Campsites in Calvados

Calvados, in the Normandy region, is a popular destination for its magnificent coastal scenery, rich historical heritage and charming seaside resorts. With over 120 kilometres of coastline bordering the English Channel, this département offers a wide variety of beaches, from vast stretches of sand to majestic cliffs.

Elegant seaside resorts such as Deauville and Cabourg are renowned for their chic atmosphere, while other, quieter spots such as Merville-Franceville-Plage appeal to lovers of nature and tranquillity.

Calvados by the sea is also a region marked by history, notably with the D-Day landing beaches, which have become important places of remembrance.

When you choose Calvados for your holiday, you benefit from a well-preserved natural environment, a rich cultural heritage and a wide variety of activities for all ages.

During your stay in Calvados, there are many fascinating historic sites by the sea. The D-Day landing beaches, such as Omaha Beach and Sword Beach, are essential for understanding the history of the Second World War. Museums such as the Mémorial de Caen and the Musée du Débarquement at Arromanches shed essential light on this major event.

Further east, Honfleur, with its picturesque old port, is a jewel of architecture and history. Its cobbled streets, half-timbered houses and art galleries make it a must-see. In Deauville, the iconic boardwalk, Belle Époque villas and casino are a reminder of the splendour of the early 20th century. Finally, Mont-Saint-Michel, although located on the border between the Manche and Calvados departments, is still an exceptional place to visit nearby.

Calvados by the sea offers a multitude of activities for visitors from all walks of life. Lovers of relaxation can take advantage of the beautiful sandy beaches for swimming, sunbathing or strolling to the rhythm of the tides. Sports enthusiasts will find plenty of opportunities for kite-surfing, sailing and sand yachting, particularly on the long beaches of Ouistreham and Asnelles.

For those who prefer hiking, coastal paths such as the GR223 offer panoramic views of the cliffs and sea. Cyclists can follow the Vélomaritime along the coast.

As for gastronomy, visits to cider farms and tastings of cheeses such as camembert and pont-l'évêque are a must if you want to discover the local flavours.

Calvados has good transport links, making it easy to get to this beautiful region. By car, the A13 motorway links Paris to Caen, the department's capital, in around two hours.

If you prefer to travel by train, Deauville station is within easy reach of Paris-Saint-Lazare.

Caen-Carpiquet and Deauville-Normandie airports offer national and international flights for those travelling from further afield.

Once you're here, there are tourist offices in all the major coastal towns, such as Honfleur, Deauville and Cabourg, where you can get information on local events, markets and things to do. Don't forget to pack clothes suited to the weather, as Normandy can be capricious with rapid changes in the weather, especially by the sea.