In general, tourists come to Normandy to discover the cliffs of Etretat, Mont St. Michel, Rouen, Deauville, Honfleur, the gardens of Giverny or the landing beaches. That's good, but what they don't know is that Normandy it's much more than these big tourist sites. Indeed, Normandy has some small coastal villages little known to travelers which are nevertheless very beautiful.

In this article, we invite you to discover 7 hidden treasures of Calvados and La Manche, two Normandy departments with picturesque and authentic villages.

These are the small villages that I invite you to discover below. You can choose a campsite by the sea for your summer holidays or discover them by following the itinerary of my tourist circuit in Normandy off the beaten track.

Tourism off the beaten track in Normandy villages

To avoid the crowds of the large Normandy seaside resorts in summer, choosing a vacation in one of the pretty coastal villages of Calvados or the Channel is a better option for tranquility, authenticity and originality.

Indeed, by staying in these small seaside resorts, fishing ports or small villages by the sea, you can enjoy the hiking trails which cross beautiful Normandy landscapes or take a bike ride through other picturesque villages. But above all, you will also enjoy long, pristine and less crowded beaches.

And what's more, with my tour in these small Norman villages, you will also discover little-known tourist sites which will allow you to delve further into the history and culture of the region.

7 villages to discover in Calvados and Manche

To discover the hidden treasures of the Normandy coast and live a more authentic, authentic experience, I have selected villages of character, nice places to spend holidays off the beaten track:

• Saint Aubin Sur Mer
• Broom
• Regneville-sur-Mer
• Beuvron-en-Auge
• Barfleur
• Saint-Vaast-la-Hougue
• Maupertus Sur Mer

These destinations will allow you to appreciate the natural beauty of the coast, immerse yourself in the history and culture of Normandy and taste the culinary specialties of the region. See detailed description of each village further down in this article.

Seaside campsite in Normandy

The ideal way to enjoy a seaside stay outside the major resorts of Normandy is to choose a campsite in one of these 7 villages or to visit them on a short tourist circuit (see itinerary below).

And if your choice is to camp to enjoy an outdoor vacation, I recommend you choose a campsite by the sea in Normandy in one of these 7 off-the-beaten-track destinations,

Indeed, choosing a campsite for example at Saint-Aubin-sur-Mer has many advantages. Not only will you be able to discover the region and the surrounding villages, but you will enjoy beautiful beaches where you can swim, sunbathe and practice numerous water sports! I invite you to discover this seaside resort on the tourist office website.

Off-the-beaten-track itinerary in Normandy

Here is now my tourist circuit of the small Norman villages located in the departments of Calvados and La Manche:

• Start at Saint Aubin Sur Mer in Calvados, with its charming Norman houses and seaside promenade.
• Then continue your journey to Genêts, where you can admire the famous shores of Mont Saint-Michel.
• Continue your journey to Regnéville-sur-Mer, an authentic fishing village offering breathtaking landscapes.
• In Beuvron-en-Auge, discover the charm of a preserved medieval village, with its half-timbered houses and picturesque streets.
• Then, Barfleur will amaze you with its picturesque port and its famous Vauban tower.
• In Saint-Vaast-la-Hougue, explore the maritime heritage and taste fresh seafood.
• Finally, in Maupertus Sur Mer, enjoy its pristine beaches and discover its rich historical past.

Itinerary along the small Norman villages

Here is the map of the route that you can follow to visit my selection of small Norman villages:

My tour to visit Normandy off the beaten track

Now discover in more detail the stages of my tour to visit Normandy off the beaten track:

Saint Aubin Sur Mer

Saint Aubin Sur Mer is a coastal village steeped in history and charm. Stroll along its cobbled streets and admire the traditional stone houses. Don't miss the Saint-Aubin church, dating from the 11th century, which offers a breathtaking view of the sea.

Also enjoy its fine sandy beaches for a relaxing day in the sun. You can also explore the bunkers and remnants of World War II that dot the coast.

Broom

Located near the famous Mont Saint-Michel, Genêts offers a breathtaking view of this architectural marvel.

Walk along the coast and admire the spectacular scenery. If you are a hiking enthusiast, you can also take the coastal paths to explore the natural beauty of the area. Enjoy the tranquility and serenity of Genêts while being very close to Mont Saint Michel but far from the tourist hustle and bustle!

Regneville-sur-Mer

Regnéville-sur-Mer is a true medieval gem, with its picturesque streets and half-timbered houses. Stroll through the village and soak up its unique atmosphere. Don't miss the Château de Regnéville, dating from the 13th century and of which some beautiful remains remain:

Also explore the salt marshes surrounding the village and learn about the salt harvesting process. Also enjoy the surrounding nature by hiking in the surrounding area or strolling along the beach.

Beuvron-en-Auge

Beuvron-en-Auge is one of the most beautiful villages in France, renowned for its picturesque half-timbered architecture. Stroll through the cobbled streets and admire the traditional houses with colorful facades.

Don't miss the Saint-Martin church, dating from the 17th century, which is a true architectural masterpiece.

The village is also known for its production of cider and calvados. Take advantage of your visit to taste these delicious local drinks at one of the many artisanal producers. If you are interested in local crafts, you will also find many artists' and potters' workshops in the village.

Barfleur

Barfleur is an old fishing port full of history and charm. Stroll along the harbor and admire the colorful fishing boats.

Don't miss the Saint-Nicolas church, dating from the 11th century, which is classified as a historic monument. Also enjoy Barfleur beach for a relaxing day in the sun.

For seafood lovers, Barfleur is the ideal place to enjoy fresh oysters and other local specialties. Also take advantage of the village's many restaurants to taste fresh fish dishes. If you have time, don't miss a boat trip to admire the wild coast and the seals that inhabit the region.

Saint-Vaast-la-Hougue

Saint-Vaast-la-Hougue is a picturesque village known for its oysters and its impressive Fort Vauban.

Fort Vauban, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a must-see during your visit to Saint-Vaast-la-Hougue.

Also take a stroll through the village along the harbor and admire the colorful fishing boats. Don't miss the Saint-Vaast church, dating from the 11th century, which offers a breathtaking view of the sea.

Maupertus Sur Mer

End your tourist circuit at Maupertus Sur Mer and its Anse du Brick where you can enjoy magnificent beaches and a lively marina. Stroll along the waterfront and enjoy the picturesque surroundings. If you are a fan of water sports, you can also practice sailing, surfing or windsurfing.

Maupertus Sur Mer is also an ideal starting point for discovering the Channel Islands. You can take a ferry to Jersey, Guernsey or Sark and explore these beautiful islands.

_{Image attribution Florian Fèvre, Julien.scavini and Philippe Alès, CC BY-SA 4.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0, Christophe.Finot, Xfigpower, Pierrestz and Tristan Nitot, CC BY-SA 3.0 http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/, via Wikimedia Common}