Decide where to camp. Dozens of campsites offer varying degrees of comfort and convenience throughout Normandy. Look at a map of Normandy and decide which attractions you intend to visit. Campsites near Avranche allow quick access to Mont-St.-Michel, while areas close to Carentan accommodate people wishing to visit the D-Day landing sites. The Normandy Tourism Office provides online contact information for the camps. Contact the camps directly or use a local travel agent to determine availability and make necessary bookings. Decide whether to bring your own tent or rent one from the site. Bringing your own tent saves money once you arrive in France but will likely cause additional fees during your journey.
Plan your journey. Determine the best way to reach your campsite. Trains, rental cars and buses transport travelers from the Paris-Charles de Gaulle Airport to other parts of the country. You may prefer to fly to London and utilize the channel tunnel or ferry to make the short journey to northern France. Leave yourself ample time between stages of the journey and book all the tickets you need.
Make a schedule. Use the Normandy tourism website to make an itinerary for your vacation. Check the hours of operation at local attractions like the Caen Memorial, and peruse online restaurant menus to find the best places within your budget. Restaurants, bars and shops in smaller towns such as Hornfleur sometimes keep irregular hours, so do your research before you arrive.
Pack for your trip. Remember essentials like your passport, tickets, map and guidebook.
Bring bathroom items including shampoo, soap, deodorant and shaving cream. Large French retailers including Carrefour. Locate their stores on the outskirts of town because a late trip to buy bathroom essentials could be time consuming. Normandy endures unpredictable weather due to its proximity to the English Channel so prepare for all weather by bringing shorts, T-shirts, sweaters, umbrellas and raincoats.
