Normandy’s 18 most beautiful beaches

Your trip to Normandy is just around the corner. So where are you going to take a dip? Here’s a rundown of Normandy’s finest beaches!

Just a few hours from Paris, the beaches of Normandy are among the most beautiful in the world. Between history, wild nature and typically Norman seashores, there’s something for everyone. Generation Voyage has selected the most beautiful beaches in Normandy to guarantee you a successful vacation in the sun.

The beaches of La Manche

Potinière Beach

Located on the cape of Carteret, Potinière beach has attracted many Parisians and Normans since the 20th century. This was the heyday of sea bathing. Traces of this can still be seen on this Normandy beach, with its blue-and-white bathing cabins.

With its horseshoe shape, the Channel Islands opposite and Gulf Stream waters, Potinière beach enjoys particularly warm water for Normandy.

The Chausey Islands

Looking for peace and quiet on one of Normandy’s most beautiful beaches? Go to Chausey! Located 17 kilometers from Granville, this archipelago comprises 365 islets that emerge at low tide and 52 that remain at high tide. Chausey offers you a stop in time.

No cars, no noise to disturb your peace. The only sounds you’ll hear are those of seabirds and waves washing up on the beach. The archipelago is 17 kilometers from Granville.

La Hougue Beach

Located in Saint-Vaast-la Hougue, La Hougue is one of the most beautiful beaches in Normandy. More than a kilometer of fine sand awaits you as you bask in the sun. Take a stroll along the beach and admire the scenery.

In the distance, you’ll see the Vauban towers and the island of Tatihou. If you’d like to relax in the shade, there are plenty of picnic areas.

Carolles Beach

Before heading to the beach at Carolles, follow the coastline along the cliffs from the Vauban hut. From here, you can watch Mont-Saint-Michel rise into the sky.

Once you’ve reached the beach, it’s time to relax. On the seafront, a triple row of bathing cabins offers a picturesque setting.

Jullouville

This seaside resort in the Manche département stretches over two kilometers between the towns of Carolles and Saint-Pair-sur-Mer. It’s the ideal beach for families on vacation in Normandy. Children’s entertainment is available all along the beach, and there are plenty of paths for strollers.

As soon as the tide is out, take the opportunity to fish for mussels with the locals.

Surtainville Beach

If you’re a watersports enthusiast, Surtainville beach is the place to be. Take to the waves on your surfboard and battle the Normandy winds on a windsurfing session.

If you prefer a more leisurely activity, paddleboarding is just what you’re looking for. Numerous stores rent out equipment to tourists and locals alike.

Calvados beaches

Cabourg Beach

With its four kilometers of fine sand, the beach known as the « plage des romantiques » is the stuff of dreams. It’s the ideal spot for couples visiting Normandy. All along the beach, the Promenade Marcel Proust features magnificent Belle Époque villas.

Cabourg is also nicknamed the « Queen of the Flowery Coast  » for its impressive architecture dating back to the Second Empire. After a siesta on the beach, discover the town’s Grand Hôtel, where great artists such as Proust and Édith Piaf have stayed.

Landing Beaches

Loaded with history, the D-Day landing beaches are a must-see during your vacation in Normandy. Omaha Beach, Utah Beach, Sword beach, Juno beanch or Gold Beach are all witnesses to our grim history. It was here, on June 6, 1944, that thousands of Americans took part in one of the world’s largest military operations. Discover the D-Day beaches and pay tribute to the soldiers.

Hermanville Beach

Located on the Côte de Nacre, Hermanville boasts one of the most beautiful beaches in Normandy. Two kilometers of beach await you all year round.

In summer, take advantage of the fine weather to dive into the Normandy sea or bask in the sun. In winter, Hermanville beach is also worth a visit, with its magnificent villas lining the seafront.

Trouville Beach

Trouville beach is ideal for families visiting Normandy. The kilometre-long beach is supervised all summer long. Along the way, you’ll find activities for children and teenagers, with inflatables, slides and swings. For older children, there’s a water sports center where you can try your hand at sand yachting. And to quench your thirst, there are bars and restaurants on the beach.

Deauville Beach

Deauville beach is one of the best-known in Normandy, with its colorful beach huts and umbrellas. The beach stretches from Deauville harbor to the Garden of Hearts.

Deauville is the Normandy seaside resort par excellence, with mini-golf, a water sports center, a pony club and a casino. You’re sure not to get bored.

Houlgate beach

In the heart of the Pays d’Auge, Houlgate beach is also known as the « Pearl of the Côte Fleurie ». The beach boomed in the seaside bathing era, when hundreds of Parisians came to relax on the Normandy coast.

Houlgate has preserved its original architecture, with sumptuous villas. A tour is organized to discover the finest seafront residences, such as Les Mouettes, Bel Ombrage and Les Clochettes.

Seine Maritime beaches

Quiberville Beach

Quiberville beach is one of the most beautiful beaches in Normandy, with its curtain of cliffs. Towards the Côte d’Albâtre, the cliffs are white, while towards Cap d’Ailly, the cliffs take on a brownish hue. It’s a magnificent sight.

From April onwards, take a stroll along the seafront, where the first beach huts begin to appear, heralding the start of the season.

Plage du Tilleul

For the more sporty, head for the Tilleul beach. To get there, you’ll need to walk for about 30 minutes. The effort is well worth the reward, as the Tilleul is undeniably one of Normandy’s most beautiful beaches.

Between pebble beaches and cliffs, the scenery is exceptional. Here, you’ll find peace and quiet as there are few tourists, especially if you’re arriving from the « keyhole ».

Etretat beach

Known the world over, Etretat beach is well worth a visit. Wilderness lies right before your eyes, with impressive cliffs and its iconic arch. Etretat is more than just a beach, it’s a real postcard. So don’t forget your camera.

If you stray a little from the coast, you can admire the aiguille, a rocky cone rising over 70 meters.

Dieppe Beach

Located on the left bank of the harbor, Dieppe’s beach stretches for over 1.6 kilometers. The beach has the advantage of being very wide. Whatever the season, you’re sure to find a spot (even in the middle of August).

Near the beach, you can try your luck at the casino or visit Dieppe’s impressive château.

Fécamp beach

Fécamp’s beach stretches over 800 meters of shingle. The town is famous for its Palais Bénédicte, which you can visit after a siesta by the sea. And if you’d like to admire the coast from a different angle, hire a boat and take in the scenery.

Stay until sunset to admire the light show as it fades over the white cliffs.

Petit Ailly Beach

Located in Varengeville-sur-mer, the Petit Ailly beach is exposed at low tide. It’s a valleuse, i.e. a gap in the cliffs. The Petit Ailly beach offers a wild setting between the greenery and cliffs of the Côte d’Albâtre.

As soon as the high tides come in, fishing is particularly popular with locals.

Parmi ces plages en Normandie, quelle est votre favorite ?