Normandy is the third largest tourist region in metropolitan France. Cultural, beach, "memory" or green tourism: there is something for everyone! To enjoy your holidays while you recharge your batteries, come with me to discover the Norman villages labelled the "most beautiful villages in France"!
Located in the department of Calvados in Lower Normandy, the port town of Honfleur is one of the most visited in France. Very well preserved, the authenticity of its heritage makes it a charming setting.
While strolling around the old port, you can admire the facades of houses dating from the 16th to the 18th century. You can then walk through the narrow cobbled streets of the town's old medieval districts, you will discover the Sainte-Catherine church and its arched wooden structure, an architectural witness of the 15th century.
Also to be admired: the old fortified city of the Enclos, the Salt Storage House and many other heritage treasures. Indeed, the town has no less than 57 historical monuments!
Honfleur is also known for its artistic past. Birthplace of Impressionism, a movement born at the Honfleur School, the city has often been depicted by illustrious artists such as Gustave Courbet, Eugène Boudin and Claude Monet. Honfleur also saw the birth of the writer Alphonse Allais and the pianist Erik Satie (whose house is now a museum you can visit). This artistic imprint is still part of the town's identity today, which is full of artists' studios and art galleries!
With its rich heritage and cultural heritage, Honfleur is undeniably one of the most beautiful villages in France! 7 km away, you can also visit the Abbey of Notre-Dame de Grestain, founded in 1050 and bordered by a wooded park crossed by a stream.
For more information about Honfleur
Thatched cottages, fishermens' houses and manors, all located in a green valley on the coast between the sea and the countryside: Veules-les-roses represents the very essence of Normandy! Beaches, hiking or siteseeing: the village has something to seduce you.
15 km from Dieppe, in the Seine Maritime department, Veules-les-roses is crossed by the smallest river of France and it is along the water that all its charm is revealed. Along the Veules river (where the emblematic watercress still grows), you will discover many wooden wheels belonging to old mills.
Then, as we pass through secret gardens filled with flowers (especially roses), we arrive at the estuary of the river that flows into the English Channel, where we can enjoy a beautiful view of the cliffs.
To learn more about Veules-les-roses
A witness of the history of rural and artisanal Normandy, Beuvron-en-Auge developed through trade. At the end of the 18th century tanning and weaving were the main activities that allowed the town to prosper.
During the 19th century, merchants and craftsmen came to settle in the village's central square, in the heart of which was a wooden covered marketplace built in 1850.
Destroyed in 1958, it was rebuilt in 1975, as were the houses surrounding the square, including a famous 15th century manor.
This charming square, restored in accordance with the architectural tradition of the Augeron region, is now the village's notoriety and attracts many tourists who come to appreciate this village where time seems to stand still and which reminds us of the time when community life was organised around the marketplace.
To learn more about Beuvron-en-Auge
In the valley of the Bec is hidden a haven of peace where calm is king. It was probably for this peaceful atmosphere that a monastic community decided to settle in Bec-Hellouin in 1034. The abbey of Notre-Dame and its old abbatial quarters have now made this Norman village famous for its charming half-timbered houses.
Looking for charm and authenticity? Normandy has not finished to surprise you! You can also visit Harcourt Castle and its arboretum or the fortified castle of Montfort-sur-Risle, both located 10 km from Bec-Hellouin.
For more information about Bec-Hellouin
In the largest (and one of the most beautiful) beech forests in France, the Lyons national forest - the old hunting ground of the Dukes of Normandy - is nestled the village of Lyons-la-Forêt. It is organized around an old feudal mound, which is surrounded by old alleys forming a ring and housing half-timbered houses (17th and 18th century) with their tiled or slated roofs pierced with charming skylights.
It is in the centre of the village, on place Isaac Benserade, that the village comes alive: in summer, the covered marketplace regularly hosts markets, art exhibitions and other festivities!
The former convent of Cordeliers, water mills, Maréchaussée Hotel: the heritage is abundant here! Due to its authenticity and Norman style, the city was chosen by filmmakers Jean Renoir and Claude Chabrol to shoot scenes of their respective versions of Madame Bovary. Lyons-la-Forêt was also marked by the passage of renowned artists such as the composer Maurice Ravel or the painter Paul-Emile Pissarro.
20 km from Lyons-la-Forêt, you can also visit the sumptuous pink brick Château de Martainville surrounded by a moat and bordered by an 18th century French-style park.
To learn more about Lyons-la-Forêt
Auxane from Comme des Français
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Want to discover other beautiful destinations? Watch these videos presenting the must-see attractions of 3 French cities:
- Saint-Omer
- La Rochelle
- Coeur de Flandre
