Camping Normandie

Why not choose a campground in Normandy for a vacation close to nature? The 3-star Lac des Charmilles campground in Saint-Lô offers a peaceful setting from which to explore the wonders of Lower Normandy. From your mobile home rental or campsite, set out to discover the most beautiful part of Normandy. Our campground is strategically located, making it the perfect base for visiting the D-Day beaches, exploring the Cotentin Peninsula, and admiring Mont-Saint-Michel.

 

Choose a campground in Normandy surrounded by nature

 

Camping du Lac des Charmilles, a charming campground in the Manche department, welcomes you for a relaxing vacation in the heart of Normandy. Although it isn’t located right on the coast, it offers unique amenities such as a heated indoor pool— ideal for the whole family—and a peaceful lakeside setting, perfect for nature lovers and those seeking tranquility. Its strategic location puts you just 45 minutes from the beaches of the English Channel, making it a central starting point for exploring the wonders of the Normandy region.

 

Normandy, a region in northwestern France, consists of five departments: Manche, Calvados,Eure,Orne, and Seine-Maritime. Located in the heart of the Manche department, our 3-star campground in Normandy is the perfect choice for exploring Normandy’s must-see tourist attractions.

Whether you prefer the comfort of a modern mobile home or enjoy sleeping under the stars on a spacious campsite, our campground has everything you need for the perfect vacation. Set off on an adventure and explore the region’s many facets: breathtaking natural landscapes, fascinating historic sites, and renowned cuisine.

Don’t miss must-see attractions such as Mont-Saint-Michel or the famous D-Day beaches—places that perfectly illustrate why a trip to Normandy is an experience not to be missed.

Immerse yourself in the history of Normandy

 

Normandy, a land of history and legends, is much more than just a tourist destination. Its rich and tumultuous past is reflected in its landscapes, heritage, and culture. Staying at a campground in Normandy is also an opportunity to explore the captivating stories that have shaped the region.

Before becoming the Normandy we know today, this region was inhabited by Celtic tribes and was part of Roman Gaul. In the 9th century, the region came under attack from the Vikings, a Scandinavian people known for their maritime expeditions. These warriors gradually settled along the shores of the English Channel and the banks of the Seine, leaving an indelible mark on Norman culture.

In 911, the famous Treaty of Saint-Clair-sur-Epte marked a key milestone: King Charles the Simple ceded lands to Rollo, a Viking chieftain, in exchange for the protection of the Norman lands. Rollo agreed to convert to Christianity, and Normandy—or “the land of the men of the North”—was officially established.

Over the centuries, Normandy established itself as a major power in Europe, particularly during the reign of William the Conqueror, who became King of England in 1066. This prosperous duchy has left traces that are still visible today in its historic cities, majestic abbeys, and Norman villages.

Normandy plays a central role in modern history thanks to a defining event of World War II: the D-Day landings on June 6, 1944, known as Operation Neptune. This massive military operation marked the beginning of the liberation of Europe, with thousands of Allied soldiers landing on the beaches of Normandy.

Traces of this heroic period can still be seen today, notably the famous artificial harbors at Arromanches and the bunkers scattered along the coastline. These historic sites attract visitors from around the world, eager to gain a better understanding of this decisive turning point in the war. Every year on June 6, commemorative ceremonies pay tribute to the soldiers who fought for freedom, making Normandy a true place of remembrance.

From Camping Le Lac des Charmilles, located about45 minutes from the D-Day beaches, you can easily visit must-see sites such as Utah Beach, Omaha Beach, and the American Cemetery at Colleville-sur-Mer. These sites are also complemented by fascinating museums that allow you to immerse yourself in the context of that era.

A vacation in Normandy is an invitation to immerse yourself in this fascinating history. From Camping Le Lac des Charmilles, set out to explore iconic sites that tell the story of this region’s glorious past—from the Vikings to the Allied landings of 1944—not to mention the region’s rich cultural and natural heritage.

What is there to do in the Manche department (50)?

 

The Manche department stretches along more than 300 kilometers of coastline bordering the English Channel. With its varied landscapes, this region is an ideal place to recharge. With its charming, authentic villages and its mild oceanic climate in winter and temperate climate in summer, the Manche attracts many vacationers every year who are seeking tranquility and new experiences.

One of the region’s must-see attractions is, of course, the famous Mont-Saint-Michel, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its majestic abbey attracts visitors from all over the world, eager to discover this unique place steeped in history. Less than an hour from our campground in Le Manchois, Mont-Saint-Michel is a must-see during your stay.

La Manche also consists of three major tourist areas:

  • The Cotentin, where cliffs, sandy beaches, and fishing ports offer the perfect setting for lovers of nature and the sea.
  • Central Manche, a peaceful region where you can enjoy the Normandy countryside, with sites such as the Cathedral of Coutances.
  • Southern Manche, home to iconic places such as the town of Saint-James, famous for its sailor shirts, a symbol of local craftsmanship.

The seaside resorts ofAgon-Coutainville, Pirou, and Blainville-sur-Mer are also popular destinations for visitors, particularly for their beaches and renowned oysters.

Want to learn more about activities and places to visit near our campground in Normandy? Check out our page dedicated to tourism in the Manche department.

What is there to do in the Calvados department (14)?

 

Calvados, a department neighboring Manche, is a region rich in history, culture, and diverse landscapes. From our 3-star campground in Saint-Lô, it’s easy to set out to explore this iconic region of Normandy, known for its historic beaches, charming towns, and renowned festivals.

 

History buffs will be delighted by the many sites related to World War II. Among the must-see attractions are the famous D-Day beaches such asOmaha Beach, Gold Beach, and Juno Beach, as well as the artificial harbor atArromanches, an engineering feat that highlights the ingenuity of the Allies. In Colleville-sur-Mer, the American cemetery pays a poignant tribute to the soldiers who liberated France, while the German cemetery at La Cambe, near Bayeux, invites reflection on remembrance and reconciliation.

The city of Caen, the prefecture of Calvados, is another must-see destination. Its Memorial for Peace, dedicated to 20th-century history, attracts visitors from all over the world. Bayeux, with its famous tapestry and the square where General de Gaulle delivered his first speech after the D-Day landings, is also a treasure of Normandy’s cultural heritage.

In addition to its history, Calvados is also renowned for its vibrant cultural life. Every year, iconic festivals such as the Deauville American Film Festival and the Cabourg Romantic Film Festival attract film lovers from around the world. For music lovers, the Beauregard Festival, near Caen, hosts renowned artists, making Calvados a must-visit destination for music enthusiasts.

Finally, don’t miss the long, sandy beaches, perfect for refreshing walks between Grandcamp-Maisy and Honfleur, or for exploring the quaint little ports along the Normandy coast.

Round out your vacation in Normandy by exploring the departments of Orne, Eure, and Seine-Maritime

 

In addition to Manche and Calvados, Normandy is home to three other departments rich in diversity:Orne,Eure, and Seine-Maritime. Each of these regions promises a variety of experiences, ranging from cultural heritage to lush natural landscapes and iconic sites.

 

The Orne Department (61)

The Orne department, traversed by the river of the same name, is a true haven of peace for lovers of nature and history. Discover the Haras du Pin, nicknamed the “Versailles of horses,” or charming villages like Bagnoles de l’Orne, renowned for its thermal baths and thalassotherapy centers. You can also explore the Perche Regional Nature Park, famous for its Percheron horses, or take a leisurely stroll through its exceptional forests and gardens.

The Eure Department (27)

The Eure is a department that captivates visitors with its unspoiled landscapes and rich culture. Nature lovers will find plenty to enjoy here, from the vast forests of Lyons, Montfort, and Bord-Louviers to the rivers and streams that carve out magnificent valleys. Don’t miss Giverny, the village that inspired painter Claude Monet’s masterpieces. Visiting his home and gardens is like stepping into the world of the Impressionists and rediscovering the landscapes that have shaped art history.

The Seine-Maritime Department (76)

Seine-Maritime, formerly known as Upper Normandy, is famous for the cliffs of Étretat, its seaside resorts such as Dieppe, Fécamp, and Le Tréport, and the majestic Seine Valley. For a cultural getaway, head to Rouen, the department’s capital, where the story of Joan of Arc and the medieval alleyways will transport you back in time. With its many tourist routes and breathtaking landscapes, this department is a must-see for any trip to Normandy.