With its peaceful countryside, picturesque villages, and dramatic coastline carved by centuries of tides, Normandy remains one of France’s most charming destinations for couples in search of intimacy and authenticity.
Whether you’re planning a romantic weekend or a one-day getaway from Paris, this region offers places that feel like they were made to be shared.
Here are five handpicked experiences to inspire your next trip for two — from garden strolls and coastal walks to cinematic sunsets and gourmet dinners.
Spa Day in Trouville-sur-Mer & a Walk on Deauville’s Iconic Boardwalk
If you’re looking for a relaxing escape by the sea, start with a day in Trouville-sur-Mer. This elegant seaside town still retains the charm of a 19th-century resort, with its Belle Époque villas and relaxed pace.
One of its highlights is Les Cures Marines, a historic building now home to a luxury spa and thalassotherapy center.
Couples can enjoy treatments with sea minerals, massages, and personalized wellness rituals — perfect for recharging together.
Just across the bridge lies Deauville, Trouville’s glamorous twin. A walk along its famous wooden boardwalk, Les Planches, is a must. The beach cabins carry the names of international film stars, a tribute to the town’s American Film Festival.
It was here that director Claude Lelouch filmed the romantic classic Un homme et une femme (A Man and a Woman) in 1966 — a film that continues to capture hearts around the world.
End the afternoon with a glass of champagne or artisan ice cream by the sea. It’s an experience that feels lifted from the screen.
Étretat: Picnic with a View and Artistic Gardens
Few places in France blend drama and romance like Étretat. Its soaring white cliffs and natural rock arches are among the most iconic sights of the Normandy coast. Many couples choose to bring a picnic basket and settle on the grass with a view over the Aiguille, the needle-like rock formation that juts into the sea. Fresh baguettes, local cheese, seasonal fruit, and a bottle of cider are often all you need.
For something even more scenic, head to the Gardens of Étretat, a unique space where art and landscape design meet. Located on the cliffs above the town, the gardens feature topiary sculptures and themed sections offering breathtaking views of the sea. It’s a place where silence, creativity, and nature come together in perfect balance.
Étretat also resonates with cultural significance — from inspiring Monet’s canvases to featuring in the novels of Maurice Leblanc, creator of the beloved gentleman thief Arsène Lupin.
Giverny and Monet’s House: Color, Calm, and Creativity
For couples who love art, gardens, and serenity, Giverny is a destination that speaks to the soul. Located just 1.5 hours from Paris, the village was home to Claude Monet for over four decades. His house and gardens remain almost exactly as he left them, offering an immersive look into the life and work of one of the world’s most influential painters.
The gardens are a true symphony of color: seasonal flowers, wisteria-covered bridges, and the famous lily pond reflect the soft light of Normandy. It’s no wonder they inspired the Water Lilies series.
Inside the house, you’ll find vibrant rooms, antique furniture, and a kitchen that reflects Monet’s family life with his wife Alice. Visiting Giverny as a couple feels personal — not just a sightseeing stop, but a peaceful encounter with beauty and creativity.
Nearby cafés and galleries make for a charming end to the visit, or even a quiet stroll before returning.
Sunset at Mont Saint-Michel: Light, Tide, and Timelessness
Few sights in Europe are as awe-inspiring as Mont Saint-Michel, the medieval island village that rises from the bay at the edge of Normandy and Brittany.
At high tide, it becomes an island. At low tide, the surrounding sands stretch toward the horizon — a magical transformation.
While daytime visits are popular, couples looking for a deeper experience should consider staying for the sunset. As the sun dips below the coastline, the abbey and its spire are outlined in gold and rose hues, reflected in the tidal flats.
Some choose to admire it from nearby viewpoints; others join guided walks across the bay (with caution, as the tides are swift and strong).
At night, the abbey is softly illuminated, revealing its architectural splendor in a new light. For a truly unforgettable stay, consider booking one of the island’s charming inns — where the beauty of the setting lingers long after the crowds have gone.
Honfleur : Harbor Views and Dinner by Candlelight
Our final suggestion takes us to Honfleur, a postcard-perfect port town that’s as romantic as it is atmospheric. Its old harbor, surrounded by tall, narrow buildings, has inspired generations of artists — including Boudin and Courbet — and continues to charm visitors with its timeless appeal.
A stroll along the Vieux Bassin, stopping in local boutiques, art galleries, and bakeries, feels like a gentle escape. The wooden Sainte-Catherine Church, built by shipbuilders, adds to the town’s unique character. For a quieter corner, the Jardin des Personnalités offers pathways among sculptures and flowers.
As the sun sets, Honfleur truly comes alive. Choose a restaurant by the harbor, order local seafood — perhaps scallops or mussels — and finish with an apple-based dessert paired with Calvados, the region’s iconic brandy. It’s a dinner that nourishes more than just the appetite.
Planning Your Romantic Trip to Normandy
Normandy is easily accessible from Paris by train, car, or private tour. While it’s possible to visit some sites in a day trip, we recommend dedicating at least three days to fully appreciate the diversity of the region — mixing coastal escapes (like Trouville, Étretat, and Honfleur) with inland gems (such as Giverny or Mont Saint-Michel).
For a more curated experience, My Normandy Tour offers fully customized private itineraries for couples. From choosing the most photogenic times to avoid the crowds to recommending off-the-beaten-path restaurants and boutique stays, our expertise allows you to focus on what really matters: being present together.
Normandy as the setting for your next chapter together
Far from the hustle of major capitals, Normandy offers a more tranquil kind of romance — one shaped by nature, art, and history. Places like Trouville, Étretat and Giverny blend natural beauty with heritage and sensory experiences that invite you to slow down and simply enjoy being together.
If love is made of shared memories, few regions offer as many opportunities to create them as Normandy. And perhaps, by the end of the journey, you’ll feel as if you’ve lived not just a romantic getaway — but a true cinematic chapter. 💘
