Normandy
This region is known for its historical significance, particularly its role in the D-Day landings of World War Two
Regional capital: Rouen
Departments: Calvados, Manche, Orne, Eure, Seine-Maritime
Main cities: Caen, Cherbourg, Alençon, Rouen, Le Havre, Deauville
A region that is synonymous with conflict, Normandy was the setting for the Allied invasion of Europe in 1944.
The region encompasses rolling countryside, long beaches, and historic towns and cities such as Rouen (the capital), Caen, Le Havre, and Cherbourg. It is associated with the 19th-Century Impressionist movement, with Monet, Renoir and Degas drawing inspiration from its coastal scenery and unique light.
There is no TGV service, but excellent road links between Paris and the Seine-Maritime or Calvados departments mean that Normandy’s coastal resorts are within a two-hour drive of the capital. Such is its popularity with Parisiens, many of whom own second homes here, that the region is sometimes known as the capital’s 21st arrondissement.
The race for properties here does not seem to have had much of an impact on house prices, however. Mont Saint-Michel is a Unesco-listed tidal island and monastery off the coast.
Property prices
Median prices for non-newbuild apartments in the third quarter of 2025: Rouen €2,760 +3%, Caen €2,960 +6.5%
Median prices per m2 for non-newbuild houses in the third quarter of 2025: Rouen €195,000 +0.5%, Caen €282,500 +4.6%
(figures taken from the most recently available French property report (Jan 26) from the Notaires de France, % year-on-year change: July 1, 2025 to September 30, 2025 / July 1, 2024 to September 30, 2024)
Character of the region
Normandy is known for its historical significance, particularly its role in the D-Day landings of World War Two. The region encompasses rolling countryside, long beaches, and historic towns and cities such as Rouen (the capital), Caen, Le Havre, and Cherbourg.
It is synonymous with the 19th-Century Impressionist movement including Monet, Renoir and Degas, who drew inspiration from its coastal scenery and unique light.
Population/density
3.3 million people across 29.905 sq km (Insee figures 2023 [latest available]) = approx. 5% of the population
Fact: the inhabitants of Normandy are known as Normans, with the majority residing in urban areas
Weather
A temperate maritime climate sees mild, wet winters (January average 4C) and cool, damp summers (July average 18C).
Local industries
Agriculture, tourism, energy, manufacturing (Renault), maritime and logistics.
Cities and towns
Rouen has a rich past intertwined with English history, and was a key location during the Hundred Years' War and the site of Joan of Arc's trial and execution. Caen was founded by William the Conqueror in the 11th Century – key attractions include the Château de Caen, Abbaye aux Hommes, and Abbaye aux Dames, and the Caen Memorial Museum marking World War Two and the history of peace.
Le Havre is known for its modern concrete buildings following extensive rebuilding of the city under the guidance of architect Auguste Perret after significant World War Two damage.
Food and drink
Calvados, cider, apple juice, cheese (Camembert, Livarot, Neufchâtel, Pont-l'Évêque), butter, cream, seafood, marmite Dieppoise (seafood stew), teurgoule (rice pudding), trou Norman (a palate-cleansing shot or Calvados sometimes served with sorbet)
Cultural points of interest
Mont Saint-Michel is a UNESCO-listed tidal island and monastery off the coast on the border with Brittany.
Further round the coast, the Bayeux tapestry, a 70m-long embroidered cloth depicting the events leading up to the 1066 Norman conquest of England, is housed in a museum under renovation from August 31, 2025 due to reopen in autumn 2027, while to the east the Côte Fleurie is a 40km-long stretch encompassing the elegant seaside towns of Trouville and Deauville (home to the annual American Film Festival) ending at the pretty port town of Honfleur.
Inland, the village of Giverny some 75km from Paris, is home to Monet’s former house and gardens, now open to the public.
Major transport points
Airports: Normandy does not have an international airport
Trains: main stations include Rouen-Rive-Droite, Caen, Le Havre, Cherbourg, and Évreux-Normandie. Paris's Gare Saint-Lazare is a key departure point to Normandy.
Motorways: the A13 (Paris to Normandy) provides access to Rouen and Caen. The A29 connects to the A13, extending the network to Le Havre and other areas.
Ferries: Cherbourg, Caen, Le Havre, Dieppe