We had booked a chalet through a UK company at the holiday site just outside Houlgate. This is campsite where we have stayed before.
Day 1: Saturday 28th June 2025: Travel to Houlgate, Normandy
An early start from home and clear roads we were soon at the terminal for Le Shuttle. This crossing we had to go into one of the carriages reserved for wide or high vehicles – a first.
The good news being in these carriages was having a much shorter entrance and exit drive through only a handful of carriages.
To get to the local supermarket we had to drive through Houlgate and then along the coast.
Out side of the chalet.
The chalet had four bedrooms and two bathrooms.
It was a little complicated opening doors between the bathroom, the bedrooms and the toilet!
Space was tight in the bedroom with a double bed.
Lots seating outside on the veranda.
Day 2: Sunday 29th June 2025: Houlgate
After breakfast we walked into Houlgate. The path into town had changed and houses were now built where we used to cross over to the railway track.
The shops and market were open.
After the main street we walked onto the promenade.
These are some of the old houses from the golden era of the resort.
Some of the houses had had famous residents.
Day 3: Monday 30th June 2025: Giverny and Monet’s Garden
After our rest day we drove to Monet’s Garden to try and be there just as the gardens opened.
Here are all the images from our visit to Giverny.
Day 4: Tuesday 1st July 2025: Houlgate
Another rest day staying around Houlgate.
We stopped for a drink on our way back.
Day 5: Wednesday 2nd July 2025: D-Day beaches
Our second planned day visit was to the D-Day beaches. We started with the Canadian beaches before moving along the coast until we came to the Pointe du Hoc.
Point du Hoc:
Here are all the images from our visit to the D-Day beaches.
Day 6: Thursday 3rd July 2025: Trouville
Not quite a rest day as we drove up the coast to visit Trouville.
Some of the art we found.
Into the market.
Before dinner we explored the evening’s activities on the campsite.
Day 7: Friday 4th July 2025: Houlgate
On the promenade at Houlgate.
Crossing the railway line when walking back.
Day 8: Saturday 5th July 2025: Leaving Houlgate
We had an uneventful journey back to the tunnel and home. This was one of the services on the toll road that was being re-built.
