Curator’s statement
Normandy holds a special place in my heart because it’s a land where courage and sacrifice are woven into every shoreline and stone. Standing on the D-Day beaches, you can feel the bravery of those who fought for freedom—it’s history that humbles and inspires. For me, it’s a place where I can honor that legacy while helping my children understand the strength and resilience of those who came before us. Normandy isn’t just beautiful—it’s deeply human, and it reminds us of what true bravery looks like.
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Things to do in Normandy
Walk the D-Day Beaches: Stand where history was made on Omaha and Utah Beaches. Walking these shores with your kids opens a powerful conversation about courage, freedom, and the bravery of those who landed here.
Visit the American Cemetery at Colleville-sur-Mer: Overlooking the sea, this site is both heartbreaking and hopeful. It’s one of the most moving places in France—a chance to teach gratitude and reflection through travel.
Explore the Bayeux Tapestry: This 1,000-year-old masterpiece tells the story of William the Conqueror and the Norman invasion of England. It’s surprisingly kid-friendly—like a giant medieval comic strip that brings ancestry to life.
Climb to Mont-Saint-Michel Abbey: An unforgettable adventure for kids and adults alike. The winding streets and tide-surrounded island feel straight out of a fairytale—and watching the water rush in is pure magic.
Stroll through Honfleur’s Harbor: With its colorful houses, artists’ stalls, and seaside carousels, Honfleur captures the essence of coastal France. It’s the perfect spot for a slow family afternoon and a crepe by the water.
Drive the Route du Cidre: A scenic countryside loop filled with apple orchards, cider tastings, and friendly farm stops. Parents can sample Calvados while kids meet animals and learn how cider (and cheese!) are made.
Discover Joan of Arc’s story in Rouen: The Joan of Arc Historical uses immersive storytelling to bring France’s most famous heroine to life. It’s an inspiring stop that sparks big conversations about bravery and conviction.
Visit the Mémorial de Caen Museum: This museum does an incredible job explaining WWII in a way that’s engaging for older kids. It blends history, empathy, and context in a way that feels both educational and emotional.
Picnic at a local market: Normandy’s markets are a sensory delight—fresh baguettes, creamy cheeses, strawberries, and pastries. Grab supplies for a picnic and let your kids choose their own French favorites.
Stay on a working farm: Swap hotels for a night under apple trees or among the cows of the Normandy countryside. Farm stays are a hit with kids and make the region’s food and traditions feel real and memorable.
Places to eat & drink in Normandy
La Maison du Biscuit—Sortosville-en-Beaumont: A whimsical stop that feels straight out of a storybook. This fifth-generation bakery is packed with buttery cookies, jams, and chocolates—heaven for kids and parents alike.
Le Pommier—Bayeux: Set in the heart of Bayeux, Le Pommier serves traditional Norman cuisine with a modern touch—think roasted duck, Camembert fondue, and apple tart. The staff are wonderful with families, and there’s a cozy warmth that makes you linger.
Ferme de Billy—Rots (near Caen): This working cider farm lets you taste Normandy’s signature drink where it’s made. Parents can sample Calvados while kids sip fresh apple juice and explore the orchard. Perfect for a relaxed afternoon stop between sites.
Le Bréard—Honfleur: A chic yet approachable spot tucked into Honfleur’s colorful lanes. The tasting menus highlight Normandy’s fresh seafood and local produce—perfect for a special family night when the kids are a little older.
Crêperie La Cidrerie—Honfleur: This cozy crêperie pairs sweet and savory buckwheat crêpes with local cider. It’s casual, family-friendly, and always buzzing with happy travelers—a great spot after wandering the harbor.
Les Gastronomes—Rouen: A modern French bistro that’s both elegant and welcoming. Expect seasonal dishes and beautifully presented desserts—plus a kids’ menu that feels genuinely thoughtful, not an afterthought.
Le Mancel—Caen Castle Grounds: Dine in a castle courtyard! This restaurant inside the Château de Caen offers regional classics with a view of medieval walls. It’s an easy, memorable lunch stop after visiting the museum nearby.
Marché de Bayeux (Saturday Market): For a true taste of local life, skip the restaurant and graze your way through the stalls—warm baguettes, cheese samples, strawberries, and fresh pastries make for a perfect family picnic.
Restaurant de la Ferme Saint-Siméon—Honfleur: Once the gathering spot of impressionist painters, this elegant inn offers gourmet dining with a view of the Seine estuary. Parents can savor fine cuisine while kids explore the gardens outside.
Ferme Auberge La Chèvrerie du Mesnil—near Beuvron-en-Auge: A hidden gem on the Cider Route, this farm restaurant serves simple, homemade meals using ingredients straight from the property—from goat cheese to apple tart. Kids love meeting the animals before dinner.
Need to know
Normandy is best explored slowly. The magic is in the moments between—a spontaneous picnic in a field of wildflowers, a child’s laughter echoing through a centuries-old cathedral, or a quiet walk along the D-Day beaches as the tide rolls in.
Bring layers and rain gear no matter the season—Normandy’s weather changes quickly, but that shifting light is what makes it so beautiful. Renting a car is essential for flexibility—the best finds are often down quiet country roads lined with apple trees.
If you’re visiting to honor family history, consider bringing printed photos or stories to share with your children—it transforms the experience from sightseeing into storytelling. And don’t be afraid to mix reflection with play—Normandy’s beaches, farms, and villages are made for both.
Lastly, give yourself permission to slow down. Normandy isn’t meant to be “checked off”—it’s meant to be felt. Whether you’re chasing ancestry, teaching your kids about courage, or just savoring crepes by the sea, you’ll leave with a deeper connection to both the past and the present.
Travel Advisor
Leah Baillargeon
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