🏡 What to Do in Normandy: Top Experiences for a Memorable Stay

Home · Availability · Book Now · Contact Us · Location · Reviews

Last updated: November 2025

Wondering what to do in Normandy during your stay? From dramatic coastlines and medieval abbeys to lush countryside and lively markets, Normandy is one of France’s most diverse and rewarding regions. Whether you’re planning a family holiday in La Manche, a romantic countryside escape, or a group getaway with friends, there’s something here for everyone — and all within easy reach of our Holidays-Normandy Gîte in Nicorps.

Nestled between Mont-Saint-Michel and the D-Day beaches, the gîte is perfectly located for exploring both coast and countryside. Here’s your complete, SEO-friendly guide to the best things to do in Normandy — plus links to our detailed blogs so you can explore each theme in more depth.

🏖️ Walk Through History on the D-Day Beaches in Normandy

Best for: History lovers & families

No visit to Normandy is complete without walking the D-Day landing beaches — the heart of modern European history. Explore Omaha Beach and Utah Beach, visit the American Cemetery at Colleville-sur-Mer, and reflect at the British Normandy Memorial in Ver-sur-Mer. Don’t miss the Pointe du Hoc cliffs or the Arromanches 360° Cinema for breathtaking wartime footage and views across Gold Beach.

Our in-depth guide D-Day Beaches in Normandy walks you through each site and its story, while our D-Day & WWII Normandy blog collection explores the region’s memorials and heroes in detail. For a uniquely local angle, read our feature on The Battle of Normandy and the Liberation of Coutances — a dramatic chapter that unfolded right here in Nicorps.

➡️ Tip: Combine a day of history with a visit to Bayeux’s Tapestry Museum or lunch by the harbour in Port-en-Bessin.

🏰 Visit Mont-Saint-Michel in Normandy (not Brittany!) – France’s Most Iconic Sight

Best for: Sightseers, photographers & day-trippers

Rising from the sea like a fairy-tale castle, Mont-Saint-Michel is one of the most recognisable landmarks in France — and it’s just over an hour from our gîte. The island’s medieval abbey, winding lanes, and vast tidal flats make it a must-see for any Normandy itinerary.

Check out our detailed blog A Day Trip to Mont-Saint-Michel – History, Magic & Must-See Sights for tips on tides, parking, photography, and the best visiting times. Whether under sun or mist, Mont-Saint-Michel never disappoints.

🛍️ Explore Coutances in La Manche – Markets, Gardens & Local Life

Best for: Culture lovers, shoppers & foodies

Just five minutes from Nicorps, Coutances is our local gem — a small town with big character. Wander through cobbled streets lined with cafés and independent shops, admire the majestic Notre-Dame Cathedral, or relax in the Jardin des Plantes. Every Thursday morning, the town bursts into life with one of the region’s best Normandy markets — filled with cheese, cider, seafood, and laughter.

Our Coutances Walk blog offers a full self-guided route, while our Normandy Food & Drink collection dives deeper into the region’s best flavours. For current events, see our monthly What’s On in Normandy page — including local fairs, vide-greniers, and brocantes updated every month.

🍏 Taste the Flavours of Normandy – Food, Cider & Calvados

Best for: Foodies, couples & curious travellers

Normandy is heaven for food lovers. Sample Camembert from Gavray, buttery brioche from Coutances, and crisp cider from La Manche orchards. Visit a traditional cidrerie for tastings of cider, Calvados apple brandy, and Pommeau aperitif — the perfect souvenir (if it lasts the journey home!).

Get inspired by our Normandy Food & Drink Blogs, featuring Camembert – Normandy’s Famous Cheese, Cider Tasting in Normandy, and Vegetarian in Normandy. Bon appétit!

🚴 Outdoor Adventures in the La Manche & Normandy Countryside

Best for: Nature lovers, cyclists & active families

For those who love the outdoors, there’s no shortage of things to do in Normandy. Ride along peaceful greenways, follow the Voie Verte Coutances–Gavray, or hike through rolling countryside between Nicorps and the sea. Our Cycling in Normandy blog includes maps, rental info, and suggested picnic stops.

For wildlife fans, explore the wetlands and coastal paths highlighted in our Birdwatching in Normandy blog — over 250 bird species can be spotted across La Manche. Prefer the beach? Discover family-friendly shores in our Family Beaches in Normandy guide, or try a high-speed thrill with Sand Yachting on Normandy’s Beaches.

🎨 Granville & the Chausey Islands in Normandy (yes, in Normandy!)

Best for: Seaside explorers, art lovers & photographers

Nicknamed the “Monaco of the North”, Granville combines elegant villas, fishing boats, and salty sea air. Visit the Christian Dior Museum overlooking the bay, explore the walled Haute-Ville, and indulge in seafood fresh off the boat. Then, take a ferry to the Îles Chausey — a peaceful archipelago where turquoise waters and white sands feel almost Caribbean.

Plan your visit with our blogs Granville Carnival and Chausey Islands from Granville.

🌧️ Rainy Day Adventures in Normandy

Best for: Families, couples & explorers

Even when the skies open, there’s plenty to enjoy. Discover aquariums, museums, and creative indoor attractions in our Rainy Days in Normandy blog — all within an hour of the gîte. From the Roc des Harmonies aquarium in Granville to the Museum of Coutances, Normandy proves that rain doesn’t stop play.

🎉 Festivals & Local Events in Normandy

Best for: Culture lovers & festival fans

Normandy loves a celebration — and there’s something happening every season! Don’t miss Jazz sous les Pommiers in Coutances, the Granville Carnival, or the autumn Goût du Large seafood festival in Port-en-Bessin. Check our Local Annual Events page or the What’s On in Normandy category for monthly updates near the gîte.

👨‍👩‍👧 Family Fun in Normandy – Farm Visits & Outdoor Play

Best for: Families with young children

At the gîte itself, kids can meet our friendly llamas — a free, supervised activity for guests who book direct. Families will also find mini-farms, safe cycle paths, and play areas nearby. For inspiration, visit our Family Activities in Normandy section, including What to Do with Kids Under 5.

🌳 Relax in Normandy’s Countryside – Nature & Slow Living

Best for: Everyone who loves slow travel

Sometimes, the best thing to do in Normandy is simply… nothing. Unwind in the garden with a book, listen to the church bells from the terrace, or sip cider while watching the sunset over the fields. With starry skies, fresh air, and space to breathe, Holidays-Normandy is where you rediscover calm and connection.

🎟️ Book Your Normandy Escape

Ready to experience it all? From Mont-Saint-Michel to Coutances Cathedral, Granville to Utah Beach, your next great escape awaits. Book your stay direct at our gîte in Nicorps for the best local tips, warm hospitality, and an unforgettable Normandy adventure.

View Availability

Ready to explore Normandy?