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From the iconic sights of Paris to the historic streets of Caen, our Normandy road trip takes in an abundance of cultural and gastronomical delights. Immerse yourself in local history, hike through rolling countryside, or visit some of the many charming coastal villages linked to the D-Day landings as you journey through this spectacular area rich in history.
Route
Paris ➤ Rouen ➤ Honfleur ➤ Caen
Distance
Approx. 165 miles / approx. 3 hours
Travel duration
4 days
Highlights
Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame, Musée des Beaux-Arts, Vieux Bassin, Marais Vernier Nature Reserve, Château de Caen
Best time to travel
May to September
Tolls
Motorway tolls are calculated based on the distance travelled and are payable at toll stations. Tunnels and bridges also incur charges.
With its impressive travel connections from the UK by air, rail or boat, we recommend starting your road trip through Normandy in Paris. With just a day in the city, we suggest exploring the city’s most famous sites with a cruise along the River Seine, visiting the iconic Notre Dame Cathedral and marvelling at works of art in the Louvre. Come nighttime, sample classic French cuisine in one of the city’s many Michelin-star restaurants, experience the splendour of the Eiffel Tower all lit up or enjoy the revelry of the Moulin Rouge.
Day two of your Normandy road trip starts with a short hour-and-a-half drive to the historic city of Rouen, the capital of Normandy, also known as the ‘city of 100 spires.’ As well as an impressive number of historic churches, the city offers you the chance to visit the cathedral that inspired some of Monet’s paintings, stand at the site where Joan of Arc met her tragic end and visit the birthplace of iconic French novelist Gustave Flaubert.
Day three of your road trip allows you to explore the Normandy coast in the charming fishing village of Honfleur. As quaint fishing villages go, they don’t get much prettier with colourful half-timbered houses jostling for position along the quays with art galleries, shops selling regional wares and local restaurants. Once famous for being a hotspot for impressionist artists, you can still while away an hour or two watching artists at work today.
Day 4 of your Normandy road trip involves a short hour’s drive from Honfleur to Caen, the birthplace of William the Conqueror. Situated on the River Orne it is a vibrant and attractive city brimming with fashion boutiques, art galleries and markets selling fine wines and fresh produce so is the perfect place to enjoy all the region’s delicacies. Caen is also the ideal base for exploring the D-Day Landing beaches with guided beach tours available from the city.
Our Normandy road trip itinerary offers an eclectic mix of activities from exploring the bustle of Paris to visiting the D-Day Landing beaches, so it pays to be prepared. Below we’ve put a list of things you should pack for your trip.
Clothing:
Camping gear:
Other essentials:
France has strict traffic rules that must be followed. Here are the most important regulations to be aware of before driving through Normandy.
Speed Limits:
For camping vans up to 3.5 tonnes:
For campers and motorhomes over 3.5 tonnes:
Other traffic rules in France:
Across France, there are strict rules for camping that you must follow: