Holiday houses & apartments in Normandy

Rent a Holiday Home in Normandy and Explore this Historic Region

Holiday homes in Normandy will place you in one of the most iconic and traditional of France’s regions. With a distinct architectural style and historic towns including Caen and Rouen, there is a lot of choice for lovers of culture and nature. The area can be split into Upper Normandy, where you will find Rouen and Dieppe on the coast, and Lower Normandy, which is where the 1944 D-Day Landings occurred. With majestic châteaux, green rolling hills, a distinctive local dialect and gorgeous beaches, Normandy is a popular choice for holiday lettings in France.

Normandy holiday homes, the best way to experience it independently

Normandy is famous for a number of historic events and many visitors also come to appreciate the pretty natural surroundings or simply relax and taste excellent local food in its bistros and cafés.

What makes Normandy famous?

One of the most significant events in living memory, the D-Day Landings in Bayeux were a major turning point in World War Two. You can take guided tours of the area, which is an ideal way to learn about what happened first hand and this can be a great way to teach children about the history of Europe. Bayeux is also where the famous Tapestry is located. Normandy is the home of Calvados brandy, Camembert cheese and the largest cultivation of oysters in France. This makes the region a food lover’s delight, whether browsing the local markets, picking up a special gift for loved ones back home or being treated to a proper French feast in one of its many superb restaurants.

What makes Normandy holiday homes so worthwhile?

With holiday apartments in Lower Normandy, or larger homes in the countryside, you can experience this historic, charming region of France exactly as you wish. A property with a private pool or a large garden will be the perfect setting for an unforgettable family break. Whichever location and type of home you choose, holiday lettings are a superb way to enjoy your trip. Being able to self-cater and cook local ingredients is another great perk, if you’re so inclined.

Appreciating Normandy holiday homes as a family

With its sedate towns and serene countryside mixed with a fascinating history and plenty of hands-on activities, Normandy is the perfect location for a family holiday. Cycling and hiking around the countryside, walking through the quaint and pretty towns of Le Havre and Honfleur or visiting the museums in Dieppe and Bayeux are just some of the family-friendly options. For a romantic trip to the coast, perhaps renting a holiday home in Calvados or any number of holiday apartments throughout Northern France will set the stage for a trip to remember. Taking your dog along with you is a great idea too and many homes accept pets.

Eating out and shopping in Normandy

Normandy is a superb destination for food lovers. Classic Norman cuisine includes seafood such as oysters and mussels, as well as lamb and delicious cheeses. One dessert to definitely try is Calvados with apple ice cream. You will almost certainly want to take back a bottle or two to give as a gift or enjoy as a reminder of your trip. France is famous for its market culture and these are the best places to grab the freshest local produce wherever you are staying. Supermarkets stocked with all manner of international ingredients will keep everyone happy too, or you can spoil yourself by eating out every night at the region's many bistros and restaurants.

The different types of holiday home in Normandy

There is a home for everybody in this charming region, with a range of traditional and modern houses and apartments to choose from. Sprawling farmhouses and other family homes set on extensive grounds, many with their own pools or terraces, are excellent for large groups or for indulging in the finest accommodation on your trip. Holiday apartments in Normandy, such as in the town centres, place you at the centre of the action while still being authentic. Whether you want to wake up and walk a few yards to your own swimming pool, savour al fresco dining in the Normandy sunshine or get straight to the highlights of this historic French haven, there is everything to suit your particular tastes.

Popular destinations for holiday homes in Normandy

This is a large region and there are plenty of options for specific destinations in the area. By thinking about your particular priorities on a Normandy vacation you can easily decide on the best location for your needs. Calvados is home of the famous brandy and located right at the coast. The department is home to botanical gardens and American and Canadian war cemeteries. The Manche is the location of Mont Saint-Michel, a superb hilltop castle-cum-monastery that looks like it is straight out of a Disney film. The nearby town of Granville is popular for its pretty harbour and local fishing spots. Seine-Maritime encompasses the towns of Rouen, Le Havre and Dieppe and is another popular location in which to rent a holiday home.

Travelling to Normandy

This is a popular destination and so there are a number of easy-to-reach hubs. Major airports include Rouen (URO) and Caen-Carpiquet (CFR). Direct flights are available from a variety of European countries including London. A convenient route by car from the south of England would be to take the ferry from Portsmouth to Le Havre and drive to your holiday home from there. The Dover-Calais connection is also a good possibility.

The best time for a Normandy holiday

The optimal time of year for a trip to Normandy depends entirely on your personal preference. Most would agree that the weather from spring to autumn is fantastic, with pleasant temperatures in the teens to mid-20s°C on average. September is a great time to catch nice weather just after the high season and is perfect if you would rather explore the historic monuments and landscapes of the region without too many crowds. Even in winter towns such as Rouen and Caen are worth visiting for their traditional Christmas markets, which are ideal for finding unique gifts and making the most of the festive season.

Neighbouring holiday regions Normandy

• Calvados
• Lower Normandy
• Baie de la Seine
• Caen und Umgebung
• Seine Valley
• Le Havre and the surrounding area
• Norman Switzerland
• Bessin
• Côte Fleurie
• Pays d'Auge