From both a natural and historical perspective, Normandy boasts a unique heritage. Remnants of the D-Day landings abound along the Calvados coast, and the beaches of Sword, Juno, Gold, Omaha and Utah are veritable open-air museums reminiscent of the largest amphibious and airborne operation of all time. In addition to these long sandy beaches, the region is also home to pebbled stretches along its high cliffs with their singular silhouettes, forming an enchanting setting overlooking the English Channel. From Calvados to La Manche, via Seine-Maritime, here's our selection of the finest beaches on the Normandy coast.
1. Étretat beach, the nugget of the Côte d'Albâtre
Étretat© Lukasz Janyst - Shutterstock.com
There are a thousand reasons to visit Étretat. In addition to the Clos-Lupin, where the spirit of Arsène Lupin still reigns, and its pretty pebble beach where it's good to linger when the sun comes out, it's of course for its stunning Aval and Amont cliffs and their respective arches that this Seine-Maritime town is so popular! There's also the Aiguille, a natural wonder that has inspired so many artists. And if you're wondering what to do in Étretat, discover the 17 best activities here!
2. The Chausey Islands, a Norman archipelago
jM. MIROUX - Coll. Service Communication - Ville de Granville
Did you know about these Norman islands? The coves of the Chausey archipelago are well worth a visit. Located 17 kilometers off the coast of Granville, this archipelago comprises 365 islets at low tide, and 52 at high tide. Protected and totally pedestrian-only, you'll discover a splendid landscape that changes with the tides. A pleasant feeling of being at the end of the world, with only the sound of the waves to break the ambient calm.
3. The legendary Cabourg beach, one of the most beautiful in Normandy
Cabourg beach© Julien_j - Shutterstock.com
There's no need to introduce Cabourg and its must-sees , including the casino, the Grand Hôtel and the promenade dedicated to Marcel Proust, who was particularly fond of this Normandy seaside resort. The long sandy beach is at the heart of the town. Here, you can bask in the sun, fly your kite or, when the tide is out, fish for shrimp. A beach where elegance meets tradition. At sunset, it's not uncommon to see a few horsemen accompanied by their faithful trotting horses.
4. Plage du Butin, Honfleur's treasure trove
Plage du Butin, Honfleur© David - stock.adobe.com copie
Honfleur , in the Calvados region, has been a town of artists since the 19th century: Monet, Dufy and Boudin all stopped off on the quayside. Even today, people flock here to enjoy the pretty colors of its half-timbered houses, as well as its beach, where you can cool off after a long visit. Located at the entrance to the town, the Butin beach is quite busy during the summer months. For greater peace and quiet, we recommend the beach at Vasouy, less than 5 km from Trouville. And to help you plan your getaway, discover all the must-sees and must-dos in Honfleur!
5. Omaha Beach, a historic site and one of Normandy's most beautiful beaches
Omaha Beach© Michael Mulkens - Shutterstock.com
To visit Normandy is to explore its historic sites, just like the D-Day beaches: Sword, Juno, Gold, Omaha and Utah are open-air museums bearing witness to one of the greatest events of the 20th century. Omaha Beach, the "bloody" one, is now infamous for the high number of Allied soldiers who perished on its sands. Not far from the beach, the American cemetery at Colleville-sur-Mer is one of the main places of remembrance of this battle.
6. Deauville beach, the chic resort
Deauville beach© dvoevnore - Shutterstock.com
The mere mention of Deauville brings to mind its must-do attractions , such as the famous Promenade des Planches, the American Film Festival, the casino and luxury boutiques. It's the chic seaside resort par excellence on the Côte fleurie. Its beach, where the famous colorful umbrellas and cabins reign supreme, is the ideal place to find a little peace and quiet, especially as it is always seen in its best light since it is cleaned daily during the summer months.
7. Sciotot beach in Les Pieux, Cotentin peninsula
Anse Sciotot beach© Thomas Gallis - stock.adobe.com
Sciotot beach stretches from Cap de Flamanville to Cap du Rozel. From the top of the hill, the view down to the sea is like a postcard. The beach is very busy in summer, but remains pleasantly wide. A real paradise for kite and sand yacht enthusiasts, Sciotot beach is also popular with surfers who come to ride the waves of the English Channel.
8. Petit-Ailly beach, swimming at Varengeville-sur-Mer
Cliffs at Varengeville-sur-Mer© odjectif - stock.adobe.com
Varengeville-sur-Mer in the Seine-Maritime region has been a haven for artists such as Claude Monet, Georges Braque and Guy de Maupassant. And its Petit-Ailly beach is particularly inspiring! Its vast expanse of pebbles reveals a tongue of sand at low tide. The beach can be reached via a valleuse, a descent to the sea built directly into the cliff. A real red carpet!
9. Quiberville beach, to the rhythm of the tides
Quiberville beach© Traveller70 - Shutterstock.com
Still in the Seine-Maritime region, Quiberville 's pebble beach reveals a long stretch of sand at low tide. And it's at this very moment that fishermen gather shrimps, periwinkles and beached mussels. Embedded in the high cliffs of the Côte d'Albâtre, Quiberville beach reveals a sumptuous landscape. Here you can discover the maritime and rural terroir of the Seine-Maritime region, between countryside and coastline.
10. Fécamp beach, the authentic charm of one of Normandy's most beautiful beaches
Fécamp beach© MARTIN Florent - Shutterstock.com
Fécamp is well known for its port, from which sailors left in the 16th century to fish for cod off the coast of Newfoundland, but the town also boasts a long pebble beach that is very pleasant in summer. It stretches from the casino to the marina, and benefits from sunshine all day long thanks to its westerly aspect. Fécamp is also home to the 19th-century Bénédictine Palace , where Bénédictine liqueur, now exported worldwide, is produced.
11. Barneville-Carteret, from beach to beach
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There are several beaches in Barneville-Carteret. Of these, Barneville beach is the most popular, and Carteret beach is the most family-friendly, as small pools are created at ebb tide for children to swim in. But our favorite beach is Plage de la vieille-église, which can be reached on foot from Plage de Carteret only at low tide. Wilder and much less crowded, it's a real gem.
12. Antifer beach, a wild escape
Antifer beach© bensliman hassan - Shutterstock.com
Antifer beach is one of the most beautiful and wildest beaches on the Normandy coast. Surrounded by the famous cliffs of Étretat, it is located in the communes of Le Tilleul and La Poterie-Cap-d'Antifer in the Seine-Maritime region. To reach it, follow a path from the forest to the sea. You then arrive on this lovely pebble beach, where time seems to stand still. It's the ideal place to enjoy the quiet beauty of Normandy.
13. Ouistreham beach, the "belle rive" and one of the most beautiful beaches in Normandy
Ouistreham beach© Christian Musat - Shutterstock.com
Although the aptly named Ouistreham-Riva Bella in Calvados owes its name to the first "Belle Rive" villa built there, its beach has a real riva bella feel. With its 3 km of fine sand, it's a great place to relax and enjoy a stroll, even during the summer months. Ouistreham 's windy beach is also ideal for windsurfing, sand yachting and kitesurfing.
14. Trouville-sur-Mer beach, Norman elegance
Trouville-sur-Mer beach© jorisvo - Shutterstock.com
Only the Touques river separates Trouville-sur-Mer from Deauville, so the same chic atmosphere is reinforced by the presence of beautiful Second Empire seaside villas. Trouville is one of the oldest seaside resorts in Normandy, with a 1,200 m long beach that has been immortalized by numerous artists, including Charles Mazin, the man responsible for the town's tourist boom.
15. Dieppe beach, pebbles and shellfish on one of Normandy's most beautiful beaches
Dieppe beach© neko92vl - Shutterstock.com
The oldest of Normandy's seaside resorts, Dieppe boasts a long beach just a stone's throw from the town center, with pebbles that have fallen straight from the cliffs and been shaped by the tides. So don't forget your shoes! This 1,500 m stretch, which is very popular in summer, is dominated by the town's castle, from which you have a beautiful view of the English Channel. At the end of the beach, you can admire the ferries heading for England.
Did our selection convince you? Discover our dedicated article "What to do in Normandy? 21 must-sees". And if you prefer Brittany, check out our selection of the most beautiful Breton beaches !
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