Normandy in 30 Hours: Sea, Cider, and Inspiration
Normandy is a place where the rugged beauty of the Atlantic meets the comfort of apple orchards, and history resounds louder than the wind over the cliffs. Just a couple of hours from Paris, endless beaches, cider, Camembert, and landscapes that look like they came straight from an Impressionist painting await you.
In February 2026, we came to France for two weeks for the international wine exhibition Vinexpo Paris. Traditionally, when in France, we visit at least one other region. This time, we decided to go to Normandy.
There are two convenient ways to get from Paris to Le Havre: by train or by bus, and the choice depends on your budget and time. We traveled from Paris to Le Havre by train, and from Le Havre to Paris by bus.
Train (the fastest and most comfortable option)
Trains depart from Gare Saint-Lazare.
Travel time is approximately 2–2.5 hours. These are direct SNCF trains (TER or Intercités), without transfers.
Pros:
• Fast and reliable • Comfortable carriages • Convenient arrival directly in the center of Le Havre
Cons:
• Tickets are more expensive (especially at the last minute) Bus (budget option)
Routes are operated by companies like FlixBus and BlaBlaCar Bus.
Departures usually come from Bercy Seine Bus Station or other bus terminals.
Travel time is approximately 3-3.5 hours.
Pros:
• Significantly cheaper • Many departures throughout the day
Cons:
• Longer travel time • Possible delays due to traffic
Hotels in Le Havre are significantly cheaper than in Paris. We chose a hotel directly across from the train and bus stations, which are located close to each other.
First, we took the bus to Etretat. Buses #21 and #509 run regularly on this route. Travel time: 45–60 minutes. The bus runs regularly (but it's best to check the schedule in advance). Tickets are inexpensive – about €2 per person one-way. Buy both round-trip tickets.
In Étretat, we encountered rain and bad weather, but this didn't stop us from exploring the town, drinking delicious coffee, and visiting the famous Étretat gardens.
Upon returning to Le Havre, we decided to go further and head to Honfleur, especially since the sun came out in the afternoon.
We also took bus #123 from the bus station. Please note that buses have winter and summer schedules, and they don't run as frequently as we'd like. A one-way ticket costs about €3 per person.
Honfleur is one of the most atmospheric towns in Normandy: its old port, narrow streets, and the light that has inspired artists. Must-see attractions:
Old Port (Vieux Bassin)
The heart of the city is the picturesque harbor with its tall, narrow houses reflected in the water. It's an ideal spot for a stroll and photos, especially at sunset.
Church of Sainte-Catherine
Church of Sainte-Catherine is a unique 15th-century wooden church built by shipbuilders. Its interior resembles an upturned ship's hull.
Garden of Personalities (Jardin des Personnalités)
The Jardin des Personnalités is a pleasant seaside stroll with busts of famous French figures associated with the region, including artists and writers.
Musee Eugène Boudin
Musée Eugène Boudin is a small but important museum dedicated to the artist who was born here and who influenced the development of Impressionism.
Embankment and walk to the lighthouse
Walk to the mouth of the Seine for views of the sea, the port, and the Pont de Normandy.
Streets of the Old Town
Getting lost is the best plan: antique shops, galleries, cider bars, and seafood restaurants create that perfect "Normandy postcard."
In Honfleur, we saw one of the most beautiful sunsets over the harbor, and at dusk, we headed back to Le Havre.
The next day, we were scheduled to visit Deauville, but the weather changed again. We decided to save Deauville for our next visit to Normandy and devote this day to the Impressionists at the MuMa museum in Le Havre.
MuMa — Musée d'art moderne André Malraux — is one of the main cultural icons of Le Havre. Situated right by the sea, this museum amazes with its glass and steel architecture, filled with natural light that changes throughout the day and seems to continue the dialogue with the paintings inside. This museum houses one of the largest Impressionist collections in France after the Orsay Museum: works by Claude Monet, Auguste Renoir, Camille Pissarro, and other masters inspired by the Normandy coast.
MuMa is more than just a museum; it's a place where you can truly experience the connection between art and the sea, light, and wind—the very landscape that makes Normandy so worthwhile.
After a stroll through Le Havre, which was significantly damaged during World War II and rebuilt by the architect Auguste Perret, we went to lunch. Incidentally, Perret's Le Havre city center is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site as an outstanding example of post-war urban development. The center boasts numerous bistros and even open-air stalls selling authentic Normandy specialties—mussels, oysters, fish, and, of course, Camembert, the king of cheeses in Normandy and France, everywhere. Traditionally, local cider is a must with your meal.
In the middle of the day, we had to leave fairytale Normandy. We boarded the bus and, accompanied by the rain, headed for Paris, leaving behind dreams of the routes ahead.
#Etreta #France #LeHavre #Honfleur #Normandie #Etretat
Have you been to Normandy? What do you remember most?