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Visas & entry
France is in the Schengen Area. EU, EEA and Swiss citizens generally do not need a tourist visa; U.S., UK, Canadian, Australian, New Zealand, Japanese and many other visa-exempt travelers can generally visit for up to 90 days in any rolling 180-day Schengen period. Check France-Visas for nationality-specific rules and check the official EU ETIAS site before late-2026 or 2027 travel, as ETIAS is expected to begin after its official launch date is confirmed.
Getting in
- Paris Charles de Gaulle: The main long-haul gateway. Continue into Paris, then use trains to Rouen, Caen, Bayeux or Cherbourg, or collect a rental car after escaping the airport traffic.
- Paris Orly: Useful for European arrivals; reach central Paris before taking Normandy-bound trains, or rent a car for a westbound road trip.
- Paris Saint-Lazare: The practical rail hub for direct services to Rouen, Le Havre, Caen, Bayeux, Deauville/Trouville and Cherbourg.
- Caen-Carpiquet Airport: A small regional airport useful only for limited flights; Caen is otherwise more realistically reached by train from Paris.
- Cherbourg ferry terminal: A useful arrival point for travelers bringing a car from Britain or Ireland, and a natural start for a Cotentin-focused route.
Getting around
A car is the decisive advantage for D-Day sites, Pays d’Auge, cliff villages, Cotentin and Mont-Saint-Michel connections. Trains are good on the Paris–Rouen–Le Havre and Paris–Caen–Bayeux–Cherbourg corridors, making a car-free city-and-history itinerary realistic. Do not assume buses replace a car on the landing beaches or in rural food country; a small-group guided D-Day tour is often the better no-car solution.
Money
France uses the euro. Contactless cards are widely accepted, but carry some cash for small markets, rural producers and occasional parking machines. Restaurant service is included; round up or leave a small extra amount for good service rather than applying North American-style tipping.
Book before you land
Monet’s House and Gardens, Giverny — timed entry on spring and summer peak dates · Mont-Saint-Michel Abbey — timed entry in busy periods · Small-group D-Day landing-beach tours from Bayeux or Caen, especially around the June 6 anniversary
- Normandy weather changes quickly: pack a waterproof outer layer even in summer, especially for Étretat, D-Day beaches and Mont-Saint-Michel.
- Around June 6, D-Day Festival events and commemorations can fill hotels and guides months ahead; either book early or avoid the period.
- At Mont-Saint-Michel, park on the mainland and use the free shuttle or walk; there is no parking at the foot of the Mont.
- Treat cemeteries and memorials as places for time and restraint, not quick photo stops or military-themed entertainment.
- Do not attempt a self-guided walk across Mont-Saint-Michel Bay; fast tides and mud make a licensed guide essential.
- If tasting cider and Calvados in Pays d’Auge, designate a driver or stay overnight nearby.
Entry rules change — verify visa requirements for your passport before booking this region.