Visiting Mont Saint-Michel and the Normandy Beaches: A 4-Day Normandy Itinerary

My bucket list trip through France unfolded in chapters: two days at the French Open in Paris (my second time at Roland Garros!), then four unforgettable days in Normandy before heading south to the Amalfi Coast. Normandy offered a balance of history, wonder, and everyday charm — and I structured my visit over three main days, based in Beauvoir.

Here’s how it looked:

• Day 1: Train from Paris → Caen → visit the Mémorial de Caen museum, then continue to Beauvoir.
• Day 2: Explore Mont Saint-Michel.
• Day 3: Full day trip to the Normandy beaches and American Cemetery.
• Day 4: Stop in Bayeux on the way back to Caen train station → return to Paris.

Day 1: Arrival and Mémorial de Caen

Caen’s train station is small and easy to navigate. Upon arrival it was just a matter of minutes before I found myself at the Hertz rental counter and shortly after driving out to find some lunch. A quick google search sent me towards La Mie Paulette where I shared a pizza with my travel companions and indulged in a delicious macaroon. The Mémorial de Caen museum It’s one of the most powerful WWII museums I’ve visited, covering the causes of the conflict, the occupation, D-Day, and its aftermath. Starting here provided the context needed for the rest of my time in Normandy. It deserves at least a couple of hours to be able to get through the different rooms and to appreciate its richness. From there, it was on to Beauvoir with a pit stop at Lidl (European version of Aldi) for a few drinks and snack to keep at the AirBnB.

Day 2: Mont Saint-Michel

This was the day for magic. I had been admiring the abbey since arriving the day before given that it was in plain sight from the front porch of the AirBnB. Walking toward Mont Saint-Michel felt like stepping into a fairytale. Inside the abbey, the stone halls and sweeping views were unforgettable — but what struck me most was how the island itself transformed with the tides and the light. Because I stayed nearby, I was able to enjoy it early in the morning and then watch as the sun set and the lights started to come on and add an extra element of distinction and mistery to the abbey.

Day 3: The Normandy Beaches & American Cemetery

The next day, I got on the road early for a drive to the Normandy beaches. Though unintentional, my visit coincided with the 80th Anniversary of the D-Day landings, which meant a very festive ambiance in the town of Colleville-sur-Mer. Standing at the American Cemetery, with its rows of white crosses and Stars of David overlooking the sea, was profoundly moving. The beaches themselves, so calm today, felt surreal in contrast to the enormity of D-Day. It was a long day of driving, but absolutely worth it. Logistically, one can stop at Omaha Beach (and Utah beach if time allows) before moving on to the Visitor Center and the cemetery.

Day 4: A Stop in Bayeux

On my way back toward Paris, I carved out time for a half-day in Bayeux. Famous for its tapestry, Bayeux also charmed me with its cathedral and historic old town. After the weight of visiting the beaches, it was the perfect way to close my time in Normandy before returning the car in Caen and catching the train to Paris.

Mussels in Beauvoir? Oui s’il vous plaît!

Beauvoir isn’t just a convenient base — it’s also a place to enjoy. One night, I indulged in moules marinières (fresh mussels in white wine) at LaFermette. They were briny, tender, and perfectly paired with crispy fries. That meal, paired with the abbey glowing in the distance, is one of my favorite memories from the trip. This was also day 1 on my quest to try as much creme brulee as I could!

Travel Tips for Mont Saint-Michel & Normandy

• Stay overnight in Beauvoir — waking up with Mont Saint-Michel in view is an unforgettable experience. Bayeux is actually closer to the beaches, but I didn’t want to unpack and repack.
• Best times to visit: Early morning or evening when the crowds are gone.
• Getting there: Take the train from Paris to Caen, rent a car, and drive to Beauvoir.
• Allow four days to balance history (Caen, beaches, Bayeux) with wonder (Mont Saint-Michel).
• Don’t skip the mussels — Beauvoir has excellent little restaurants.

Final Reflections

Normandy was one of the most meaningful parts of my bucket list trip. Between Mont Saint-Michel’s magic, the history of the D-Day beaches, and the charm of Bayeux, it’s a region that left me wanting to go back for more.