Beaches in Normandy: Your perfect guide to a beach vacation

Normandy stands as home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the country. Some of the beaches are quiet, wild retreats, while others are busier with a variety of attractions and seafood restaurants in the vicinity. Whether you’re planning on taking a stroll along golden sands, clambering in and out of rock pools, sunbathing in a beautiful sweeping bay or a picturesque sheltered cove, the beaches in Normandy would be a perfect choice for all your travel wishes. So, ready to find out the top beaches in Normandy? If yes, keep reading.

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Beaches in Normandy

1. Etretat
2. Deauville Beach
3. Bay of Mont Saint-Michel
4. Carolles Beach
5. Pointe Du Banc Beach
6. Sword Beach
7. Juno Beach
8. Utah Beach 
9. Ammonites Beach

1. Etretat

Located along the French Alabaster Coast, Etretat’s pebble beach is popular for sailors and surfers. But most of the visitors come to this stretch of coast in Upper Normandy for one reason: famous cliffs and arched rock formations. At various points along the 80-mile stretch of Etretat, you will find natural sculptures that have inspired travellers and artists (most notably Claude Monet) for ages.

2. Deauville Beach

The reputation of Deauville was cemented by none other than Coco Chanel, who opened her first clothing store here in 1913. Her casual-chic and beach-inspired looks put her and the city’s lovely boardwalk lined with cute boutiques and ice cream vendors on the map forever. Well, that’s pretty cool, huh?

3. Bay of Mont Saint-Michel

Easily one of the most emblematic locations in France, the rocky island of Mont Saint-Michel rises like a mirage above the sandbanks and tidal pools. Although the historic Abbey of Mont Saint-Michel draws the most interest, the nearby Bay of Mont Saint-Michel is just as impressive with a range of wildlife and the highest tides in Europe. In addition, for an amazing experience, book a guided walk around the bay, where you can cross the popular pools and spread the sand in your bare feet.

4. Carolles Beach

Carolles Beach is possibly one of the most picturesque parts of Granville and the Bay of Mont-Saint-Michel. The beach is an extension of Jullouville Beach and is surrounded to the south by the cliffs of Carolles. The beach is under the surveillance of the season. Also, beach huts are lined up on the promenade, which reminds us that this section of the coast of the channel was busy at the beginning of the 19th century when sea bathing was trendy.

5. Pointe Du Banc Beach

Pointe du Banc Beach of Saint Germain de l’Ay is part of the spectacular wild beaches of the Channel. Located on a protected site at the Conservatoire du littoral, two measures from the Havre de Lessay, this vast sandy beach ends at the mouth of Ay. Also, to the north, the beach extends for a few kilometres in the direction of the city centre. The main area at the parking level is very family-friendly. The southern part is reserved for naturists. It’s the only one amongst the beaches in Normandy Channel Department where naturists are allowed.

6. Sword Beach

Riva-Bella is a part of Ouistreham and a short walk from the terminal where ferries come from Portsmouth, England. Ouistreham has a small fishing port, but it is also home to the entry of the Caen Canal, the outlet of the Orne River and the Port of Caen. The Atlantic Wall was exceptionally high here, with bunkers armed every 100 yards and beaches lined with mines and tank traps.

7. Juno Beach

The shore of Courseulles-Sur-Mer and its surrounding towns were unsuitable for a strong frontal landing, so Canadian marine commanders first landed to assault and disable German positions. More Canadian troops landed with supplies and advanced inland to seize a large German airfield. Sherman tanks landed at Courseulles-Sur-Mer and by 5 pm, the town was liberated. Of special interest to Canadian tourists, the Juno Beach Center is a family-friendly collection of exhibitions, hands-on demonstrations and documentaries on Canadian preparations and contributions to allied activities through personal accounts and immersive encounters. Also, this centre provides a special Canadian view and contains an exhibition in Canada today.

8. Utah Beach 

The displays are extremely well built to demonstrate not just the activities at Utah Beach, but the whole operation overlord and some of the equipment are followed by videos showing how they were operated. Among the many monuments here is Milestone 00, marking the beginning of the Liberty Path and marking the path of the Allied forces from the beaches of Normandy to Bastogne, Belgium. The Crisbecq Battery Museum is housed in German bunkers that were part of the Atlantic Wall guarding Utah Beach. It is one of the top beaches in Normandy for history lovers.

9. Ammonites Beach

The beach of Ammonites in Benerville Sur Mer is located south-east of the station. This broad sandy beach reaches out to Blonville Sur Mer. In the summer (July and August), a first aid station is set up on General Vary Lane, at the beginning of Yves Saint Laurent’s pedestrian promenade. On the left, the beach becomes less populated and wilder. There is also a yacht club which makes it one of the top beaches in Normandy for adventure lovers.

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Plan your trip with Pickyourtrail

There’s something very unique and diverse about Normandy’s coastal cities. Expect soothing beaches, dazzling scenery and fun! You’ll find trendy historic retreats for artists and the bourgeoisie who have come in search of inspiration, such as Deauville, Trouville-sur-Mer and Le Havre, or to take the sea breeze and enjoy the fashionable spas of Dieppe or Granville. There are plenty of Beaches in Normandy. Plan your trip with the help of reputed travel agency, Pickyourtrail. Check out the Pickyourtrai website and with the help of your expert guides, start planning your trip or check out the preset packages. Alternatively, leave a Whatsapp inquiry for more options.