Planning to go camping in Normandy with the family? Here are 9 of the very best family-friendly attractions across the region.
1/ Bayeux Tapestry Museum
A staple of the school history curriculum, the Bayeux Tapestry can be seen in all its glory in the Normandy town of the same name. The Bayeux Tapestry Museum displays the original work of art that depicts the battles, political intrigue and daily life of people in the run up to the Norman Conquest of England in 1066. It is amazing to see such an iconic piece of artwork in real life, and the museum also has lots interactive exhibits and interesting displays that grab the attention of children. Step outside and the town of Bayeux is fun to explore too, with a charming high street and mouthwatering ice-cream parlours.
Distance from Domaine de Litteau: 24km
2/ La Cité de la Mer
Located in Cherbourg, this fascinating museum is dedicated to maritime exploration and includes an eye-opening exhibition of underwater vessels through the ages, a beautiful aquarium spread over three floors, and a nuclear submarine that families can explore (you won’t believe how cramped it is inside!). Cherbourg was also one of the ports visited by the Titanic on its maiden voyage, so there is a permanent exhibition with relics from the liner, recreations of rooms, passenger stories and a 30-minute film that details the doomed voyage.
Distance from Domaine de Litteau: 89km
3/ Mont-Saint-Michel Abbey
One of France’s most famous attractions, Mont-Saint-Michel Abbey is a medieval monastery on a rocky island, linked to the Normandy coast by a causeway. If that sounds a bit dull for a family visit, think of it more like a medieval play park with narrow streets and alleyways, and the winding staircases and towers of the Gothic church for kids to explore. Families who want to find out more about daily life at the Abbey in the Middle Ages can join one of the excellent guided tours.
Distance from Domaine de Litteau: 97km
4/ Château de Falaise
Birthplace of William the Conqueror, the Château de Falaise is a medieval fortress that features a keep, a Romanesque chapel, and other fortified buildings that date back to the 11th century. Children can explore the rooms and there are interactive displays, medieval games and costumes to help them learn about the lives of the people who lived here in the Middle Ages.
Distance from Domaine de Litteau: 87km
5/ D-Day Memorial Museums & War Cemeteries
Normandy has a number of museums that are dedicated to the events of the D-Day landings during the Second World War. They include museums at Caen, often considered to be one of the very best, plus Omaha Beach and Arromanches. Each features displays, films, photographs and the personal stories of soldiers and civilians to help children understand the scale and significance of the D-Day operations, and to come away with a deeper appreciation for the sacrifices made during the war. Similarly, the various war cemeteries are free to enter and provide a poignant reminder of the sacrifice made by so many
Distance from Domaine de Litteau: Various
6/ Arromanches 360
Arromanches 360 tackles the D-Day landings but in a slightly different way. It’s a nine-screen circular cinema showing a 19-minute film about the Normandy landings during World War II. The film features archive footage and immersive sound effects that bring the historical events to life for both children and adults.
Distance from Domaine de Litteau: 37km
7/ Château de Caen
For a day out Caen is a really interesting city to explore, with a really impressive food scene, a real mix of architecture and a fascinating city centre. In the middle of all that is the Château de Caen, an 11th century castle with towers, walls and gates for children to discover as they imagine themselves as knights or royals from a bygone age.
Distance from Domaine de Litteau: 50km
8/ Festyland
Festyland is an amusement park near Caen with rides and attractions for all ages. There are carousels, thrilling rollercoasters, pirate ships and splash rides, plus slides and a kids’ playground for little ones. New for 2023 is Kraken, the Village of Six Sea Monsters, where young explorers get to jump, climb and discover secret passages.
Distance from Domaine de Litteau: 45km
9/ Zoo de Jurques
Zoo de Jurques is home to more than 600 animals, including lions, tigers, monkeys and birds. There’s also a playground, picnic area and a small train for rides around the park.
Distance from Domaine de Litteau: 30km
To book your family holiday in Normandy check out our Domaine de Litteau holiday village.
Want to explore further? Discover more ideas for camping in France.
