Getting around — Normandy

Normandy is well-served from Paris by train. Paris-Caen in 2h via Intercités (from Saint-Lazare), Paris-Rouen in 1h30 via Intercités, Paris-Bayeux in 2h30 (change at Caen). Mont-Saint-Michel is accessible via Pontorson (3h from Paris with change at Caen or Rennes) then shuttle. Étretat has no station: Paris-Le Havre in 2h via TGV (Saint-Lazare), then coach (45 min) to Étretat. A car is highly recommended once you want to explore the bocage and villages — rent in Caen, Rouen or directly at Deauville airport.

A car allows you to fully appreciate the region's diversity. The Pays d'Auge secondary roads (D49 Cider Route), Alabaster Coast (D940 cliff road) and bocage are magnificent. Allow 1h30 to go from Mont-Saint-Michel to Bayeux (115 km), 1h for Bayeux-Honfleur (95 km), 1h30 for Honfleur-Étretat (75 km but with Honfleur ferry). The Pont de Normandie (toll, €5.40) links Honfleur to Le Havre in 2 minutes — one of Europe's most beautiful cable-stayed bridges.

In cities, walking suffices: centres of Bayeux, Honfleur, Étretat, Cabourg are compact. Rouen and Caen have efficient public transport networks (bus + tram in Caen).

Cycling is a pleasant option on the cycle routes: Vélomaritime (EuroVelo 4, runs along all Norman coast over 600 km from Mont-Saint-Michel Bay to Bay of Somme), Véloscénie (Paris-Mont-Saint-Michel, 450 km), Avenue Verte (Paris-London, crosses Normandy). Easy rental in all cities, ideal for the Côte Fleurie or Swiss Normandy.

From Paris-Charles-de-Gaulle, the link to Normandy goes via RER B then Saint-Lazare (1h30 minimum transfer). Deauville-Saint-Gatien airport is more practical for the Côte Fleurie. No domestic flights from southern France — train or car mandatory.