When you think of Normandy, what comes to mind? William the Conqueror? the D-Day beaches? Mont St Michel? Camembert? This special region of France has something for everyone and is easily accessible from the UK - with ferry routes to Cherbourg, Caen, Dieppe and Le Havre, Normandy saw 5 million British day trips recorded in 2024 and 4 million overnight stays. Our shared history, stretching back nearly a millennium, forges a special bond, and it's easy to see why Normandy has earned a reputation for the warmest welcome in France. Building on the momentum of last year's 80th anniversary D-Day commemorations and the 150th anniversary of Impressionism, 2025 promises to be another exciting year to explore this fascinating region, with a host of new events and experiences on offer.
So what's on in Normandy in 2025? Here are 7 exciting reasons to plan that trip:
1. See the Bayeux Tapestry before it closes for 2 years:
Mark your calendars! For centuries, the Bayeux Tapestry has captivated the world, and from September 1st, 2025, the current museum will temporarily close its doors to undergo an exciting transformation. When it reopens in 2027, just in time to celebrate the millennium of William the Conqueror's birth, visitors will be treated to a spectacular new facility. The highlight? The tapestry itself, displayed in all its breathtaking 74-meter length – no more U-shape! This masterpiece will be showcased as never before, in a stunning new space designed to display its full, glorious length from multiple levels.
Planning a trip to Bayeux? Check out our one day itinerary!
2. Celebrate Caen's 1000th birthday:
There's lots going on this year in the burial place of William the Conqueror. Caen Castle is reopening in March after a 2 year renovation with a new interpretation centre and a fine art museum inside and to celebrate, from March 20th-22nd, there will be a light projection and fireworks display at the castle. More birthday celebrations will continue throughout the year:
a truly epic parade on 9th May will travel for 5km, highlighting 5 key sites in Caen for 5 hours.
A Maritime weekend from 27th-29th June will see Caen welcome 48 ships to represent Caen la mer's 48 municipalities, surrounding towns and villages.
Also in the summer, an outdoor contemporary art trail with around 50 works by international, national and local artists will be unveiled, highlighting Caen's 1000 years of history - you can explore by foot (Caen is very walkable) or take advantage of the city's tram system.
From September 19th-21st, the port of Caen will host a truly spectacular aquatic performance, combining circus and synchronised swimming: the Aquanauts Show.
And the next millennium? Having recently been awarded the title of UNESCO Creative City of Media Arts, Caen finishes the year looking to the future with an immersive digital art trail in December.
For more information visit the Caen Millennium website or the Caen La Mer Tourism Board website.
3. Spectacular sound and light inside Rouen Cathedral:
On select dates in February and March, France's highest cathedral presents Luminiscence, a stunning immersive sound and light show INSIDE the building, with live music and spectacular digital art taking you on a magical journey of historical storytelling.
For more information and to book tickets, visit the Official Luminiscence website or the Rouen Tourism Board website.
4. Attend the annual commemorations of the D-Day landings:
The 81st anniversary events from May 31st to June 15th, 2025, will be another poignant reminder of this pivotal moment in World War II. For many Britons, the connection to these events remains strong – just a few generations removed – and every summer, people from around the globe travel to Normandy to honour the sacrifices made during those crucial weeks that reshaped the world. If your visit coincides with the summer holidays, getting around the D-Day landing sites will be even easier. The Navette D-Day line, a convenient hop-on-hop-off shuttle bus, operates throughout July and August, offering an affordable way to explore the historic beaches and memorials from just €5 per day. Running from Courseulles-Sur-Mer to Grand camp Maisy, the route takes in key D-Day sites such as Juno, Gold and Omaha Beaches, the American cemetery and Pointe Du Hoc. For more information visit Nomad Normandie.
Related content:
5. Sports galore:
For nautical fans, the Le Havre Tall Ships race returns in 2025 and will be in town from 4th-7th July, showcasing the world's finest sailing ships in Le Havre's historic port. Tours, sailing boat trips, parades, concerts and fireworks create the perfect showcase for Le Havre's maritime heritage.
If cycling is more your thing, the Tour de France has 3 stages in Normandy from the 9th-11th July, and at the end of the month, the 100th anniversary of the Rolex Fastnet Race will set sail from Cowes on the Isle of Wight on July 26th finishing in Cherbourg!
6. Family fun in Dieppe at the International Kite Festival:
From the 13th-21st September, the skies above Dieppe will come alive with a kaleidoscope of color and movement as the town hosts its internationally renowned kite festival: the largest gathering of kites in the world! Watch in awe as giant kites of all shapes and sizes dance and twirl against the backdrop of the Normandy coast. And it's free!
Visit the Dieppe Tourism Board website
7. Visit one of France's officially most beautiful villages:
Blangy le Chateau has just been named as Normandy's 7th member of the Plus Beaux Villages de France. Chock full of attractive Norman style half timbered houses and colourful flower beds, Blangy le Chateau is also famous for its cider and Calvados! You can also read our guide to another of Normandy's listed villages: St Ceneri Le Gerei
Pin this blog for later!
