Normandy destinations with 5 year old

[Toastiemaker]

Hi all, I am thinking of going to Normandy with our 5 year old DD, just a few days at the end of August. DP thinks it's madness, too much travel and not much to do for kids when there. I'm thinking of getting the train to south coast (5 hours with change in London from where we live), spend the evening there and get the ferry over the following and hire a car for 3 days to explore. I think this is doable, or am I mad?? Still undecided whether to land a Caen, Cherbourg or Dieppe? Any recomendations happily received!

I did a week in Normandy when my daughter was 5. At that age anything is exciting, we rented a basic gite for a week. Just enjoyed the lovely croissants, baguettes, cheese and tomatoes. That, playing on beaches and playing in the garden. We drove from Calais which was a bit far.

The Bayeux tapestry would be worth a visit for a five year old if you want to throw in a bit of history.

Oh yes, we visited that.

Strong recommend for Zoo de Cerza- it’s huge and incredibly good. Think safari park and conservation rather than traditional poky zoo enclosures. We went to fill a glum weather day and we’re really really impressed. It’s in the Calvados region which is beautiful. Also have a look at Honfleur, it’s a really pretty little town.

Honfleur is lovely. William the Conquerer's castle at Falaise is a nice visit. We visted a lovely tradtional "village" set up with timbered buildings and a mill etc near Lisieux. Will try to remember where exactly. Deauville and Cabourg have fab beaches. And there are the Normandy landing sites. The museum at Arromanches is very good - though maybe your dc might be a bit young. Pegasus Bridge museum had planes and things you could climb on though.

We've often headed north from Calais into Belgium.

De Haan is a lovely traditional seaside resort, with a tram going up and down the sandy coast. The former sunpark holiday park that is now back in the European Centre Parcs stable:

https://www.centerparcs.eu/in-en/belgium/fpHAA_holiday-park-domaine-park-de-haan

Bruges is a short drive away.

There are/were some lovely rural/quirky Airbnbs in that area (though we've not been there for about 5 years)

Thanks for your suggestions, very helpful! 😊