visits

what to do in normandy with your family

Get ready to pack your bags and take your kids on an exceptional trip to Normandy! A region rich in history, culture and activities for the whole family. If you’re planning to book a vacation, take a

Get ready to pack your bags and take your kids on an exceptional trip to Normandy in 2026! A region rich in history, culture and activities for the whole family. If you’re planning to book a vacation, take a look at what awaits you in Normandy. Between Deauville beach, Mont Saint Michel, the zoo and many other attractions, there’s so much to see and do. So what are you waiting for? Book your accommodation and set off on your adventure!

Beaches and thalassotherapy in Deauville: a refreshing experience

Deauville is one of Normandy’s favorite destinations for families. This seaside resort offers the perfect combination of relaxation, activities and discovery. The kids will love building sandcastles, while you can bask in the sun or take a dip in the cool waters.

Families keep choosing this stretch of coastline. In spring 2026 (April 4 to May 3), the Normandie Cabourg Pays d’Auge destination recorded 607,000 tourist nights, and day-trip visits were up 10% year on year even though overnight stays dipped slightly (source: Office de tourisme Normandie Cabourg Pays d’Auge). It’s a good sign that the area still works well for a day at the beach or a longer stay.

And for the ultimate in relaxation, consider the Deauville thalasso. A space designed to promote well-being and relaxation. Parents can enjoy revitalizing treatments, while children have fun in the aquatic areas.

Safari Park: a tropical space in Normandy

Imagine 60 hectares of attractions where wild animals roam free. That’s what you’ll find at Zoo de Cerza in Lisieux, one of Normandy’s leading family attractions. Here, everything is designed to encourage respect and discovery of the animals. From lions to giraffes and elephants, children will marvel at these majestic creatures.

In 2026, adult admission (from age 12) costs 25€, children aged 3 to 11 pay 17€, and entry is free under age 3. The park is open daily from February 1 to November 30, 2026 (source: zoo-parc.fr). Rates and hours are confirmed season by season, so check the official website before you go.

The park also features a tropical area, a farm where children can approach and feed the animals. An experience they’ll never forget!

Mont Saint Michel: a marvel to discover

Mont Saint Michel is one of the jewels of Normandy. An exceptional site that impresses parents and children alike. A visit to Mont Saint Michel is a real lesson in history and geography. You can admire the beauty of this historic monument while learning about its fascinating history.

In 2026, admission to the abbey costs 13€ in low season and 16€ in high season. Entry is free for visitors under 18, and for 18 to 25 year olds who are EU residents (source: Centre des monuments nationaux). If you’re curious about the famous high tides around the Mont, the spring 2026 equinox tides (coefficients 104 and 105, with a tidal range of up to 15 meters) already took place between March 20-22 and April 17-19, 2026. The next big tides usually follow the autumn equinox, but exact dates and coefficients change every year, so check the official calendar at montsaintmichel.gouv.fr before planning a visit around them.

And don’t miss a visit to the nearby 3D cinema. An immersive experience that will amaze young and old alike.

Fill up on family activities

Normandy abounds in family activities. Whether you’re a lover of nature, sport, culture or leisure, you’re bound to find something to suit you. Between theme parks, museums, educational farms and outdoor activities, there’s plenty to fill your days.

If your family wants to add some history to the mix, the D-Day Museum in Arromanches is an easy stop along the coast: adult admission is 9.50€, and children aged 6 to 18 pay 5.70€. The museum closes each year for maintenance, from January 5 to 27, 2026, so plan around that window. If you’re visiting several D-Day sites, the Explore Normandy Pass gives discounted access to more than 70 museums and sites across the region (source: Coeur de Nacre Tourisme).

Don’t forget to book your activities close to your accommodation to optimize your stay and make the most of every moment.

What’s changed in Normandy for 2026

A few things are worth knowing before you plan your family itinerary this year. The Bayeux Tapestry has been closed to the public since September 1, 2025, for restoration work, with reopening expected in October 2027; between September 2026 and July 2027 the tapestry itself will be on loan to the British Museum in London (source: Bayeux Museum / Ville de Bayeux). If it was on your list, skip it for now and pick another history stop instead, like the D-Day Museum above.

If Étretat and its cliffs are part of your route, note that since April 28, 2025 the town has enforced a rule keeping visitors at least 5 meters back from the cliff edge, following several fatal falls. With around 1.5 million visitors a year passing through a town of fewer than 1,500 residents, it’s worth briefing kids on this before you arrive (source: local press reports, 2025). More broadly, tourism remains a major part of Normandy’s economy, supporting up to 40,000 jobs year-round and over 50,000 in high season, ranking the region 10th among French regions for tourism employment (source: Choose Normandy).

Normandy is an ideal destination for a family getaway. Between the beach, thalassotherapy, the Safari park, Mont Saint Michel and all the activities on offer, you’re sure to have an unforgettable time. Book your accommodation now for your next weekend or vacation in Normandy. One thing’s for sure, kids and parents alike will be asking for more!