February 14th marks Valentin’s Day,
A celebration of love in France and many other countries. While some consider it a purely commercial day, many still embrace it with flowers, chocolates, restaurant invitations, declarations of love, and more. For those planning to spend this special day (or any other) in Normandy, we’ve compiled some romantic activities and destinations.
Honfleur, Beloved City of Painters Monet and Boudin
Honfleur, a picturesque port city in Normandy, is an ideal choice for a romantic getaway
Located just two hours from Paris, this city boasts Norman architecture, renowned painters, wooden churches, and an enchanting old port. Classified with four flowers in the Flowering Cities and Villages Competition, Honfleur beckons you to awaken your senses fully.
Ready to explore Honfleur as a couple?
Begin your journey at Le Vieux Bassin, the small port at the heart of Honfleur.
Its narrow slate houses from the 17th and 18th centuries, listed as Historical Monuments, reflect in the surrounding water, making it the city’s main tourist attraction. Numerous bars and restaurants around the port offer captivating views for a romantic dinner or lunch.
The port, immortalized by artists like Gustave Courbet, Eugène Boudin, and Claude Monet, gives the wooden houses lining it a rare and beautiful aesthetic, exuding pure charm.
Sainte Catherine Neighbourhood and its Unique Church in France
Explore the Sainte-Catherine neighbourhood, home to the famous Sainte-Catherine de Honfleur church, the largest wooden church in France.
Built entirely in wood in the 15th century by artisan shipbuilders, its interior gives the impression of being in the hull of an overturned boat.
The church bell, built separately, has sparked various explanations, including lightning protection and structural concerns.
Le Jardin des Personnalités (The Garden of Personalities)
Honfleur Garden of Personalities uniquely brings together sculptures of Claude Monet, Eugène Boudin, Charles Baudelaire, and Françoise Sagan.
Located between Vieux Bassin and the dike, this 10-hectare garden is perfect for a post-lunch stroll. The blooming arches in the garden are a visual delight.
Cabourg: Hearts in Love Return to the Belle Époque
Another romantic spot in Normandy is Cabourg, a coastal town off the traditional tourist trail.
In a competition for the most romantic city in France, Cabourg outshone names like Paris and Strasbourg in 2017.
The charm of Belle Époque villas, beautiful sunsets, expansive sandy beaches, and the poetic Grand Hôtel contribute to Cabourg’s appeal for lovers.
Days before February 14th, Avenue de la Mer, Cabourg’s main street, transforms with over 1,000 heart-shaped balloons.
Shopkeepers join the celebration by decorating their windows, and the Casino Gardens, as well as the Hotel de Ville, light up at nightfall.
Cabourg takes the celebration of love seriously, creating a true festival for lovers.
Deauville: Romantic and Elegance
Known worldwide, Deauville in Normandy offers a blend of culture, elegance, authenticity, and romance.
Perfect for a romantic retreat. Start your Deauville experience with Les Planches, a famous wooden walkway along the beach, extending for over 600 meters.
This iconic area is known for colourful beach cabins and celebrity names inscribed on signs along the promenade, paying tribute to cinema and the Deauville American Film Festival.
For a cultural break, visit Les Franciscaines, located 5 minutes from the beach in a former 19th-century convent. Architect Alain Moatti transformed the building into a cultural center, housing exhibition rooms and interactive screens that showcase Deauville’s rich collections of films, photographs, posters, and postcards.
Normandy stands out for offering a plethora of romantic experiences against the backdrop of charming cities. The region positions itself as the ultimate romantic destination, combining romantic ambiance with a vast historical and cultural heritage.
How about a candlelit dinner on a cozy evening, surrounded by all the enchantment that Normandy has to offer?
