Here we are, the sunny days are here! And sunshine means… picnics in the open air!
On holiday or at the weekend, we all want a breath of fresh air! The desire to have a picnic with the family by the sea or in the middle of nature is growing.
If you haven’t yet decided where to put your tablecloth in Normandy, this article is for you. We reveal our 4 favourite picnic spots.
Let’s put some good local produce, a few bottles of Norman cider and apple juice, a crusty baguette, a few apples in our basket and let’s go!
The best places for a successful picnic:
1 – Langrune-sur-Mer, the picnic area in the Bois Joli park
2 possible entrances: by the rue de la Mer and by the avenue de la libération , 14830 Langrune-sur-Mer
Special family picnic area
Located at the entrance to the Bois Joli municipal park, the wooden picnic tables offer an unobstructed view of the playground for children and teenagers. On site: mini-labyrinth, slide, rope climbing course and mobilus (swinging and spinning structure for older children).
The fine sandy beach of Langrune-sur-Mer is 300 metres from the Bois Joli park.
Are you missing something in your picnic basket? Go to the bakery, the butcher or even the market gardener, all located near the park. And if by chance you decide to have a picnic on a Friday, you can take advantage of the market set up in the car park just behind you!
The little extra: dogs are allowed on a lead.
2 – Luc-sur-Mer, le Vallon de la Capricieuse
Departure from the greenway – Avenue Lecuyer, 14530 Luc-sur-Mer
Picnic area for nature and animal lovers
For walkers and cyclists, these 33 hectares of greenery stretching from the beach at Luc-sur-Mer to the nearby town of Douvres-la-Délivrande will seem like a real haven of peace.
As you walk along this greenway for some 2.5km along the Capricieuse river, you will appreciate its flowering orchards, its meadows where small animals graze peacefully… sheep, horses, donkeys or even sheep.
More than 200 trees have been planted, including bocage species, fruit trees and honey trees for the pleasure of walkers and in the interest of pollinating insects.
The little extra: At the end of the Vallon is the den of the association: Les Sabots de l’Espoir, run by two friends: Michel and Gérard, two retired elves (inhabitants of Luc-sur-Mer).
By dint of patience and daily care, they manage to restore a taste for life and confidence in man.
3 – Douvres-la-Délivrande, the garden of the Barony
Rue de la Baronnie 14440 Douvres-la-Délivrande
Picnic area to get away from it all
This large garden with trees and flowers is an ideal place for families to relax. The locals will tell you that you are in one of the emblematic places of Douvres-la-Délivrande, full of history in the heart of a soothing nature.
The shaded picnic tables set up under an apple tree offer a breathtaking view of the Barony estate. This ancient medieval fiefdom probably dates from the 11th century. Its owners were close to the Norman Duke William the Conqueror.
Just next to the Baronnie, children love the playground: turnstile, slide, swing with a seat adapted for the youngest, motor skills course… don’t forget to go and say hello to the ducks that live just after the little wooden bridge, on the banks of the Douvette.
The little extra: On leaving the garden, take the Thomas-de-Douvres walk, a path dedicated to pedestrians and cyclists. This wooded path follows the Douvette to reach the town centre of Douvres-la-Délivrande. Don’t forget to bring your bikes and scooters!
4 – Reviers, along the Seulles
Leave Reviers by the rue du bout de Banville, take the D176, just after the bridge over the Seulles, park on the right, towards Banville.
Picnic area 100% Normandy countryside
Here is a little corner of paradise in the countryside! The picnic area located between Reviers and Banville overlooks this small coastal river which runs through the fields.
Below, you can sit on the small stone steps and put your feet in the fresh water! From there, admire the wildlife around you. You will surely see a few moorhens, seagulls and marsh harriers.
A landscape worthy of a Normandy postcard!
Other ideas for picnic spots:
Picnic on the beach, facing the sea
Feet in the sand…
Go to one of the beaches of the Côte de Nacre! From Courseulles-sur-Mer to Luc-sur-Mer, large stretches of fine sand await you for a picnic in complete serenity, facing the sea.
As for the atmosphere? the waves, the cry of the seagulls, the soft and warm sand under your feet, the coloured sails of the boats… we love it!
Picnic tables facing the sea:
- Place du 6 juin in Langrune-sur-Mer,
- La Croisette in Bernières-sur-Mer, along the D514, next to Cap Romain (photo above).
Picnic tables close to the sea:
- Parc de l’Édit in Courseulles-sur-Mer, on the road to Bernières-sur-Mer (photo above),
- Parc Verdun in Luc-sur-Mer, 2 entrances: avenue du Maréchal Foch and rue du Dr Tessel,
- Le Vallon de la Capricieuse in Luc-sur-Mer, next to the Théâtre de Verdure, 3 entrances: via rue de la Fontaine, at the corner of rue des Érables and the D83, via avenue de l’Écuyer,
- Parc de la Baleine in Luc-sur-Mer, rue de la mer,
- Parc Pillier in Saint-Aubin-sur-Mer, 3 entrances: via rue du Maréchal Joffre, via rue Pasteur and via the Mériel car park.
Normandy products, star of my picnic basket
Normandy is a region renowned for its impressive historical heritage with the D-Day beaches, the history of William the Conqueror and the incredible architecture of Mont-Saint-Michel! But Normandy is also world famous for its gastronomic culture!
Camembert, Livarot, apple pie, Andouille de Vire, seafood, Asnelles shortbread… ah the Norman delicacies!
