☀️ Normandy in July: Festivals, Fireworks & Coastal Energy

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First published: November 2025

Wondering what to do in Normandy in July? Looking for festivals, beaches, or events in La Manche? July is when Normandy bursts into life. The days are warm and long, the countryside is at its greenest, and the coast pulses with holiday energy. From open-air theatre to rock concerts, eco-festivals to art in the streets — this is a month for music, celebration, and seaside adventure.

🎆 Bastille Day in Normandy – A Celebration of Liberty

France’s national holiday, Bastille Day, is celebrated every year on 14 July. It commemorates the storming of the Bastille prison in 1789 — a turning point in the French Revolution and a symbol of the fight for freedom and the end of royal rule.

Across Normandy, villages and cities mark the day with events, parades, and fireworks. In Coutances, our local town, there’s a festive atmosphere all day with a public gathering and a free firework display in the evening. It’s one of the highlights of the summer calendar, especially with the cathedral silhouetted in the background.

🎭 Sorties de Bain – Street Arts in Granville

Every July, the seaside town of Granville hosts Sorties de Bain — a vibrant street arts festival that fills the town with theatre, dance, circus acts, music, and quirky performances. It’s completely free and brilliantly varied, with dozens of shows popping up across streets, parks, and the beach promenade.

Perfect for families and culture lovers alike, it’s one of the most joyful things to do in Normandy in July — and it’s less than 40 minutes from the gîte.

🎸 Festival Beauregard – Big Names, Big Atmosphere

Held in the grounds of Château de Beauregard near Caen, Festival Beauregard is one of Normandy’s biggest music festivals. Expect four days of rock, pop, indie, and electro, with major international acts sharing the stage with up-and-coming French artists.

It’s an easy day trip from La Manche and perfect for anyone who wants to add a big-name concert to their holiday. Tickets often sell out, so book ahead if this is on your radar.

🌧️ Les Pluies de Juillet – An Eco-Festival with a Difference

Taking place in Le Tanu, just 30 minutes from the gîte, Les Pluies de Juillet is a festival of music, ideas, and sustainability. With an emphasis on environmental awareness and low-impact culture, the event mixes concerts with debates, local food, and hands-on workshops.

There’s a relaxed and thoughtful vibe — less glitter and more greenery. It’s a great family-friendly alternative to bigger commercial festivals, and offers something truly unique in the Normandy event calendar.

🔥 Chauffé dans la Noirceur – A Hidden Gem Near the Gîte

Just 15 minutes away from our gîte, Chauffé dans la Noirceur is a small, edgy music festival with a strong community spirit. It features emerging indie, punk, and electro acts, and prides itself on inclusivity, local engagement, and serious creativity.

If you like your festivals intimate and unconventional — with great food trucks and late-night vibes — this is the one to seek out. And best of all? You can be home at the gîte in under 20 minutes.

🌊 Festival Grandes Marées – Culture by the Sea

Running along the west coast of the Manche, the Festival Grandes Marées combines music, theatre, and storytelling with seaside locations. Expect concerts on the beach, puppet shows in harbours, and artistic surprises tucked into coastal villages from Granville to Barneville.

🎧 Art Sonic – Rock & Electro in Briouze

Art Sonic delivers gritty energy and big sound in a small town setting. Rock, punk, rap and electronic acts turn Briouze into a music mecca for a weekend in July. If you like your music loud and your crowd laid-back, it's worth the trip.

⛵ Rolex Fastnet Race – Sailing Legends Return

Every two years, Rolex Fastnet Race finishes in Cherbourg after hundreds of boats race from Cowes around Fastnet Rock. The harbour is alive with maritime celebration — yachts, exhibitions, open docks and plenty of local seafood.

🏞️ Hiking, Biking & Scenic Rambles

July is ideal for outdoor exploring on foot or two wheels. The Sentier des Douaniers (GR223) coastal path offers sweeping views, with a particularly lovely stretch between Granville and Agon-Coutainville. Inland, the Vire Valley and Sienne estuary provide lush, shaded countryside routes.

If cycling is your thing, the Vélomaritime (EuroVelo 4) hugs the coastline, while inland greenways — converted railway lines — offer flat, quiet routes perfect for families. Bike rentals are available in Coutances and nearby towns.

🌻 Flower Fields & Picnic Stops

Keep an eye out for blooming sunflower fields in mid-to-late July, especially south of Coutances or near Cerisy-la-Salle. They’re perfect for a photo stop or impromptu picnic. For a peaceful morning, grab a croissant and coffee and sit by the ruins at Hambye Abbey. Or take a crêpe to go from the Coutances market and relax in the shady cathedral gardens.

🏖️ Beach Days, Tidepools & Wild Swims

The sea is warming up, the sand is soft, and the beach cafés are in full swing. July is prime time for long beach days in Hauteville-sur-Mer, Pirou, and Montmartin.

Bring kids to explore the tidepools at low tide — full of snails, tiny crabs and sea creatures. If you’re feeling brave, try a wild swim in the Sienne river or calm bay inlets. Always check the tides and go safely.

🥖 Local Markets & Summer Treats

The flavours of Normandy in July are sweet and summery. Cherries, melons, tomatoes and fresh herbs fill the stalls. Pick up local strawberry jam, goat cheese, and a chilled bottle of cider for an easy picnic or lazy lunch on the terrace.

Look out for farmhouse ice cream stalls (often on back roads!) or grab a classic crêpe at the beach. Coutances (Thursday & Saturday) and Gavray (Wednesday & Saturday) markets are must-visits.

📸 Golden Hour Magic

With sunrise just after 6am and sunset around 10pm, you’ve got golden light to spare. Best photo spots? The dunes at Pirou, the cliffs at Regnéville-sur-Mer, and any high lane through the bocage at twilight.

🕊️ Summer Peace in La Manche

Even in the height of summer, La Manche offers space and stillness. Wander without a plan. Visit a lavender patch. Sit by the river. Read a book beside the cows. There’s always time for quiet here — even with a calendar full of events.

🚗 Want More?

For more festivals, fairs, markets and happenings, check out our full Local Events Guide.

🌟 Final Thoughts: Why Visit Normandy in July?

Things to do in July in Normandy? Endless. Music, beaches, food, hiking, history, sunflowers and cider. Normandy in July is summer done right — joyful, grounded, never overwhelming. If you're dreaming of a trip with a rhythm all its own, this is your month.

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