Our Guide to the Normandy Region

Normandy: A Historic and Lush Region in Northern France 

The Normandy region of France is situated between the Channel and the Paris Basin and has been a welcoming harbour for civilisations along the Seine Valley to Paris. It comprises the departments of Seine-Maritime, Eure, Calvados, Manche and Orne and is best known for its coasts, green meadows, Camembert cheese and delicious cider.

Forever Steeped in History

Monuments, abbeys, arts and crafts all testify to these influences; Rouen, its capital, with 100 bell towers and half-timbered houses; the UNESCO-listed Mont Saint-Michel; the Bec-Hellouin Abbey; Honfleur and its many painters; the unforgettable Bayeux Tapestry; and the famous 'harras' (stud farms) of the Orne. History meets geography at the D-Day beaches, memorials and the museum in Caen. In 2024, we celebrated the 80th anniversary of the landings in Arromanches.
Its pleasantness has made Normandy the home of the arts, amongst them painting and literature. Monet, Pissarro, Corneille, Maupassant, Flaubert, Victor Hugo and Dumas 'père', have found inspiration in this peaceful region.

Normandy welcomes many events all year round, international nautical, musical and cinematic events such as 'Les Voiles de la Liberté', 'Jazz sous les Pommiers' in Coutances, the movie festivals in Cabourg and Deauville, where one can enjoy horse races.
The cuisine on the coast typically features seafood, beautifully prepared in the local style. Let's not forget the green bocage, its landscape of meadows enlaced by little roads, and its products: butter, 32 cheeses, including the classic Camembert, delicious cider, dairy cream (crème fraîche), and magnificent apple pastries.

Normandy in the Global Spotlight

Global superstar Madonna raved about the region during a concert in Paris in autumn 2023. During one of her shows, the pop star surprisingly declared her love of Normandy, its cows and its butter.

“I’m going to move to Normandy. I’m going to start milking cows to get that butter,” the American singer told her fans. But Normandy is also famous for its prepared cooked meats, such as Caen tripe and Vire andouille, as well as its Calvados apple brandy.

Lifestyle, Quality of Life & Accessibility 

If you're planning to move to this beautiful country, the proximity to the UK would be a significant advantage, as it ensures you are never too far from your family and loved ones there. The region is easily accessible, with excellent transport links, including ports, trains, and motorways. Normandy is a perfect blend of accessibility and beauty with its stunning beaches, peaceful lifestyle and amiable locals.

Architectural & Cultural Heritage

The region is renowned for its beautiful half-timbered farm buildings, Manor houses with slated roofs, classic chateaux, mansions and traditional stone houses. There are numerous smallholdings and farmhouses available in the region, ideal for those who love the outdoors, especially equestrian enthusiasts. Additionally, there are plenty of properties suitable for restoration, Bed and Breakfast, gite and hospitality projects.

Key Facts about Normandy

• Capital city: Rouen
• Population: 3.3 million people (around 5% of France's population, approximately 68 million)
• Area: 30,000 square kilometres (11,580 square miles), approx. 5.4% of France's total area
• Density: About 110 inhabitants per square kilometre, below France’s national average of 123

Essential Tourist Information

• Number of Tourists per Year: Approx. 6 million
• Km of Coastline: Approximately 600 km
• Average Sunshine Hours/Year: Around 1,800 hours
• Approx Châteaux in the Region: Over 100 châteaux, incl. Château de Caen
• Most Famous Landmark: Mont-Saint-Michel
• Golf Courses in the Region: Over 40 golf courses

Travelling to Normandy

The main cities are Rouen, Caen, Le Havre, Cherbourg and Évreux. They can be accessed using the road network (motorways, national and departmental roads), the train network, or by air. Here's a list of the region's airports and main train stations.

Airports Serving the Region

• Caen – Carpiquet Airport
• Deauville – Normandie Airport
• Le Havre – Octeville Airport

Main Train Stations & TGV Links

• Rouen-Rive-Droite
• Caen Station
• Le Havre Station
• Cherbourg Station
• Évreux-Normandie Station

Top Attractions in Normandy

• Mont Saint-Michel
• D-Day landing beaches
• Bayeux
• Étretat
• Honfleur
• Monet Foundation in Giverny
• Rouen
• Deauville

Regional Nature Parks

• Parc naturel régional des Boucles de la Seine-Normande
• Parc naturel régional du Perche
• Parc naturel régional Normandie-Maine

UNESCO World Heritage Sites

• Mont-Saint-Michel and its Bay
• Le Havre

Economic Overview of Normandy

• Economic Strength: Normandy is a significant contributor to France's economy, blending traditional sectors like agriculture and maritime trade with modern industries such as energy and pharmaceuticals, and is renowned for its dairy products, seafood, and tourism.
• Gross Domestic Product: €90 billion (2022), accounting for around 4-5% of France's total GDP
• Economy: Services 72% (tourism, healthcare, retail, public services), industry 21% (energy, automotive, pharmaceuticals, logistics) and agriculture with 7% (dairy, cheese, cider, seafood)
• Unemployment Rate: Approximately 7.5% (France’s national rate = 7.2%)
• Universities and Grandes Écoles: Notable institutions include the University of Caen Normandy, University of Rouen Normandy, University of Le Havre Normandy, EM Normandie Business School, INSA Rouen Normandie, and ESITC Caen.
• Regional Specialities: Normandy is famous for its dairy products, such as Camembert cheese, cider, and Calvados; seafood, including oysters and scallops; pastries like Teurgoule; meat dishes like Lamb Pré-Salé; and apples used in various culinary applications.

Property Prices in Normandy in 2025

• Houses - the average price per sq. metre: €1,979 (source Fnaim - 2025)
• Apartments - average price per sq. metre: €2,216 (source Fnaim - 2025)
• Price trends - average price change over the last 12 months: -0.4 %

Normandy at a Glance

Normandy is a popular destination for those seeking to purchase a second home in the countryside. Property prices are more affordable compared to those in the Dordogne, Provence or Occitanie, although you can expect to pay a premium if you want to be closer to the coast. Normandy is easily and quickly accessible by rail, ferry, or road, whether for a few hours, a quiet holiday, or a lifetime. Just ask Madonna - she loves it here!

Take a glance at our infographic below to discover more facts and numbers about this historic and green region. Click on the links on this page to explore a specific department and browse through our properties for sale in Normandy.