Family Holiday Guide to Normandy

Thinking of taking the kids on a beach holiday to France this summer? You’re not alone. France, and particularly the northern coast, is still the top choice for many families looking to save money and enjoy a holiday without the hassle of long travel journeys.

And when it comes to having a great holiday on a budget, packing up the car, crossing the Channel and checking into a self-catering apartment in Normandy, is a winning formula.

Normandy is an enduringly popular destination for family holidays in France due to its wealth of attractions, gorgeous scenery and rich cultural history.

If you're a first-time visitor, follow our guide to fun-filled family holidays in Normandy that will make your Euro go further...

Getting around in Normandy

As public transport is scarce in the more rural areas, we recommend either bringing your own car with you on the ferry, or renting one there. Normandy is home to some stunning landscapes, and it’s the best way to explore and experience the region.

The nearest ferry ports for Normandy are Caen or Cherbourg. If you are planning to get around by bus, and are staying in Caen, Le Havre or Rouen, buy a carnet (pack) of five or ten bus tickets, which work out cheaper than buying them individually.

Normandy’s bus service is targeted at students and local commuters, so be prepared for a reduced service at weekends.

Eating in Normandy

If you've decided to plump for self-catering accommodation in France, this is the best country to do it in.

Most towns and villages have glorious daily morning and larger-scale weekly markets, packed with fresh produce and local specialities. Make the markets your first stop, and stock up the fridge with local meats, cheeses and patisserie, hand-picked fruit and veg, and a bottle of wine or cider for Mum and Dad.

Markets also make a great source of entertainment for the kids as they can explore the different stalls, meet locals, try on clothes and taste food - all for free.

Regional specialities include: cider, Calvados, cheese, home-made jams, 'sables d’Asnelles' (a type of shortbread), and specialist sweets such as apple sugars, which are a type of boiled sweet.

The market held every Tuesday at L’Aigle, in Pays d’Auge, is among the very best, and makes for a fun family outing. Here, you can buy produce direct from local farmers and taste a wide range of goodies for free. Don’t expect prices to be much lower than shops, but do expect to enjoy the experience.

Child-friendly attractions in Normandy

Free attractions:

If you want to save Euros and still have fun, make your way to...

The famous monastery of Mont St Michael on its majestic rocky island off the coast of Normandy. The kids can walk along the ramparts and pretend they are defending the castle.

Magnificent Rouen Cathedral. Dads can impress the kids with their knowledge of the cathedral by reading up on fun facts beforehand.

Our favourites include: Rouen Cathedral was the world's tallest building from 1876 to 1880; the tomb of Richard the Lionheart contains his heart but his other body parts are in different churches across the country.

Nearby to the cathedral is Aître St-Maclou, the site of a mass grave for plague victims in the Middle Ages that features a frieze ghoulishly decorated with sculls and leg bones. It could be a highlight for gore-loving teens, but may be a little scary for younger kids.

The fashionable and bustling boardwalk at Deauville has plenty to appeal to kids. It’s the place to people watch and enjoy icecream in this seaside town and the golden sand beaches are among the best in the region. Deauville Watersports Centre offers kayaking, surfing, sailboarding, and catamaran sailing.



Attractions for active kids:

Espace Nautile in Lisieux is an indoor swimming pool complex, complete with huge slide. It is the perfect venue for waterbabies and keeping kids entertained on rainy days.

Older kids and teens will love a canoeing trip on either the Risle or the Eure rivers. You'll find numerous operators who offer great facilities for families.

For something quirky visit Normandy’s biggest Ostrich farm at Eur’ Aurtruche, Beaumesnil. If visiting in May, it's a must-see as kids are welcome to run around, watch the babies hatch, and buy feathers and eggs.

Affordable family attractions

Here are our tips for places to visit, which won’t cost you the earth.

Take a tour of the on-site submarine and aquarium at La Cite de la Mer in Cherbourg. This tourist attraction is located in the old Transatlantic Railway terminal.

Enjoy the horse carriage ride at low tides to visit the oyster and mussel parks at L’Attelage des Grandes Marees at Gouville-Sur-Mer.

English maze maker Adrian Fisher created the Manoir de Dur-Ecu maze out of maize! It makes for a great energy-burner for the kids.

There are two mini-trains in Normandy - along the coast from Carteret to Portbail and through marshland from St-Lo to Periers.

Rent bikes for the day and follow the network of circular cycle paths (veloroutes) in Manche. Each is around 12 miles long and there are plenty of places to picnic along the way.

The star attractions in Normandy

Find time to visit at least five of Normandy's greatest historic landmarks and attractions...

1. The WWII Landing Beaches, including Sword, Juno, Gold, and Omaha Beach (which featured in Spielberg's film Saving Private Ryan).

2. Cherbourg is packed with market squares, flowers, art and gardens. It's the place to get your French culture fix.

3. The house and gardens of the great artist Monet at Giverny are stunningly beautiful and, therefore, attract thousands of visitors. To avoid the crowds, visit either very early or late in the day.

4. See the Bayeux Tapestry depicting the Battle of Hastings in all its glory.

5. The bustling town of Rouen, filled with shops and restaurants and a perfect place for a family evening meal.

Where to stay in Normandy

French self-catering specialist P&V has 15 properties in Normandy, all of which are included in its summer Beat the Euro deal. Holidays of two weeks or more will also be eligible for an additional 20 per cent long stay discount.

P&V are also offering a number of last minute deals on Normandy apartments, including the Branville Holiday Village and Résidence Pierre & Vacances at Omaha Beach.

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