Karlijn’s favourite places in Normandy

• Mont Saint-Michel
  Iconic, yet never overrated. Arrive in the early morning or at dusk and feel the magic that lives in the space between tide and stone. It’s a place where time shifts and silence speaks volumes.

• Barneville-Carteret
  The village where Karlijn lived and worked during her stay. This charming coastal town has a steady rhythm of its own and is home to Cap de Carteret—a cliffside viewpoint offering golden light and sweeping sea views.

• Cherbourg
  A harbour town with a strong maritime soul. Slightly rugged around the edges, but full of character. Ideal for a day spent browsing local markets and enjoying the catch of the day.

• Dieppe
  One of France’s oldest seaside resorts, known for its honest charm. The seafront has a faded grandeur, the market is deeply local, and the atmosphere quietly timeless.

 

Natural moments that stayed with her

The D-Day beaches left a deep impression. Omaha Beach and Utah Beach, along with the American Cemetery at Colleville-sur-Mer, are places where history, silence, and scale come together powerfully.

Another unforgettable view: the cliffs of Cap de Carteret, where the wind carries the scent of the sea and freedom lingers in the air.

And then there’s Mont Saint-Michel at low tide, when the sea retreats and reveals a shifting landscape of sand, sky, and silence—a moving experience in every sense.

 

Local experiences that Karlijn cherishes

• Long beach walks where you barely meet another soul—even in high season

• Quiet picnics with only the sea and sky for company

• Cycling between orchards and green hills

• Watching the world slow down for the sacred ritual of lunch

• The scent of wet grass and salt air after summer rain

• Strolling village markets where no one is in a rush

 

The taste of the region

For Karlijn, Normandy is also about flavour and tradition. Favourites include:

• Moules à la crème – creamy mussels with crusty bread on the side

• Coquilles Saint-Jacques – sweet, fresh, and perfectly tender

• Apple cider – lightly sparkling, full of character, and incredibly versatile

• Normandy cheeses – Camembert, Livarot... bold, creamy, unforgettable

Two places stand out for anyone who loves local tastes:

• Cidrerie Théo Capelle – a family-run cider producer where you can taste, learn, and buy

• La Maison du Biscuit – a nostalgic biscuit shop filled with aromas, samples, and charm

 

Why Nice2stay feels at home here

Normandy whispers where other regions shout. And at Nice2stay, we love places that speak softly and stay with you.

From windswept cliffs to apple-dotted valleys, Normandy invites you to live slowly. The accommodations we offer here reflect that same spirit—properties with stone walls, wooden beams, blooming gardens, and a quiet elegance that feels deeply French.

We choose places not for how they look in pictures, but for how they make you feel when you arrive. For their atmosphere, their soul, and their sense of belonging.

 

Practical: why Normandy is always a good idea

• Easily reached by car from the Netherlands or Belgium

• Ideal for a road trip between coast and countryside

• Surprisingly quiet—even in summer

• Perfect for walkers, cyclists, and nature lovers

• Rich in history, culture, and gastronomy

 

Karlijn’s tips for a first visit to Normandy

• Take your time—this is not a region to rush through

• Combine coast and inland villages for a complete picture

• Taste local cheeses, cider, and fresh scallops—straight from the source

• Visit the D-Day sites with space for reflection

• Let go of the itinerary—some places reveal themselves only when you’re not looking

• Plan your visit to Mont Saint-Michel around the tides for the most magical experience

 

In conclusion

Normandy may not be the most obvious choice when planning a trip to France—and perhaps that’s exactly what makes it so special. It’s a region that quietly distinguishes itself: with honest charm, natural beauty, and a deep sense of history.

"For travellers looking beyond the expected, Normandy is a refreshing and rewarding choice."

— Karlijn, team Nice2stay