Normandy Road Trip: Ferries, Routes & Where to Stay
Home · Availability · Book Now · Contact Us · Location · Reviews
First published: October 2025
Thinking of taking a Normandy road trip? Whether you’re travelling from the UK, Ireland or mainland Europe, the journey to France’s most historic region is easy, scenic and full of incredible stops. From ferry crossings to Normandy and relaxing drives through the countryside to comfortable stays at our gîte, this guide will help you plan the perfect itinerary for 2026 and beyond.
⚓ Ferries to Normandy
For guests driving from the UK, the most convenient routes for reaching our gîte are the ferry to Cherbourg and the ferry to Caen (Ouistreham). Both ports connect easily to the main roads through the Manche and are ideally located for reaching our countryside base near Coutances within 60–90 minutes.
- ⛴️ Portsmouth → Caen (Ouistreham) — around 6 hrs 45 min
- ⛴️ Portsmouth → Cherbourg — around 8 hrs 30 min
- ⛴️ Poole → Cherbourg — around 4 hrs 30 min (fast summer service, Brittany Ferries)
- ⛴️ Newhaven → Dieppe (DFDS) — around 4 hrs 30 min + 3 hrs drive to the gîte
- ⛴️ Plymouth → Saint-Malo (Brittany Ferries) — overnight crossing + 1 hr 30 drive to the gîte
All crossings are operated by Brittany Ferries or DFDS, offering comfortable sailings with excellent onboard facilities. Ferry bookings for 2026 are already open — and Ursula Gite is available for 2026 bookings too! It’s the perfect time to start planning your next adventure.
Our gîte is ideally placed for a Normandy road trip — close enough to major routes yet set in peaceful countryside. Use it as your base to explore the D-Day Landing Beaches, the medieval town of Bayeux, the coastal resort of Granville and the unforgettable Mont-Saint-Michel. Within easy reach you’ll also find charming villages, local markets and scenic routes for Normandy sightseeing. It’s the ideal Normandy gite rental for travellers who want to see everything while returning each evening to a calm, comfortable home.
🚗 Scenic Drives & Road Trip Routes
From the gîte, you can design your own road trip en Normandie in every direction. Head north to the D-Day beaches and Bayeux, west to Granville’s harbour and the Mont-Saint-Michel, or inland through the Vire Valley for cycling and river walks. Quiet country roads, apple orchards and small stone villages make every journey part of the adventure. This central base lets you reach most major attractions in Normandy within an hour or less — perfect for relaxed Normandy sightseeing.
🏡 Where to Stay: Countryside Comfort
After hours on the road, a peaceful stop makes all the difference. Our Normandy gite rental combines easy access to key attractions with the calm of rural life. You can reach beaches, markets and historic towns like Bayeux or Granville in under an hour, while enjoying private gardens, spacious rooms and friendly hosts.
Many guests choose our gîte as their base for exploring the Manche and Calvados regions — it’s close to major roads yet tucked away enough for total relaxation. Whether you’re travelling as a couple, a family or part of a larger group, our countryside retreat offers the freedom and comfort a hotel simply can’t match.
🌅 Plan Ahead: Your 2026 Normandy Road Trip
Ferry bookings for 2026 are already open, and Ursula Gite is available for 2026 bookings too! Self-drive travellers are securing early dates to get the best cabin and accommodation options. If you’re planning a Normandy road trip or road trip en Normandie from the UK or northern Europe, now’s the perfect moment to book your stay. Our gîte is an ideal stopover or week-long base between Caen, Cherbourg and Mont-Saint-Michel.
Enjoy local markets, beaches and cultural stops along the way — then unwind in a peaceful setting that captures the essence of Normandy sightseeing. Book your 2026 stay now and make our Normandy gite rental part of an unforgettable journey through France’s most historic region.
🧭 Tips for a Smooth Normandy Road Trip
- 🔋 Check electric-vehicle charging points if driving an EV — most are near larger towns. When you book with us, we provide a list of local EV charger locations inside our Welcome Guide.
- 🗺️ Use toll-free secondary roads for scenic drives and authentic villages.
- 🍎 Stop at local markets for cider, cheese and bread — perfect picnic supplies.
- 🏖️ Allow extra days to explore beaches, gardens and historic sites.
📍 Final Thoughts
Exploring Normandy by car gives you the freedom to discover hidden gems and famous landmarks at your own pace. From comfortable ferry crossings to restful countryside stays, a Normandy road trip is the perfect mix of adventure and relaxation. We look forward to welcoming you soon to Ursula Gite — your ideal base for Normandy sightseeing and memorable journeys across northern France.