Summer is over, but how about extending your off-season holiday in Normandy for a weekend or a week ?
Extend your off-season vacation in the Coeur de Nacre region of Normandy for a weekend or a week during beautiful autumn days. In September and October, the days are still beautiful and mild.
The surrounding nature is slowly changing into its autumnal colours.
Going out of season is a good idea !
Less people, less money and still sunny days.
Credit : Tellmaphotography
Opting for a holiday during the famous Indian summer is an opportunity to discover beautiful walks, to taste local specialities or to visit museums that are less frequented during this period.
If you don’t know where to go during this privileged period, choose to put your bags down in the Cœur de Nacre, in Normandy !
Far from the hustle and bustle of summer, the large sandy beaches are yours to explore.
Rediscover the pleasure of strolling along the seashore or walking through the Normandy countryside.
Here are the top activities and outings for beautiful autumn days.
Idea #1 – Walking to admire the architectural heritage and D-DAY landing beaches
Credit : Ibrahim Hendy
A 12th century church, an 18th century carved portal, a listed manor house…
the communes of the Cœur de Nacre are full of architectural curiosities.
The Tourist Office team has put together around twenty walking routes between land and sea, to discover the heritage.
Take advantage of the Indian summer to hike the GR 223 trail from Honfleur to Mont-Saint-Michel, passing by the D-Day beaches.
Idea #2 – Wellness session
The Thalasso des 3 mondes in Luc-sur-Mer offers 3 cocooning areas :
- the traditional oriental hammam
- the Japanese baths
- the seawater jet pool
A wide range of massages and thalasso treatments are also available to take care of yourself.
Idea #3 – Taste the local specialities
From mid-October, scallops will be making a comeback at the Courseulles-sur-Mer fish market.
The harbour comes alive with fishing boats returning home loaded with this precious shellfish.
Gourmets are delighted to find this refined emblematic speciality on the menu of the Côte de Nacre’s many restaurants.
Idea #4 – Learn to fish on foot
credit : Loïc Durand
During high tides, the sea gradually recedes to reveal a vast expanse of rocks and sand.
The beaches of the Côte de Nacre from Bernières-sur-Mer to Luc-sur-Mer are the ideal hunting ground for anglers.
You’ll find crabs, bouquet, green crabs and limpets.
Fishing on foot in Normandy :
The next high tides on Normandie coastline :
Credit : L. Dechamps
- September 8–12, 2025
- October 6–11, 2025
- November 4–8, 2025
- December 4–7, 2025
Tide times :
Idea #5 – Visit the D-Day landing beaches away from the crowds
Credit : Ibrahim Hendy
In 1944, on 6 June and during the long summer that followed, men from all over the world came to fight in Normandy and then in Europe to give us back our Freedom.
The Juno Beach Centre (Courseulles-sur-Mer) tells the story of the Canadian soldiers who landed on the Juno sector of the D-Day landing beaches.
The Station Radar 44 of Douvres-la-Délivrande presents, in the period bunkers, the history of the site, the radar and the daily life of German soldiers.
The D-Day Wings Museum in Bretteville-sur-Odon is dedicated to the aircraft and air operations of D-Day.
Practical information :
Juno Beach Centre
COURSEULLES-SUR-MER
The Juno Beach Centre is the only Canadian museum on the D-Day landing beaches. The Centre presents the civil and […]
Radar 44 Museum
DOUVRES-LA-DELIVRANDE
The only radar station kept in its originals state of the D-Day Landing beaches. It is located in an authentic […]
DDay Wings Museum
BRETTEVILLE-SUR-ODON
The D-Day Wings Museum is the only museum in Normandy devoted to D-Day aircraft and air operations (apart from airborne […]
Visitors’ Guide to the D-Day Landings and the Battle of Normandy :
Explore Normandy Pass :
Enrich your visit to the D-Day and Battle of Normandy sites with the exclusive content provided at the partnering sites of remembrance, while taking advantage of numerous discounts.
Idea #6 -Meet local artists
Credit : Coraline et Leo
Normandy’s craftmen and cider makers open the doors of their workshops to share their unique expertise.
This is an opportunity to discover traditional crafts, local gastronomy, and meet passionate creators.
They are blacksmiths, umbrella makers, cider producers, and pastry chefs… come and meet them to discover their talent !
Enjoy autumn days in Normandy
The team at the Courseulles-sur-Mer, Saint-Aubin-sur-Mer and Luc-sur-Mer tourist offices is at your disposal to help you prepare your stay.
Contact us
