Curator’s statement
This itinerary is for travelers who have already experienced Paris and are looking for something different. Normandy in particular rewards a deeper visit: Its WWII history, maritime traditions, and strong regional identity feel distinctly different from Paris and much of the rest of France. Combined with Brittany’s coastline and food culture, this route offers experiences you simply don’t get in the capital. There is driving involved, but it’s well paced and the days are not overloaded. The emphasis is on memorable experiences such as coastal walks, historic sites seen at the right moment, and regional food, rather than trying to squeeze in everything.
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Day 1: Deauville
Étretat is a town on the north coast of France known for the striking rock formations carved out of its white cliffs. This is an hour drive from Deauville.
Arrive at Charles de Gaulle Airport, pick up your car, and head directly to Deauville. This avoids Paris traffic entirely and eases you into the trip at a comfortable pace.
Spend the afternoon settling in with a walk along the boardwalk or beach. Deauville is polished but relaxed, with excellent seafood and classic Norman cooking—such as rich butter sauces, fresh fish, and dry local cider—to start the trip.
Day 2: D‑Day beaches
Omaha Beach, remembering those who landed here.
Leave early for the D‑Day sites. An early start allows you to see the most important locations before crowds build and gives the day the space it deserves.
Focus on Omaha Beach, the Normandy American Cemetery, and Pointe du Hoc, where the landscape itself helps convey the scale and difficulty of the landings, before returning to Deauville for a quieter evening.
Day 3: Mont‑Saint‑Michel & onward to Dinard
The iconic views of Mont‑Saint‑Michel
Enjoy a relaxed morning in Deauville before heading west. There’s no need to rush: breakfast, one last walk, then on the road.
At Mont‑Saint‑Michel, keep the visit simple. Walk the causeway, take in the views from outside, and appreciate the setting as the island rises out of the landscape. Skipping the interior avoids the worst of the crowds, which many travelers find overwhelming.
On the drive to Dinard, stop at Dégustation Tonneau Huîtres et Moules for ultra‑fresh oysters served simply, with prices that are hard to beat. Continue on to Dinard for the evening.
Day 4: Dinard
Belle Époque mansions lining Dinard’s cliffside walks
Use this day to slow the pace and enjoy the coastline. Dinard is known for its elegant cliffside walks, sandy beaches, and classic Belle Époque feel.
Walk the coastal path above the sea, relax on the beach, or swim in one of the open‑air seawater pools in Dinard or nearby Saint‑Malo. Meals here are straightforward and regional: oysters, mussels, seafood platters, and plenty of local cider. Make a point to have lunch at The Oyster Club in Dinard, an excellent casual spot for impeccably fresh seafood paired with local cider, and one of the best meals of the trip.
Day 5: Saint‑Malo
Saint-Malo, where tides reshape the coastline daily
From Dinard, day trips to Saint‑Malo are easy by car or boat. Walk the ramparts, explore the walled old town, and time your visit with low tide if possible.
Saint-Malo offers plenty to fill the day—from beaches shaped by dramatic tidal swings to long walks across wet sand at low tide and sunsets along the ramparts, with a wide range of restaurants that go well beyond seafood—before returning to Dinard in the evening.
Day 6: Dinan
Dinan, a classic stop for galettes and medieval streets
Leave Dinard in the morning and drive east to Dinan for lunch and an afternoon visit. Walk the medieval streets, explore the ramparts, and take in Dinan’s well‑preserved half‑timbered buildings before enjoying a final Breton meal. Dinan is an excellent place to try traditional buckwheat galettes (savory crêpes) made from locally grown buckwheat, a regional staple that’s naturally gluten‑free and deeply tied to Brittany’s culinary identity.
In the early evening, continue on to a hotel at or near Charles de Gaulle Airport. Staying nearby keeps departure day simple and avoids a long drive on the morning of your flight.
Day 7: Au revoir
A maritime escape that feels distinctly French
Staying near the airport simplifies departure day, allowing for an easy morning without a long drive or added logistics.
Need to know
Travelers who prefer fewer hotel changes can add an extra night in Dinard and make the longer drive directly to CDG on departure day instead. This works best for midday or afternoon flights and confident early risers.
Travel Advisor
Ryan Romito
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