Normandy camper trip recommendations wanted (weather, clothing and places to visit).

[TheMimsy]

We are travelling around France (Normandy) in our camper van for 8 days from Le Havre round to Cherbourg.

I haven’t been abroad in many many manyyyyy years and never to this area.

Advice on what weather / temps to expect, what kind of clothes are advised (I’m a tall 18 in my 50s) and most important - places to check out! What food should we not miss out on, markets to browse… things to watch out for?

We are more about the little places, the independent and lesser walked routes than big cities and tourist hot spots.

Now brushing up on the two years of French I did at age 11. Been learning sodding Spanish for two years and thought that would be a subtle hint to his highness. 🤦‍♀️

Make sure to visit Honfleur it is beautiful.

Cabourg - lovely beach & William the Conquerer set sail from here in 1066.
Caen Castle
WW2 beaches all along the coast.

We sailed to St Malo and back from Ouistreham in our VW camper last September travelling and staying along the way. So not exactly the same as you but some overlap. There’s a lot of WW2 history if you are interested. The newish D Day museum at Arromanches is excellent and there’s a very interesting and moving memorial at Ver sur Mer which is definitely worth a visit. We also enjoyed Dinan and Bayeux (even without the tapestry) and definitely go to Honfleur as well. It can be windy on the Normandy beaches so take some suitable clothing. Lots of lovely food, cider and calvados to enjoy as well!

British Normandy memorial is worth a visit and has great views plus a cafe. Drive the coast road from Lion-sur-Mer through the towns and villages where the landings took place.

Caen is pretty with a castle and amazing abbeys, and we loved Falaise, a castle with strong William the Conqueror connections and home of the Dukes of Normandy.
Do try gallettes, which are yummy savoury pancakes and typical of the area. Available in most cafes.
If you go to Bayeux, you can get a guided walking tour from these ladies, well worth it.
Normandy is lovely, you'll have a great time!

Thankyou all for the tips so far - busy adding them to google maps and notebooks now!

Deauville is one of the prettiest French seaside towns I’ve visited. I prefer it to Honfleur.

You dont say when you are travelling but weather wise its pretty similar to the south of England.
Look out for Gallettes (like crepes but savory). I personally love Cidre Doux which is cheap and readily available in supermarkets..but wine is also very good value!

I’m such a wazzock. Thank you @Flowerfairy13 - travelling to Le Havre on 25th August and then wiggling round to Cherbourg for 1st September. Ish. Might delay return if we feel like it.

Mont St Michel is breathtaking - it is busy but definitely worth a visit (maybe by end Aug less busy?) - although it is quite far west from where you will be.

Bayeux is v charming even without the tapestry. It's been years since I have been there but Honfleur was somewhere very lovely (not sure if it's over touristy now). You could also drive up to Etretat from Le Havre; spectacular cliffs.