Travel to Normandy with your camper using Irish Ferries!

This time our camper will go from Ireland, and more precisely Dublin to Cherbourg in France, from where we will start our journey in Normandy. Of course, we will reach Cherbourg by ferry Irish Ferris. The cruise time is about 18 hours. It is therefore worth taking advantage of the numerous attractions awaiting us on board and relaxing before the journey.

If you want to know the exact dates and times of your cruises and to learn about other routes, please visit the official IrishFerries website.

After reaching Cherbourg, we can get on our motorhome and set off on the road through beautiful Normandy! And what is worth seeing, where to go and where to stay??? Below you will find our suggestions for top places in Normandy and a list of camping sites.

An important fact is that wild campsites are banned in France. We can sleep off in designated places.

What to see in Normandy?

The number one place is Mont-Saint-Michel, a rocky island on which the sanctuary of Archangel Michael is located. This place is known for its runoff and tides. At low tides, the water can move back up to 15 kilometers, and at high tides it gets closer and closer.

Another top attraction in Normandy is Étretat, i.e. the cliffs on the alabaster coast and the characteristic cone-shaped rock (Porte d’Aval). You will get to the lookout points via stairs straight from the beach. While in Étretat you must see the gardens – JARDINS D’ETRETAT. We can admire heads that express various emotions and views of the cliffs. As for the parking lot, we have 3 main ones in the city. Showing up in the morning, you should have no problem finding a place.

When in Étretat, it is worth visiting Fécamp, where you can admire beautiful cliffs. For lovers of walks, you can take advantage of the picturesque walking trails along the English Channel. It is a great base for exploring this part of the coast.

Honfleur is an obligatory point of the program for people who are going to Normandy. It is a charming town on the coast with views of boats, fishing boats and tenements.

The next places on our map are two resorts located on the beach itself, separated by the river – Trouville and Deauville. Deauville is the most famous holiday resort in Normandy, which attracts stars and celebrities. Every year there is an American film festival, there is also an avenue of stars. The hallmark of Deauville are the beach tents, which after rolling up resemble an umbrella tied with a ribbon.

When in Normandy, it is worth visiting a place called the Beaches of Landing. It is a historic place where on June 6, 1944, during the Second World War, the Allied operation D-Day began, aimed at liberating Europe from Nazi occupation. The five main beaches – Utah, Omaha, Gold, Juno and Sword – were the landings of the American, British, Canadian and other Allied forces, which began the largest landing operation in history. Today, these beaches are a symbol of courage and dedication, and in the area there are numerous museums, monuments and military cemeteries that remind us of this event. This place attracts thousands of tourists who want to pay tribute to the fallen and learn more about the events of 1944.

The above described places are only a few of those worth seeing while in Normandy. Before departure, it is worth preparing your own map; -)

And where can you stop by motorhome?

In France, stopping by motorhome in the wild is possible, but subject to certain restrictions and rules. French law allows camper stays in the wild, unless local laws are violated, the owner agrees to not enter private property or to stop in areas where this is expressly prohibited (e.g. national parks, nature reserves or beaches). However, it is worth remembering that many municipalities introduce local bans on spending the night in the wild, especially in tourist regions such as the coastline or popular attractions.

For greater comfort and safety, it is often recommended to use the so-called “aires de camping-car” – special, free or cheap parking places for motorhomes, available throughout France. At such stops you will often find basic amenities such as access to water, electricity and even stations for emptying chemical toilets.

Before planning accommodation “in the wild”, it is worth checking local regulations and markings to avoid potential fines or conflicts with residents.

Link to campsites in Lower Normandy – https://www.pitchup.com

If you want to visit this beautiful part of France, prepare a motorhome, book ferry tickets for Irish Feerys and set off on a journey!!!