Normandy

Main interests: History, Art, Beautiful Villages, Food, Sport
For children: ★★★★★
Best season: spring, summer, autumn
Best wines: no wine, but apple cider and brandy
Easy to combine: 3-hour drive / 2,5-hour train from Paris
                               2-hour drive to Brittany
                               direct flight to Marseille (Provence)
Ideal stay duration: 2 to 4 days

Marked by history and shaped by the sea, Normandy is a region of powerful stories and understated beauty. Along its coastline, wide beaches and dramatic cliffs bear witness to the events of D-Day, offering moving and insightful visits that bring the past into sharp focus. Inland, the landscape softens into green countryside dotted with orchards, half-timbered villages, and traditional farms. Normandy is also a destination for food lovers, celebrated for its cheeses, cream, apples, and cider. And from the historic harbour of Honfleur to the elegant seaside resort of Deauville, the region invites unhurried exploration, combining cultural depth, coastal charm, and a strong sense of place.

A personal favourite: sulky race on the beach, or a helicopter flight over the D-Day beaches

Brittany

Main interests: Beautiful Villages, Landscapes, History
For children: ★★☆☆☆
Best season: spring, summer, autumn
Wine touring: no wine
Easy to combine: direct flight from CDG (+ 1-hour drive)
                               2,5 hours from Paris (1,5h train + 1h drive)
                               2-hour drive to Normandy
Ideal stay duration: 2 – 3 days

Defined by its close relationship with the sea, Brittany is a region of rugged coastlines, deep-rooted traditions, and striking natural beauty. Windswept cliffs, sheltered bays, and historic ports shape a landscape that feels both dramatic and timeless, while the medieval centres of Dinan and the fortified ramparts of Saint Malo reflect a rich and enduring heritage. Nearby, the Mont Saint Michel rises from its tidal bay as one of France’s most iconic landmarks, shaped by the rhythms of nature and history. Renowned for its oysters and seafood, Brittany invites visitors to slow down, savour the coastline, and discover a region where land, sea, and tradition remain closely intertwined.

A personal favourite: a visit to the Mont St Michel before opening!