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Normandy Cottage Rentals: Coastal Escapes, Historic Towns and Countryside Charm

The French region of Normandy is one of the most rewarding and varied destinations in France. Stretching from dramatic coastal cliffs and historic D-Day beaches to rolling countryside, orchards and medieval towns, Normandy offers a perfect blend of culture, nature and gastronomy.

For travellers searching for holiday rentals Normandy, including charming countryside cottages, traditional gîtes, coastal villas and elegant family homes, Rent-in-France.co.uk offers a beautiful and carefully curated selection of properties across all five Normandy departments, catering for every budget and holiday style.

One of the biggest advantages of booking through Rent-in-France.co.uk is that holidaymakers can book directly with owners and pay zero booking fees, avoiding the extra costs often added by large international booking portals.


Why Choose Normandy for Your Holiday?

Normandy’s appeal lies in its authenticity. The region is rich in history, proud of its culinary traditions and wonderfully varied in landscape. It is also easily accessible from the UK and Paris, making it ideal for short breaks, longer stays and touring holidays.

Travellers looking for direct bookings in Normandy are drawn by:

  • Unspoilt coastline and sandy beaches

  • Historic towns, villages and landmarks

  • Outstanding food, cider and cheese

  • Excellent value holiday rentals Normandy

Whether you are looking for cottages in Normandy, gîte rentals in Normandy, villas with pools Normandy or luxury houses to rent in Normandy, booking via Rent-in-France ensures transparency, flexibility and better value.

Porte_d'Aval - Holiday Rentals in Normandy, FrancePorte_d'Aval


The Five Departments of Normandy

Normandy is made up of five distinct departments, each offering its own landscapes, attractions and holiday experiences.


Calvados: Beaches, History and Elegant Seaside Resorts

Calvados is one of the most popular departments in Normandy, known for its beautiful coastline, D-Day history and stylish seaside towns.

Highlights include:

  • Deauville and Trouville-sur-Mer, famous for sandy beaches and Belle Époque architecture

  • Bayeux, home to the world-famous Bayeux Tapestry

  • The D-Day landing beaches, including Gold Beach

Calvados is particularly popular for holiday rentals Calvados, luxury houses to rent in Normandy, and family-friendly cottages in Normandy close to the coast or countryside.


Manche: Mont-Saint-Michel and Wild Coastlines

The department of Manche is defined by its dramatic coastline, rural charm and one of France’s most iconic landmarks.

Key attractions include:

  • Mont-Saint-Michel, rising spectacularly from the sea

  • The Cotentin Peninsula, with rugged beaches and fishing villages

  • Coastal paths and unspoilt countryside

Manche is ideal for travellers seeking gîte rentals in Normandy, peaceful holiday rentals Normandy, and traditional chambres d’hôtes in Normandy away from mass tourism.

Holiday Cottages Normandy - Book home directMont-Saint-Michel


Seine-Maritime: Cliffs, Culture and Coastal Scenery

Seine-Maritime stretches along the northern coast and includes some of Normandy’s most dramatic landscapes and historic towns.

Must-see destinations include:

  • Étretat, famous for its white chalk cliffs and natural arches

  • Rouen, the historic capital of Normandy

  • Charming seaside towns such as Dieppe and Veules-les-Roses

The department attracts visitors searching for holiday rentals Seine-Maritime, coastal cottages in Normandy, and stylish luxury houses to rent in Normandy near the sea.


Eure: Countryside, Gardens and Artistic Heritage

Located closer to Paris, Eure is known for its green landscapes, rivers and artistic heritage.

Highlights include:

  • Giverny, home of Claude Monet’s gardens

  • Pretty market towns and rural villages

  • Excellent cycling and walking routes

Eure is particularly well suited to cottage rentals in Normandy, romantic countryside stays and longer breaks in holiday rentals Normandy surrounded by nature.

Normandy Holiday Chateau in Grandcourt, Seine-MaritimeNormandy Holiday Chateau in Grandcourt, Seine-Maritime


Orne: Rural Normandy and Natural Beauty

The department of Orne represents rural Normandy at its most authentic.

Key attractions include:

  • The Suisse Normande, ideal for outdoor activities

  • Forests, rivers and rolling farmland

  • Traditional villages and local markets

Orne is popular with travellers seeking gîte rentals in Normandy, villas with pools Normandy, and spacious holiday rentals Normandy at excellent value.


Famous Towns and Villages to Visit

Across the region, Normandy is filled with memorable towns and villages.

Honfleur is one of Normandy’s prettiest harbour towns, known for its colourful port and artistic heritage.
Bayeux offers medieval charm and historical significance.
Rouen combines gothic architecture with vibrant city life.
Étretat delivers breathtaking coastal scenery.

Each of these destinations is supported by a wide choice of holiday rentals Normandy, allowing visitors to explore at a relaxed pace.


Outdoor Activities and Nature

Normandy offers outstanding opportunities for outdoor activities.

The coastline is ideal for walking, clifftop hikes and water sports. Inland, the countryside is perfect for cycling, horse riding and kayaking, especially in the Suisse Normande and along river valleys.

Families often seek villas with pools Normandy during summer months, while active travellers prefer rural gîte rentals in Normandy close to hiking and cycling routes.


Gastronomy: A Food Lover’s Paradise

Normandy is world-famous for its food.

Specialities include:

  • Camembert, Livarot and Pont-l’Évêque cheeses

  • Apple cider and Calvados

  • Fresh seafood, oysters and mussels

  • Cream-based sauces and traditional dishes

Staying in self-catering accommodation such as cottages in Normandy, holiday rentals Normandy or luxury houses to rent in Normandy allows guests to enjoy local produce and regional markets.


Accommodation for Every Budget

Normandy offers exceptional value for money, with a wide variety of accommodation styles.

On Rent-in-France.co.uk, holidaymakers can choose from:

  • Traditional cottages in Normandy

  • Authentic gîte rentals in Normandy

  • Spacious holiday rentals Normandy

  • Elegant luxury houses to rent in Normandy

  • Family-friendly villas with pools Normandy

  • Welcoming chambres d’hôtes in Normandy

All properties are available via direct bookings in Normandy, ensuring better prices and direct communication with owners.


Book Direct and Pay Zero Booking Fees

One of the key benefits of using Rent-in-France.co.uk is the ability to book directly with owners and pay zero booking fees.

Unlike major international platforms that add service charges, Rent-in-France provides a transparent, owner-direct booking experience. This means:

  • Lower total holiday costs

  • Clear pricing

  • Better communication

  • Greater flexibility

For travellers searching holiday rentals Normandy, booking direct offers better value and peace of mind.


Normandy for Families, Couples and Slow Travel

Normandy suits a wide range of travellers:

  • Families enjoy space, safety and beaches

  • Couples love the food, history and scenery

  • Slow travellers appreciate the villages and countryside

Its proximity to the UK also makes it ideal for driving holidays.


Find Your Ideal Normandy Holiday Rental

Using the location search on Rent-in-France.co.uk, travellers can easily browse holiday rentals Normandy by department, town or countryside setting.

From coastal cottages in Normandy to rural gîte rentals in Normandy and elegant luxury houses to rent in Normandy, the region offers something for everyone.


Final Thoughts: Why Normandy and Rent-in-France

Normandy remains one of France’s most complete holiday regions, offering coastline, countryside, history and gastronomy in equal measure.

With a beautiful range of holiday rentals Normandy, including villas with pools Normandy, chambres d’hôtes in Normandy, cottages in Normandy and luxury houses to rent in Normandy, Rent-in-France.co.uk is the ideal platform to book direct, pay zero booking fees and enjoy an authentic French holiday.