Did you know that Normandy was the birthplace of seaside tourism in the 19th century? And this is definitely no coincidence since the magnificent region of Normandy is packed with many delightful seaside resorts. From the Manche to the Calvados, via the Cotentin and the Seine-Maritime, join us on a tour of some of the most stunning seaside towns in Normandy.
Étretat, Seine-Maritime
This is one of the sites in Normandy which, along with the Mont Saint-Michel, should be seen at least once in a lifetime. Less well-known for its beaches than for its emblematic and majestic chalk cliffs sculpted by the erosive powers of the elements, Étretat is nonetheless one of the most beautiful seaside resorts in Normandy. It’s no surprise that it won the hearts of so many famous poets and painters, including Courbet, Monet, Flaubert and Maupassant!
Granville, Manche
A fortified town overlooking the English Channel, Granville is a great destination for resting and enjoying the soothing sound of the waves, but that’s not all! There are so many activities to enjoy there: pay a visit to the Dior Museum, a tribute to the famous fashion designer who was born there, enjoy a walk around the Haute-Ville, or take a sea outing for the chance to partake in the water sport of your choice. And if you want to spend a day doing something completely different, hop on a ferry to the Channel Islands of Jersey and Guernsey!
Deauville, Calvados
French-style fashion and elegance, Deauville is THE most beautiful seaside resort in Normandy and the one not to be missed. Tourists from around the world travel there to admire its stunning sand beach, legendary beach huts and colourful parasols. Its casino, villas, luxury hotels and American Film Festival also add to the "French-style” charm of this most sophisticated and prestigious seaside resort in Normandy.
Genêts, Manche
Facing the bay of Mont Saint-Michel, Genêts is a charming, family seaside resort in the Manche department, which is ideal for a restful break. From its Le Bec d’Andaine beach, ideal for family days by the sea, you will have one of Fance’s most famous historic landmarks as a backdrop (when the weather is fine): the majestic Mont-Saint-Michel! Another great reason for choosing Genêts as your seaside holiday destination in Normandy.
Cabourg, Calvados
Head to the Côte Fleurie, the Normandy Riviera, as this jewel of the region is known, and explore Cabourg in the Calvados. With its sumptuous Belle Epoque villas and its long beach lapped by the waters of the English Channel, this seaside resort which used to be very popular with the high society, where Proust used to spend his summers, is now loved equally by families and couples, who travel there for a rejuvenating break by the sea.
Maupertus-sur-Mer, Manche
Nestling in the heart of the Cotentin, Maupertus-sur-Mer is (yet another) pretty and enjoyable seaside resort set between the land and the sea. The site’s beautiful L’Anse du Brick beach, a stone’s throw from the Sandaya campsite of the same name, its peaceful setting and the hiking trail that runs along the Normandy coast are just a few of the great assets that this little coastal paradise has to offer.
Saint-Aubin-sur-Mer, Calvados
If history is your thing, this is your dream destination! Not only is Saint-Aubin-sur-Mer charming and family-friendly, it is also (above all) the perfect starting point for discovering or rediscovering the D-Day landing beaches and visiting the museums dedicated to this major event in modern history.
Which accommodation should you choose for a successful seaside holiday in Normandy?
Finding a cosy haven is child’s play at a 4 & 5 star Sandaya campsite thanks to our extensive range of accommodation:
- Comfortable mobile homes able to cater for up to 10 people (ideal for XXL families or family reunions)
- Camping pitches with levels of comfort adapted to those who are fans of traditional camping
- Quirky accommodation for an original touch
If you are looking for where to go on your forthcoming holiday in the beautiful, verdant region of Normandy, you will definitely find something just right for you in our selection! And if that isn’t the case, no doubt your dream destination is hidden among the many other Norman treasures that still remain for you to discover.