelers
- Historic Sites
- Delicious Food
- Small Town Charm
- Beautiful Locations
- Beaches
So much history is to be found in Normandy. Don't miss the historic architecture, museums, and charming vibe of the area.
Indulging in delectable cuisine is a major motivator for travel, and a visit to Normandy is no different. Brace yourself for an abundance of outstanding restaurants and local dishes that are simply a must-try. The food in Rouen, Caen, and Honfleur is especially delicious.
You're not going to want to miss the beautiful and charming small towns of the region. They will provide a great chance to experience the local culture.
Normandy pulls in visitors for its breathtaking scenery, a key highlight of the region. Don't forget your camera - trust me, the real-life experience is even more awe-inspiring. You don't want to miss Mont-Saint-Michel, Rouen, and Honfleur for the beautiful scenery.
One of the main reasons to visit the area is to see the gorgeous beaches and relax in the water.
Honfleur, France
When is the best time to visit?
Summer is a very popular time of year for a trip to Normandy. While you might experience plenty of crowds, everything will be open and accessible.
Spring is a terrific time to visit Normandy. You'll find plenty of natural beauty, great weather, and inspiring destinations.
Who is this itinerary for?
Let's make sure to talk about the romantic aspects of Normandy. It's known to be such a great couples' destination. If you're traveling with your loved one, you're in for a treat. Especially visit Honfleur, Mont-Saint-Michel, and Rouen for the enchanting atmosphere.
If you're planning a family getaway, the area is an absolute winner for a fantastic, kid-friendly trip. There's a wide variety of activities tailored for the little ones. We'll dig into more details below.
This area offers a myriad of travel choices perfect for those on a budget or backpacking adventure. Whether it's budget-friendly hostels, affordable hotels, free activities, pocket-friendly dining, or the lively social scene, you're in for a fantastic trip even if you're pinching pennies.
Rouen, France
Transportation
Getting from one destination to another in Normandy is generally easy, with the majority of these places being approximately 2 hours apart.
We've planned this as a one-way journey from Rouen to Mont-Saint-Michel because it covers a lot of distance and the transportation options are good in both places. However, you could always loop back to the beginning if it's easier. Also, you can do this route in the opposite direction if you find better tickets into Mont-Saint-Michel instead of Rouen. To get to Rouen, you can see flight prices and schedules here.
If you're following this itinerary, a car is a good way to do it. Don't stress if you didn't bring yours; renting a car is easy. Having your own car in Normandy means you're the boss of your schedule, and you can stop wherever and whenever you please.
Traveling by train through Normandy is not only easy, but also affordable and efficient. While trains connect major cities very quickly, getting to smaller destinations can sometimes take a little more time. Some smaller towns may even require connecting to local buses. But generally, it's easy to get around if you stick to the main routes, and you'll be able to sit back and admire the views out the window. Check out the ticket prices and schedules ahead of time, too.
Is seven days enough time in Normandy?
Yes, seven days should give you ample time to explore the key destinations in Normandy. Our carefully crafted itinerary ensures you can savor these locales at a leisurely pace, making your trip both relaxed and enjoyable. Of course, if you're eager for more local experiences, feel free to extend your stay or delve deeper into each spot. Day trip options abound, offering flexibility. Conversely, if time is tight, you can customize this suggested itinerary for a shorter yet fulfilling visit. While trimming destinations is an option, we recommend sticking to around seven days to truly appreciate everything.
Mont Saint Michel, Normandy, France
How much does a seven-day trip to Normandy cost?
The estimated budget breakdown for this seven-day trip through Normandy is shown below. This budget is based on our daily average travel costs which come from the spending habits of actual travelers along with cost data from major companies. The daily average costs are per person and do not include the transportation between destinations. These estimated costs are meant to be a guide. You can stay close to thse costs by staying at mid-level hotels, eating at normal restaurants, and paying for some of the main attractions in each location. It's possible to stay on a cheaper budget if you stay in hostels or budget hotels and eat at less expensive restaurants. It's also very easy to go over this budget by staying at high-end luxury hotels, eating at fancy restaurants, and taking private tours.
| City | Daily Average | Days | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rouen | $118 | 2 | $236 |
| Honfleur | $158 | 2 | $317 |
| Caen | $133 | 2 | $266 |
| Mont-Saint-Michel | $170 | 1 | $170 |
| Total per Person | $990 | ||
| for 2 People | $1,979 | ||
From these calculations, the estimated cost for this seven-day itinerary of Normandy costs $990 per person. This does not include the transportation between destinations, as that cost will vary depending on your chosen option.
Accommodation Costs
Trying to figure out how much you'll pay for hotels on this trip? Below is the expected cost for accommodations for this trip through Normandy based on calculated averages.
Hotel Prices
For your accommodation costs, the average hotel room price for each destination is shown below. This hotel cost data is calculated from the prices of hotels provided by Kayak, and do not include taxes and fees. The average prices represent typical mid-range hotel rooms, but it's always possible to spend more or less than this average if you stay in budget-friendly or high-end luxury hotels, respectively. Also, during peak travel season, these prices will usually be higher.
| City | Average Hotel Room Price | Days | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rouen | $74 | 2 | $148 |
| Honfleur | $120 | 2 | $240 |
| Caen | $81 | 2 | $162 |
| Mont-Saint-Michel | $127 | 1 | $127 |
| Total Expected Hotel Cost | $677 | ||
Hostel Prices
If you're looking to save some money on your trip, hostels are a great option for younger travelers or solo travelers. The prices below represent the average cost for a dorm bed in a hostel for each place. While you give up privacy in a hostel dorm, the atmosphere is usually very social and offers a great opportunity to make new friends along the way. Many hostels also offer private rooms for higher prices than dorms. Many also offer kitchens, social activities, and prime locations. These average prices are calculated from available hostel data provided by HostelWorld.
| City | Average Hostel Dorm Price (per person) |
|---|---|
| Rouen | $30 |
Normandy Itinerary
1. Rouen
2 Days
Rouen is the capital city of the northern region of Normandy. It sits along the Seine River and is a historical and beautiful city that is fun to explore. There are many Gothic churches as well as pedestrian streets and half-timbered houses.
Rouen brings plenty of visitors because it has museums, nightlife, and beautiful locations.
What to See in Rouen
How to Spend 2 Days in Rouen
Day 1:
Don't miss the Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Rouen during your trip to Rouen, as it's one of this destination's most well-known attractions. You should make sure to set aside enough time to see it.
You'll absolutely want to spend some time enjoying the food scene in this city, so make sure you spend time at one of the local restaurants where you can taste the delicious cuisine for a meal or two. There are many local specialties found in town. Make sure you try the Passe Crassane, which is a French pear. The town is also known for its cheese, chocolate, and pastries.
Rouen is a very walkable city. With only a day in the city, you'll have no trouble exploring the local sights. There are many parts of town that can easily be explored on foot.
Day 2:
This city offers some good museums and historic landmarks, so it's worth your time to spend a day exploring a few of them. Pick the ones that appeal to you the most and get started. You'll find the highest concentration of sights in the city's pedestrian zone. Highlights that you should check out include Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Rouen, Musée des Beaux-Arts, Abbatiale Saint-Ouen, and Aître Saint-Maclou.
Rouen is known to be such a beautiful destination, so just exploring and taking it all in should be one of the top things to do on your list. It's a strikingly beautiful city with Gothic cathedrals, cobblestone streets, and half-timbered houses.
Public transit in Rouen is easy and efficient. In just a few days, you should be able to get around the city quite easily. The city has two agencies that offer public transportation. Métro du Rouen is a tramway that runs north to south from Boulingrin in the north to Saint-Sever, where it branches off into two lines (one to Technopôle and one to Georges Braque). There are also buses and rail connections to town.
More Activities
Rouen offers a large selection of activities, attractions, tours, and things to do. Take a look at some of the better options, compare prices, and make your reservations ahead of time to ensure a fantastic adventure.
If you're looking for even more ideas of things to do in Rouen, see The Best Walking Tours in Rouen, The Best Tours to the Normandy D-Day Beaches from Rouen, The Rouen Cathedral, and Musée des Beaux-Arts.
Rouen Costs
Calculated from the travel expenses of previous visitors, the average daily travel cost in Rouen is $118 per person. Your individual expenses can stay close to this amount if you stay in a mid-range hotel and eat at normal restaurants. Below is a typical price breakdown of what you might expect to spend each day, per person, if you travel on a lower budget, mid-range budget, or luxury budget on your trip. For more details, see the travel costs for Rouen here.
| Category | Budget | Mid-Range | Luxury |
|---|---|---|---|
| Local Transportation1 | $16 | $37 | $71 |
| Food2 | $17 | $38 | $73 |
| Entertainment1 | $8 | $19 | $36 |
| Alcohol2 | $4 | $9 | $16 |
Accommodation
Hotels
The average hotel room price in Rouen is $74 based on the average from 34 hotels provided by Kayak. For more details, you can see our analysis of hotel costs in Rouen here.
Suggested Hotels
Hostels
If you're traveling on a backpacker's budget, hostels are a great way to save some money and meet other travelers, too. In Rouen, the average price for a bed in a dorm at a hostel is $30. For more information on hostels, you can see our overview of hostel costs in Rouen here.
Transportation
If you are driving yourself on this journey, see driving directions from Rouen to Honfleur.
Trains are a great way to get from Rouen to Honfleur, and you can see the train schedules and prices here.
2. Honfleur
2 Days
Honfleur is located in Normandy and it sits on the estuary of the Seine River by the English Channel. The Vieux Bassin is the old harbor, and many consider it to be one of the most beautiful harbors in the area. The town is filled with centuries old townhouses as well as churches and historic landmarks.
Honfleur brings plenty of visitors because it has museums, nightlife, delicious food, and beautiful locations.
For foodies, Honfleur is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world.
What to See in Honfleur
How to Spend 2 Days in Honfleur
Day 1:
Don't miss St Catherine's Church during your trip to Honfleur, as it's one of this destination's most well-known attractions. You should make sure to set aside enough time to see it.
The culinary scene in Honfleur is world famous, and draws visitors from around the globe. Make sure you spend time enjoying breakfast, lunch, and dinner at some of this city's best restaurants. And consider a food tour, too. Many are either a half day or just a few hours, so you can fit one into your schedule easily. Located on the coast of Normandy along the English Channel, seafood is a defining element for most dishes here. Foodies flock to this town for its Michelin starred restaurants as well as its local cafes and quaint eateries. For land-lovers, there's a popular local cider-braised pork that you must-try. And for dessert make sure you try the Tarte Tatin.
Honfleur is a walkable city and easy to explore on foot. With only a day in the city, you'll have no trouble seeing the local sights. The city center is compact and easy to explore on foot. There are also many coastal walks leading out of town.
Day 2:
You'll find a few good museums and historic landmarks here, so it's worth your time to spend a day exploring a few of them. Some of the most notable sights around the town include Saint Catherine's Church, Le Vieux Bassin, Notre-Dame de Grace, and the Normandy Bridge.
Honfleur is known to be such a beautiful destination, so just exploring and taking it all in should be one of the top things to do on your list. The town has what some people consider to be the most beautiful port in the region. The town is also filled with a long running history along a beautiful coastal setting.
More Activities
Honfleur offers a large selection of activities, attractions, tours, and things to do. Take a look at some of the better options, compare prices, and make your reservations ahead of time to ensure a fantastic adventure.
If you're looking for even more ideas of things to do in Honfleur, see The Best Tours to the Normandy D-Day Beaches from Le Havre and Honfleur, The Best Cheap Airport Transfers in Le Havre and Honfleur, The Best Cruise Shore Excursions from Le Havre, and Vieux Bassin (Old Harbor).
Honfleur Costs
Calculated from the travel expenses of previous visitors, the average daily travel cost in Honfleur is $158 per person. Your individual expenses can stay close to this amount if you stay in a mid-range hotel and eat at normal restaurants. Below is a typical price breakdown of what you might expect to spend each day, per person, if you travel on a lower budget, mid-range budget, or luxury budget on your trip. For more details, see the travel costs for Honfleur here.
| Category | Budget | Mid-Range | Luxury |
|---|---|---|---|
| Local Transportation1 | $14 | $32 | $61 |
| Food2 | $27 | $62 | $119 |
| Entertainment1 | $9 | $20 | $38 |
| Alcohol2 | $11 | $24 | $47 |
Accommodation
Hotels
The average hotel room price in Honfleur is $120 based on the average from 89 hotels provided by Kayak. For more details, you can see our analysis of hotel costs in Honfleur here.
Suggested Hotels
Transportation
If you are driving yourself on this journey, see driving directions from Honfleur to Caen.
Trains are a great way to get from Honfleur to Caen, and you can see the train schedules and prices here.
3. Caen
2 Days
Visitors come to Caen because of its central role in the events around World War II. In addition to its memorials, there are also abbeys, castles, and museums to explore. Caen is a port city in Normandy and it has a compact city center that is easy to explore on foot.
Caen brings plenty of visitors because it has big city activities, museums, and nightlife. It's also a great destination for backpackers because of everything available.
What to See in Caen
How to Spend 2 Days in Caen
Day 1:
Don't miss Pegasus Bridge during your trip to Caen, as it's one of this destination's most well-known attractions. You should make sure to set aside enough time to see it.
The restaurant and food scene here is top notch, so make sure you spend time at one of the local restaurants where you can taste the delicious cuisine. There's a market that's at its best on Sundays where you'll find fresh produce and other local ingredients. There are also Michelin starred restaurants, seafood restaurants, and other traditional dishes. Head to the Vaugueux Quarter for traditional dishes.
The public transit in Caen is fast and efficient. Over the course of a few days, you should be able to explore the city quite easily and affordably. There are buses and trams that travel throughout the city.
Day 2:
A number of fantastic museums and famous landmarks are found in Caen, so spend at least one full day exploring those that look the most appealing to you. There are many monuments around town commemorating the city's long history. You'll want to see Château de Caen, Pegasus Bridge, Mémorial de Caen, Musée de Normandie, and Musée des beaux-arts de Caen.
The nightlife scene is very popular here. After dark, head out to one of the many venues around town. The nightlife scene stays active thanks to the 30,000 students living in town. Head to the Rue Ecuyère for a pub crawl or hit up any of the other bars around town.
More Activities
Caen offers a large selection of activities, attractions, tours, and things to do. Take a look at some of the better options, compare prices, and make your reservations ahead of time to ensure a fantastic adventure.
If you're looking for even more ideas of things to do in Caen, see The Best Tours to the Normandy D-Day Beaches from Caen, The Church of Saint-Pierre, Abbaye aux Hommes, and Caen Castle.
Caen Costs
Calculated from the travel expenses of previous visitors, the average daily travel cost in Caen is $133 per person. Your individual expenses can stay close to this amount if you stay in a mid-range hotel and eat at normal restaurants. Below is a typical price breakdown of what you might expect to spend each day, per person, if you travel on a lower budget, mid-range budget, or luxury budget on your trip. For more details, see the travel costs for Caen here.
| Category | Budget | Mid-Range | Luxury |
|---|---|---|---|
| Local Transportation1 | $17 | $38 | $75 |
| Food2 | $18 | $43 | $94 |
| Entertainment1 | $9 | $21 | $44 |
| Alcohol2 | $7 | $18 | $45 |
Accommodation
Hotels
The average hotel room price in Caen is $81 based on the average from 36 hotels provided by Kayak. For more details, you can see our analysis of hotel costs in Caen here.
Suggested Hotels
Transportation
If you are driving yourself on this journey, see driving directions from Caen to Mont-Saint-Michel.
Trains are a great way to get from Caen to Mont-Saint-Michel, and you can see the train schedules and prices here.
4. Mont-Saint-Michel
1 Day
Mont-Saint-Michel is a tidal island in Normandy that for centuries has drawn tourists and religious pilgrims. It's a stunning and unique sight in France that offers amazing walks and views.
How to Spend 1 Day in Mont-Saint-Michel
You'll want to maximize your time in Mont-Saint-Michel by spending as much time as you can at , so plan your schedule accordingly. It's known for its Gothic-style abbey and its medieval village that stands at its base, and you don't want to miss it.
There's a free shuttle bus that connects Mont-Saint-Michel to the mainland.
There are many stunning walks in the area.
There are a number of local restaurants to choose from that serve authentic French cuisine including the pre-salted sheep, which is a local specialty.
More Activities
Mont-Saint-Michel offers a large selection of activities, attractions, tours, and things to do. Take a look at some of the better options, compare prices, and make your reservations ahead of time to ensure a fantastic adventure.
Mont-Saint-Michel Costs
Calculated from the travel expenses of previous visitors, the average daily travel cost in Mont-Saint-Michel is $170 per person. Your individual expenses can stay close to this amount if you stay in a mid-range hotel and eat at normal restaurants. Below is a typical price breakdown of what you might expect to spend each day, per person, if you travel on a lower budget, mid-range budget, or luxury budget on your trip. For more details, see the travel costs for Mont-Saint-Michel here.
| Category | Budget | Mid-Range | Luxury |
|---|---|---|---|
| Local Transportation1 | $33 | $76 | $146 |
| Food2 | $21 | $48 | $92 |
| Entertainment1 | $14 | $33 | $62 |
| Alcohol2 | $4 | $9 | $16 |
Accommodation
Hotels
The average hotel room price in Mont-Saint-Michel is $127 based on the average from 24 hotels provided by Kayak. For more details, you can see our analysis of hotel costs in Mont-Saint-Michel here.
Suggested Hotels
Final Transportation
As the last destination in this itinerary, you'll want to find the best price home from here. Check flight prices here.
Next Steps
So now that you have all of the information you need to plan your seven-day trip in Normandy, it's time to get started. Make your bookings ahead of time not just to find the cheapest prices, but also before the best hotels and tours fill up. We also have plenty of other resources to help you plan you trip, or another trip, too. Happy travels!
More Itineraries
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