Beyond the Brochures: Why Normandy Moves You

Normandy isn’t subtle about its history…with waves crashing along the D-Day beaches, church bells echoing across centuries-old towns, and quiet corners that somehow feel sacred.

This is a region that makes you pause. Not because someone told you to, but because you can feel the weight of what happened here…and the resilience that followed.

Normandy’s not just pretty beaches and apple brandy (though...those help).

➡️ Want to experience Normandy with more soul and less schedule? I’ll help you skip the stress, dodge the tourist traps, and sip something stronger than cider. Book a call...I’ve got you.

If you’re planning a trip to France and want something richer than another wine-and-museum loop, Normandy delivers. It’s the kind of place where history feels personal…from WWII beaches to medieval relics, with Calvados brandy smoothing the edges.

What to See—and How Long to Stay

Normandy isn’t a one-and-done stop. Trying to cram it into a single day between Paris and Mont-Saint-Michel is how travel regrets are born. Here's what I recommend depending on your time:

• 3 Days: Focus on the WWII sites: stay in Bayeux, and explore Utah and Omaha Beaches, Sainte-Mère-Église, Pointe du Hoc, and the American Cemetery.

• 5 Days: Add in the Bayeux Tapestry, medieval Caen, and a Calvados or cider tasting.

• 7+ Days: Go deeper…loop through the WWII coast, Pays d’Auge countryside, Mont-Saint-Michel, and even Gothic Rouen.

  
  

👉 Pro Tip: Avoid cramming WWII sites and Mont-Saint-Michel into one day. You’ll miss too much (and will regret it).

When to Go (and What to Know)

• May or September: Sweet spot weather with fewer tourists.

• June: Great for D-Day commemorations, but expect crowds…plan early…hotels and guides book up fast.

• November: Underrated and contemplative. Perfect for quiet reflection.

  
  

A Surprise Twist: Normandy in a Glass

Yes, history is serious. But Normandy is also delicious.

Calvados, the region’s apple brandy, isn’t just a drink…it’s a story in true Normandy tradition. One that’s been told through generations, even during wartime. After a day exploring battlefields, stopping at a Calvados distillery adds a softer, soulful ending to your itinerary.

📆 Want help crafting your trip? Let’s be honest: you’re not flying to France for a checklist vacation. Normandy deserves better…and so do you.

I help thoughtful travelers, like you, plan meaningful trips…period. Because sometimes the most moving travel moments aren’t the ones on the itinerary…they’re the ones you gave yourself space to experience.

Schedule a planning session and let’s talk about what kind of journey feels right for you.

I’ll help you plan a Normandy trip that leaves room for reflection, reconnection…and the occasional round of apple brandy. Book your complementary consultation now.

📥 Want more ideas? Download my free mini-guide with Normandy’s highlights.