A 7-day Normandy itinerary is a treat for history buffs and adventure-seekers. The itinerary is being started from Normandy itself, but you can customize it according to your preference. Most people come to Normandy for the D-Day tours after making their way from Paris.

But the World War II sites are not the only reason why you must visit this charming region just north of the City of Love. Regardless of how you are reaching Normandy, this is what your week should ideally look like.

Please note that this is a rough itinerary. You can always skip some places or, better yet, talk to an expert tour guide operator to help create a personalized itinerary suited to your specific requirements and travel plans.

Day 1: Stay at Rouen

If you are starting your journey from Paris, Rouen is only 1.5 hours away. You can easily reach the capital city of Normandy by hopping on a train or renting a car.

You can spend the night here because an entire day of exploring churches, chapels, and cathedrals is sure to make you want to get a good night’s sleep.

For several impressionist painters, Rouen served as inspiration. The most important things to see here are Le Gros Horloge (the clocktower), the Cathedral of Rouen, the Joan of Arc Historical, and the half-timbered houses.

Are you traveling with kids? Try one of the escape rooms at the Rouen dungeon.

Day 2: Visit Deauville

After visiting Rouen, you can make your way to Deauville. This is an elegant seaside resort town that is ideal for relaxing and unwinding. If you want to blow off some steam before visiting the World War II sites, this is the ideal place. In this town, you can enjoy strolling alongside the pier or going to horse races and casinos. There are also luxury boutiques where you can shop till you drop.

This might also be an ideal visit after touring the D-Day beaches because the World War II sites are bound to make you feel emotionally heavy.

Some of the things you can see and do in Deauville are taking a walk along the boardwalk called Les Planches, riding a horse at the beach, renting a bike, and going around the town.

Day 3: Visit Honfleur

Honfleur is a little town in Normandy that is only thirty minutes up North from Deauville. If you are visiting Honfleur after touring the D-Day beaches, it will take you approximately four hours.

In this little town, you will find various restaurants and bars. Most of them offer a view of the port. Also, this town is famous for its impressionist paintings and sculptures. You can even take some of them home (of course, you have to pay for the art!).

While you are exploring this town, ensure to shop in the art district and check out the work of local artisans. You can also visit galleries. There’s a 15th-century wooden church called Église Sainte Catherine. You must visit this church. Also, kitesurfing on the beach is a fun activity.

Day 4: Tour Mont Saint Michel

Mont Saint Michel is a small island in the bay off the northern coast of France. This is where Brittany and Normandy meet. The island is topped with a breathtaking castle, and it is a UNESCO-listed site.

When you arrive in the afternoon, you can stroll around Mont Saint Michel to look at the stout ramparts, slender spires, and rocky slopes. Depending on the time of day, you will see the slopes rising from the sea or towering over sands.

When you visit the island’s narrow alleys and abbey, you will be instantly transported to the Middle Ages.

Around this island, you will notice a bay, which is famous for witnessing the highest tidal variations in Europe.

Day 5: Tour the D-Day landing beaches

From Mont Saint Michel, you can easily reach Normandy’s landing sites. The D-Day landings are one of the largest seaborne invasions in human history. Before you reach the D-Day sites, you will explore the medieval town of Bayeux. You can stay in this town overnight to enjoy the D-Day landing beaches at your own pace.

You will also visit Notre Dame Cathedral, the Tapestry Museum, and the famous sites related to William the Conqueror.

Then, dedicate the rest of your stay to paying your respects to the brave soldiers who lost their lives fighting for freedom in 1944. Head to Pointe du Hoc to explore the stunning natural beauty of the place that has been scarred by naval bombardment and heavy aerial shooting.

Then, you can head to the Omaha beach. This is Normandy’s coastal battlefield ground, which was the bloodiest among the five beaches. It is one of the two landing areas where many US troops lost their lives.

After you have toured Omaha Beach, you can head to the other beaches, namely Juno, Sword, Utah, and Gold. Each has their stories to share.

When visiting these sites, it would be best to opt for a guided tour so that you can know more about the history of D-Day landings.

Day 6: Enjoy watersports activities

Once you have visited the D-Day landing beaches and the other WWII sites in Normandy, it is time to unwind so you can make your heart feel a little lighter. Although you came in search of history, it is still a holiday and must be treated as one.

Since Normandy boasts an expansive coastline, you can indulge in various water sports activities. The activities can range from surfing and swimming to even trying out the aqua gym. You will find several water parks here, and the beach is always there to have some quality time with your travel partners.

Day 7: Do as you please!

You can keep the last day of the tour free of any pressing plans. Walk around and discover the place. Talk to the locals, shop for souvenirs, or eat good food.

So, this is what your 7-day stay in Normandy can look like. However, you can customize your itinerary according to your preferences and travel style.