If you’re dreaming of a family holiday to the historic and picturesque region of Normandy, France, then look no further than our 5 Best campsites in Normandy list!
With so many fantastic campsites in the area, we’ve put together a list of the 5 best campsites in Normandy that promise an unforgettable family holiday filled with adventure, relaxation, and stunning scenery.
The list also includes three of our favourite Eurocamp sites in Normandy, one of which is one of the most popular in the region. If you don’t know much about Eurocamp or want to find out more, take a look at our Complete Eurocamp Guide.
Normandy’s stunning coastline, charming villages, and rich history make it one of the top holiday destinations in France.
With easy access from the UK via ferry and a range of activities for all ages, it’s no surprise that campsites in Normandy are a favourite among British holidaymakers.
5 Best Campsites in Normandy
Before we dive into the details, here’s a quick list of the best campsites in Normandy which includes 3 of the Best Eurocamp sites in Normandy.
- 1) Château Lez Eaux – Saint-Pair-sur-Mer, Normandy
- 2) La Vallée – Houlgate, Normandy
- 3) Camping L’Anse du Brick – Maupertus-sur-Mer, Normandy
- 4) Riva Bella – Ouistreham, Normandy
- 5) Camping de la Côte de Nacre – Saint-Aubin-sur-Mer, Normandy
Château Lez Eaux – Saint-Pair-sur-Mer, Normandy
Château Lez Eaux is a luxurious and family friendly campsite set within the grounds of a stunning 18th-century château.
We visited this lovely 5-star campsite in May 2023 for a short break and we found it offered the perfect mix of history, nature, and fantastic facilities.
The campsite is smaller than many others we have visited in the past but don’t let this put you off. Nestled in a peaceful wooded park, Château Lez Eaux provides a serene escape while still being just a short drive from the bustling beaches of Granville and the iconic D-Day sites.
You can find our more about the campsite in our full review.
Why stay at Château Lez Eaux:
- Fantastic indoor water park with slides, heated pools, and a toddler-friendly splash area.
- Outdoor pool for sunny days, surrounded by sun loungers.
- Fishing lake, playgrounds, and a mini-farm for younger guests.
- Spacious pitches and luxurious holiday homes set in beautiful natural surroundings.
- Easy access to Granville, D-Day sites and the Normandy beaches.
Whilst staying at Chateau Lez Eaux, we visited the beach at Granville which is huge and very family friendly. We also spent many hours in the campsites pool which has some great waterslides.
However, of the main reasons we visited Normandy is to see the D-Day historical sites. Now we have been before and so have already managed to take in many of them but there were some that we did not.
On our trip to Chateau Lez Eaux, we visited the museum at Utah Beach which really is really well put together and goes through the beach landings, Sainte Mere Eglise and the Airborne museum which is very thought provoking and finally Maisy Battery at Grandcamp-Maisy.
Maisy battery was buried beneath the Normandy countryside for many years and was found only by chance. A visit to the bunkers and trenches are well worthwhile and I can highly recommend the book about it’s discovery which can be found on Amazon.
If you’re looking for a quiet, picturesque getaway with excellent facilities, Château Lez Eaux is an excellent choice. We had some great weather and a couple of grey days but they were perfect for exploring the museums.
La Vallée – Houlgate, Normandy
La Vallée is a fantastic family-friendly campsite located in the picturesque town of Houlgate, just a short drive from the stunning Normandy coastline.
It has a great mix of facilities, natural beauty, and accessibility to local attractions. The campsite is set in lush green surroundings and is perfect for families looking for a blend of relaxation and adventure.
While the campsite itself is lively, it still retains a relaxed feel, with a fantastic pool complex and direct access to nearby beaches.
The heated pools, the waterslides, and the indoor splash area, is ideal for younger children and is one of the things that makes it so popular.
Why stay at La Vallée:
- Large swimming pool complex with heated pools, slides, and a toddler-friendly area.
- Close to Houlgate Beach, one of the best sandy beaches in Normandy.
- Great family activities, including playgrounds, mini-golf, and sports facilities.
- Convenient location for exploring the D-Day beaches, Bayeux, and Caen.
- Lively entertainment in the evenings with shows and activities for kids.
Houlgate Beach is stunning and ideal for families. The beach offers golden sands, shallow waters, and plenty of space to relax.
One of the key reasons people visit Normandy is to explore the D-Day historical sites.
From La Vallée, you can easily spend a day visiting Omaha Beach and the Normandy American Cemetery, which are both deeply moving.
If you’re looking for a campsite that offers beach access, family-friendly activities, and a fantastic pool complex, La Vallée is an excellent choice.
Camping L’Anse du Brick – Maupertus-sur-Mer, Normandy
Camping L’Anse du Brick is a beautiful coastal campsite set on the cliffs of Normandy’s stunning coastline, offering breathtaking sea views and direct beach access.
It’s one of our favourite campsites in the region due to its fantastic location which is simply stunning.
The sea is on one side of the campsite and forested hills on the other and although it is smaller than some, this only adds to its charm.
This 4-star campsite offers an excellent range of activities, including hiking and cycling routes, while the beach is just a short walk away.
The indoor and outdoor pools are a hit with families, and the on-site restaurant serves some of the best sea food in the area!
Why stay at L’Anse du Brick:
- Breathtaking location with sea views and direct beach access.
- Indoor and outdoor heated pools with slides and a sunbathing area.
- Great hiking and cycling routes nearby.
- Close to Cherbourg, making it ideal for ferry arrivals.
The best thing about the campsite is its direct beach access. You can spend mornings strolling along the sandy shore and enjoying the fresh sea air.
The area is also fantastic for exploring the Cotentin Peninsula, which offers stunning coastal scenery.
For history lovers, Sainte-Mère-Église, one of the key locations in the D-Day landings, is within driving distance and the Airborne Museum is superb providing a fascinating insight into the events of 1944.
If you love seaside views, peaceful surroundings, and easy access to great beaches, Camping L’Anse du Brick is the perfect campsite for you.
Riva Bella – Ouistreham, Normandy
Riva Bella is a delightful 4-star campsite located in Ouistreham, offering a perfect blend of comfort and convenience for families and history enthusiasts alike.
The campsite is in a fantastic location a short distance from Caen ferry port and offering easy travel to the WW2 sites including the landing beaches, Pegasus Bridge and Caen itself.
On site you’ll find a great swimming pool complex and plenty of seating around the bar.
Why stay at Riva Bella:
- Indoor heated swimming pool ensuring enjoyable swims regardless of the weather.
- Outdoor pool with slides, perfect for family fun.
- Mini-farm featuring sheep and pygmy goats, a hit with younger guests.
- Direct access to the Voie Verte cycle path, ideal for cycling enthusiasts.
- Close proximity to historic sites, including the D-Day landing beaches and museums.
- Close to Caen ferry port
The on-site mini-farm was a delightful experience for children, allowing them to interact with friendly animals.
The local beach is fantastic at all times of the year but especially during summer months allowing children to play and enjoy the water.
For those seeking a blend of recreational activities and historical exploration, Riva Bella stands out as an excellent choice in Normandy.
Camping de la Côte de Nacre – Saint-Aubin-sur-Mer, Normandy
Camping de la Côte de Nacre is a lively, family-friendly campsite located in Saint-Aubin-sur-Mer, just a short walk from the famous Juno Beach.
We visited this 5-star campsite albeit some years ago, and found it to be an excellent mix of modern facilities, great entertainment, and easy access to historic sites.
The campsite has a fantastic location a stones throw from the beach between Sword and Juno beaches, so if you’re looking for history, this campsite is hard to beat.
The swimming pool complex was a highlight for us, featuring heated indoor and outdoor pools, waterslides, and a splash area for younger children. The site also offered a well equipped playground, sports facilities, and evening entertainment, making it an ideal choice for our family.
Why stay at Camping de la Côte de Nacre:
- Large swimming pool complex with slides, splash areas, and a heated indoor pool.
- Walking distance to the famous Juno Beach and Sword Beach, perfect for history lovers.
- Family-friendly entertainment, including kids’ clubs and evening shows.
- Close to Bayeux, Caen, and other D-Day sites.
- Great for cycling and exploring the Normandy coastline.
During our stay, we spent time at Juno Beach, which is just a short stroll from the campsite. This beach is not only beautiful but also holds immense historical significance as one of the key landing sites from D-Day.
We also visited Omaha beach and the Musée Mémorial d’Omaha Beach located just along the road, Arromanches-les-Bains, where you can still see parts of the mulberry harbour, Longues-sur-Mer battery, and Pegasus Bridge.
Pegasus Bridge has to be one of the best places that we visited that really made us think. The museum has a variety of stories and personal letters which really hit home as to how hideous war is.
If you’re looking for a campsite that offers history, beach access, and fantastic family-friendly facilities, Camping de la Côte de Nacre is an excellent choice.
Best Campsites in Normandy Comparison
To help you compare these sites, we’ve taken both their star rating and TripAdvisor customer rating and put them together so you can see at a glance how good they are:
| Campsite Name | Location | Star Rating | TripAdvisor Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| Château Lez Eaux | Saint-Pair-sur-Mer | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | TripAdvisor Customer Rating 4.5/5 |
| La Vallée | Houlgate | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | TripAdvisor Customer Rating 3.5/5 |
| Camping L’Anse du Brick | Maupertus-sur-Mer | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | TripAdvisor Customer Rating 4.5/5 |
| Riva Bella | Ouistreham | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | TripAdvisor Customer Rating 3.5/5 |
| Camping de la Côte de Nacre | Saint-Aubin-sur-Mer | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | TripAdvisor Customer Rating 4.0/5 |
Best Eurocamp in Normandy
The best Eurocamp in Normandy is Château Lez Eaux, a 5-star campsite located in Saint-Pair-sur-Mer, offering a stunning 18th-century château setting, a fantastic indoor water park, and easy access to the D-Day beaches and Mont Saint-Michel.
Other top Eurocamp sites in Normandy include La Vallée in Houlgate, known for its large swimming pool complex, and Riva Bella, which is the closest campsite to Caen ferry port and therefore an excellent option for young families or those on their first Eurocamp adventure.
What is the best ferry route from the UK to Normandy?
The best ferry route from the UK to Normandy depends on travel time, cost, and convenience. Portsmouth to Caen is the most popular route, taking around 6 hours
The most convenient ferry routes from the UK to Normandy are listed below and you can book each of the routes through France Ferry Booker:
| Route | Operator | Approx. Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Portsmouth to Caen | Brittany Ferries | 6 hours |
| Portsmouth to Cherbourg | Brittany Ferries | 5 hours |
| Portsmouth to Le Havre | Brittany Ferries | 5-8 hours |
| Portsmouth to St Malo | Brittany Ferries | 11 hours |
| Newhaven to Dieppe | DFDS Seaways | 4 hours |
| Poole to Cherbourg | Brittany Ferries | 4.5 hours |
Our Tip The Portsmouth to Caen route is one of the most popular options, offering daytime and overnight sailings. Booking a cabin for overnight crossings can make your journey more comfortable.
Best Campites in Normandy – Final Thoughts
No matter which of these best campsites in Normandy you choose, you’re guaranteed a holiday filled with history, relaxation, and adventure. With easy access from the UK, stunning beaches, and top-notch facilities, these Eurocamp sites in Normandy offer something for every family.
Whether you’re exploring the D-Day beaches, or the beautiful coastal towns, these campsites provide the ideal base for your Normandy adventure.
We will be adding other articles in due course covering some of the other regions in France including 5 Best Sites in Brittany and 10 Best Campsites in France so keep an eye out for them if you plan to visit a different area.
If you want to find out more about any of the campsites then simply click on the buttons above
Looking for more Eurocamp recommendations? Keep an eye out for our guides on the Best Eurocamp sites in France, Best campsites Brittany and Best campsites in the South of France!
