ITINERARY
Do you love France as much as we do? Despite our passion for traveling to new places, there’s one destination we always return to. Once a year, we head here for 4-5 days to immerse ourselves in an atmosphere that beckons and never gets old. It’s Normandy…
With its endless beaches stretching to the horizon, expansive ocean views, majestic and boundless, and of course, the incredible seafood.
Every morning begins with a gentle breeze carrying the scents of the sea and fresh croissants. We enjoy walks along sandy beaches, leaving footprints on the velvety surface, marveling at how the sunlight dances on the water, creating millions of sparks. The ocean seems boundless, its power and grandeur taking our breath away, and the waves compose a symphony that resonates in our hearts long after we leave.
These days in Normandy, usually in May – our little vacations, are times when we fall in love with this place over and over again. And every time we leave Normandy, we know we will come back to experience all these feelings again and enjoy the unique beauty of this region.
The endless kilometers of beach near Granville are almost always deserted in May. Walking along the ocean, watching the water roll up to the dunes or recede hundreds of meters during low tide, you lose track of time. You can spend hours and cover several kilometers before realizing where you are.
The boundless sky stretching beyond the horizon and the small fluffy clouds lined up like rows create an impression of little pastries served by nature itself. This place brings tranquility and inspiration, allowing you to forget about everyday worries and enjoy nature in all its beauty.
Day 1: Saarbrücken – Granville
When planning a visit to Normandy, it’s never wise to rely on weather forecasts—they often don’t match reality here. It’s best to pack clothing according to the “onion” principle. The weather is so changeable that during summer months it can fluctuate from cool 14-15 degrees Celsius with wind and rain to hot 27-28 degrees Celsius with scorching sun in just half an hour. By dressing in layers, you can easily adjust, removing or adding a t-shirt or a warm hoodie depending on the weather’s whims. May weather is always contradictory but never disappointing. Due to the unpredictable weather, be prepared to adjust your plans on the go, inventing activities based on the direction of the winds.
When planning a vacation in Normandy, the tide schedule plays a significant role. (https://marine.meteoconsult.fr/meteo-marine/horaires-des-marees/granville-947/juin-2024)
To fully enjoy walks along the ocean, it’s best to visit during high tides with the highest coefficients (from 80 to 100) in Normandy. Tides in Normandy are considered the most significant in Europe. Around the Bay of Saint-Michel, water variations can reach 12 to 15 meters, revealing vast stretches of seabed.
The drive itself from Saarbrücken to the coast is a true pleasure by car. Opting for the route via the Pont de Normandie bridge, the 7-hour journey on an empty highway will pass unnoticed.
The Pont de Normandie is an impressive engineering marvel located in France, spanning across the Seine River estuary, connecting the cities of Le Havre and Honfleur. Opened in 1995, it ranks among the world’s longest cable-stayed bridges, stretching 2,143 meters in length with a main span of 856 meters. The bridge captivates with its elegant architecture and majestic views of the surrounding landscapes.
Ascending the bridge, one can enjoy breathtaking vistas of the Seine estuary meeting the English Channel. From the height of the bridge, panoramic views unfold of the vast waters, coastal lines, and picturesque landscapes.
France is known for its toll roads. Except for the Normandy and Brittany regions, tolls are collected at special payment points on the highways. Paying by credit card or using a Telepeage device can save a lot of time.
Camping La Route Blanche in Bréville-sur-Mer boasts a 5-star rating and is equipped with everything needed for a comfortable stay. Bed linen and towels can be rented for an additional fee or brought along.
Located in the heart of a vast campground, the cottages with covered verandas offer complete solitude and tranquility despite the campground’s size and popularity.
The campground offers numerous amenities including a pool, restaurant, barbecue areas, and playgrounds for children. The beach is just a 10-minute walk from the campground.
