Bayeux. The best base for the D-Day beaches, an intact medieval town spared bombing in 1944. Walkable, atmospheric and home to the tapestry and cathedral, with plenty of guesthouses and tour operators. Ideal for one or two nights of battlefield touring. Good for: D-Day history & first-timers.
Honfleur. A romantic harbour town of painterly charm, boutique hotels and seafood restaurants. Central for the Côte Fleurie and an easy hop to the Pont de Normandie and Le Havre. Books out on summer weekends. Good for: Couples & art lovers.
Deauville / Trouville. Twin resorts offering Belle Époque grandeur (Deauville) and unpretentious beach life (Trouville). Grand hotels, casinos, and a lively fish market sit within a short train ride of Paris. Best in summer and racing season. Good for: Seaside glamour.
Rouen. Normandy's cultural capital, with the region's best rail links, restaurants and museums. Medieval streets, Monet's cathedral and a young, lively atmosphere. A strong base for Giverny and the Seine valley. Good for: Culture & city comfort.
Mont-Saint-Michel village / La Caserne. Staying near the mount lets you experience it at dawn and dusk after day-trippers leave. Mainland hotels at La Caserne connect by free shuttle across the causeway. Reserve well ahead in peak months. Good for: Bucket-list stay.