Road Trip in Normandy: 3 Days on the Alabaster Coast, Starting from Lille

Are you dreaming of a getaway to Normandy, but only have a few days and a limited budget? That was exactly our situation last May. We wanted to get away for a few days with friends without traveling too far from Lille, so we finally decided on a 3-day road trip to Normandy starting from Lille.

About a three-hour drive away, Normandy is an ideal destination for a weekend or a short getaway. With its picturesque villages, fishing ports, impressive cliffs, and charming seaside resorts, the region offers a complete change of scenery without having to travel to the other side of France.

For this trip, we chose to explore part of the Alabaster Coast, with several must-see stops: Le Tréport, Veules-les-Roses, and Honfleur, before continuing on to Étretat.

In this article, I’ll share our 3-day itinerary in Normandy starting from Lille, along with our budget and tips for making the most of your stay without breaking the bank.

Our Road Trip in Normandy: Itinerary and Budget

For this trip, we chose to travel by car so we could easily get from one city to another and adjust our itinerary as we pleased.

Gas and Toll Costs

Over the course of the entire road trip, we used about one full tank of gas, which came to around €80.

We also avoided tolls as much as possible. The only exception was the drive to Honfleur: we chose to take the Normandy Bridge, which saved us about an hour of travel time. The toll cost about €12.

If you’re traveling with others, a car remains a great option for exploring Normandy on a budget, since gas costs can easily be split among the travelers.

Where to Stay on a Road Trip in Normandy? Our Accommodation in Le Havre

For our 3-day road trip in Normandy, we chose to stay in Le Havre. For us, it was the ideal location, as the city was fairly central to our itinerary and allowed us to easily reach the various stops on our trip.

Another advantage: since Le Havre is a fairly large city, there are plenty of relatively affordable lodging options, including apartments and short-term rentals.

So we found a place to stay for 4 people for 2 nights for just 110 € total.

That’s about 27.50 € per person for both nights combined!

For a trip with friends, this was a particularly great option for traveling in Normandy on a tight budget.

💰 Our Accommodation Budget

2 nights in Le Havre

4 beds

€110 total

€27.50 per person for both nights

If you’re looking to cut costs on your road trip through Normandy, I recommend comparing accommodations in the big cities rather than limiting your search to the most popular tourist destinations. Prices can quickly rise in places like Étretat, especially on weekends and during vacation periods.

Day 1: Le Tréport and Veules-les-Roses

First Stop: Le Tréport

We left Lille around 7 a.m. to make the most of our first day. After about a two-hour drive, we arrived in Le Tréport around 9 a.m, just in time to start the day with breakfast there.

To get our visit off to a good start, we stopped by the tourist office to pick up a map of the town. This helped us get our bearings and plan our walk.

We started by exploring the port of Le Tréport before heading over to see its famous green lighthouse, one of the town’s iconic landmarks.

Taking the funicular

To reach the upper part of the town, we then took the funicular, which was free during our visit.

Once we reached the top, the view was magnificent. This is definitely one of the places I recommend you don’t miss when visiting Le Tréport: you can admire the sea and the impressive cliffs.

We then strolled back down on foot, taking the time to explore the town’s narrow streets and check out its church.

After this first stroll, it was already time to eat!

Since we wanted to keep costs down, we’d packed a small picnic. We set it up facing the harbor, which let us enjoy the scenery while saving a little money on the meal.

Second Stop: Veules-les-Roses, a Charming Getaway on the Alabaster Coast

After spending the morning in Le Tréport, it was time to hit the road again for our second stop of the day: Veules-les-Roses.

The village is about an hour’s drive from Le Tréport. So we got back in the car and headed for this small town on the Alabaster Coast, known for its charm, its flower-lined streets, and the little stream that runs through the village.

A Charming Stroll

I was very surprised by Veules-les-Roses. It’s a small village where it’s truly pleasant to get lost wandering through the streets. There are pretty houses, small artisan shops, and many charming spots to discover as you wander.

What I particularly loved was the Veules, the small river that runs through the village. The stream flows quietly among the paths and houses, giving the place a particularly peaceful atmosphere.

We took the time to wander through the streets without trying to follow a specific route. That’s exactly what I liked best: letting the narrow alleys guide us and exploring the village wherever the mood took us.

A Break at a Bookstore and an Independent Café

During our stroll, we also stopped by the bookstore Les Mondes de Zulma before settling into a small café, Comme à la Maison. (meaning, just like home)

The place is both a café and an independent shop, making it a particularly pleasant spot to take a break and soak up the village atmosphere.

A Walk to the Sea

We then continued our walk toward the sea. Once we reached the coast, we strolled along the beach and took in the scenery a little longer before hitting the road again.

It was a stop I didn’t necessarily think I’d enjoy that much at first, but Veules-les-Roses ended up being one of my favorite spots on this road trip through Normandy.

Heading to Le Havre for the night

After this second leg of the trip, it was already time to hit the road again to get to our lodging and pick up the keys.

So we headed to Le Havre, located about a 1.5-hour drive from Veules-les-Roses.

After this first busy day between Le Tréport and Veules-les-Roses, we were finally able to settle into our lodging for the night before continuing our road trip along the Alabaster Coast the next day.

Day 2: Honfleur, Its Market, and Its Old Harbor

For our second day, we headed to Honfleur, one of Normandy’s most famous towns. From our lodging in Le Havre, we decided to take the toll road to save time. This allowed us to reach Honfleur in only about 30 minutes.

💡A quick tip if you’re planning to visit Honfleur: try to arrive early, especially if you’re going on a Saturday. It was definitely the town where we saw the most tourists during our road trip, and we had a bit of trouble finding a place to park.

Exploring the Honfleur Market

Once we parked, we walked to downtown, where the market was located. We took the time to stroll among the various stalls and discover the local specialties.

It was also the perfect opportunity to buy a little souvenir from Normandy. I really love this kind of market when I’m traveling: it lets you discover local products while bringing back a little something from the region.

Strolling Along the Harbor in Honfleur

We then continued our walk along the harbor in Honfleur. With its boats, colorful houses, and facades lining the Vieux Bassin, it’s probably one of the town’s most iconic spots.

Even though it was pretty crowded, we really enjoyed strolling through the historic center and simply soaking up the town’s atmosphere.

Where to Eat in Honfleur? Our Experience at Sauvage

For lunch, we decided to try Sauvage, a small restaurant that had caught our eye with its unique concept and original dishes.

There are very few seats inside, but you can also order takeout. The chef offers quite unique dishes, and the menu changes regularly, depending on the season and available ingredients. It is also vegetarian friendly 🙂

We really loved this place! If you enjoy discovering restaurants that are a little different from the typical tourist spots, this is a stop we particularly enjoyed.

Getting Lost in the Streets of the Historic Center

After lunch, we continued exploring Honfleur on foot.

We stumbled upon an old washhouse with its basins, before continuing our stroll to the magnificent Sainte-Catherine Church, located in the heart of the historic center.

As was often the case during this road trip, we especially enjoyed just wandering around without necessarily trying to see everything. Honfleur’s narrow streets are perfect for that: you just have to let yourself be guided and look around.

A break in the gardens of Honfleur

To round out the afternoon, we went to the gardens of Honfleur, a particularly pleasant park for taking a break.

The park is full of flowers and has a rather romantic atmosphere. There are also statues of several famous writers, which adds a bit of cultural flair to the stroll.

After walking so much since the start of our trip, this was above all a chance to relax and quietly enjoy the afternoon.

Back in Le Havre for a Sunset over the Sea

At the end of the day, we returned to Le Havre. We took the opportunity to explore the city a bit before heading to the seaside to watch the sunset.

There are several bars overlooking the sea, which are perfect for winding down at the end of the day. We settled onto a terrace to sip a cocktail while watching the sunset.

After a day spent visiting Honfleur, it was the perfect way to end our second day in Normandy.

Day 3: The Cliffs of Étretat

For our third and final day, we decided to wrap up our road trip in Normandy with a visit to Étretat. After checking out of our lodging in Le Havre, we hit the road again, heading toward the coast. This stop fit perfectly into our itinerary since we were gradually making our way back up toward Lille.

From Le Havre, it takes about 45 minutes by car to reach Étretat.

Where to park in Étretat?

Étretat was the only stop on our road trip where we had to pay for parking. There are a few parkings outside the city center, and we paid about €7.50 for half a day.

⚠️ A quick tip: be very careful about the time your parking session ends! Unfortunately, we got a ticket because we were 5 minutes late… A good reminder to double-check the time before heading out to explore the cliffs!

Exploring the Famous Cliffs of Étretat

Once we parked, we headed straight out to explore the famous cliffs of Étretat.

We started the morning by climbing up the cliffs to take in the view of the sea. And I have to say, the height is truly impressive! Even after seeing so many photos of Étretat, the landscape is even more spectacular when you’re standing right in front of it.

To enjoy the scenery in a different way, we took out our sketchbooks and took the time to draw the cliffs. It’s a simple little activity—and best of all, it’s completely free—that I highly recommend if you like to draw or are looking for something to do without spending any money.

A picnic overlooking the cliffs… with the seagulls!

After coming back down, we decided to have another picnic to keep our food budget down.

But be careful: in Étretat, the seagulls are definitely part of the scene!

They won’t hesitate to come over if they spot your sandwich. So if you want your picnic to go smoothly, keep a close eye on your lunch. 😉

Strolling in the city center

After our lunch break, we continued exploring the town.

We stopped by the small covered market, where there are various souvenir shops. It’s a nice place to pick up a little souvenir from Étretat before continuing our walk.

We then strolled through the town’s narrow streets with ice cream in hand. After climbing the cliffs, this little treat was more than welcome!

The Étretat Cliffs from the Other Side

We then decided to head back up to the cliffs, but this time from the other side, to enjoy a different view of the coast.

Right next door are the Étretat Gardens, which you can also visit if you have enough time. Admission was about €12 .

If you’d like to visit them, be sure to check the current price before you go, as prices are subject to change.

Bonus: Visit the Clos Lupin

If you still have some time in Étretat, you can also add a visit to the Clos Lupin, a small museum dedicated to Arsène Lupin, the famous gentleman thief created by Maurice Leblanc.

We didn’t include it in our itinerary, but it’s a great idea if you’d like to extend your exploration of Étretat and are a fan of literature or the world of Arsène Lupin.

FAQ: 3-Day Road Trip in Normandy

How much should you budget for 3 days in Normandy?

It’s entirely possible to visit Normandy on a tight budget. By splitting the costs of the car and lodging among several people, we were able to keep expenses down. We paid a total of about €240 for this 3-day getaway for 3 people (or €80 per person). I recommend opting for picnics to cut down on meal costs and renting a place with a kitchen.

Where to Stay When Visiting the Alabaster Coast?

We chose to stay in Le Havre, which was conveniently located along our itinerary. It’s also a city where you can find plenty of accommodations at reasonable prices. For a road trip, having a base helps you avoid changing accommodations every night.

Is it possible to take a road trip in Normandy without spending a lot?

Yes! Many of the activities we did were free or inexpensive: strolling through villages, enjoying the harbors and beaches, admiring the cliffs, or even sketching the landscapes. Picnics are also a great way to save money on meals.

How long does it take to visit Étretat?

We spent a good part of our third day in Étretat. This gave us time to explore the cliffs, stroll through downtown, and leisurely enjoy the coast. If you’d also like to visit the Jardins d’Étretat or the Clos Lupin, plan on spending more time there.

Do you need a car to visit the Alabaster Coast?

For our itinerary, having a car really made getting around much easier. We were able to easily visit Le Tréport, Veules-les-Roses, Le Havre, Honfleur, and Étretat one after another without having to rely on public transportation schedules. So, in our opinion, it’s a particularly convenient option for a road trip lasting a few days.

Do we recommend spending 3 days in Normandy—is it worth it?

After spending these three days exploring the Normandy coast, one thing is certain: yes, this road trip is definitely worth the trip!

We especially loved being able to experience so many different landscapes in just a few days. From the cliffs of Le Tréport and Étretat to the narrow streets of Veules-les-Roses, the atmosphere of the port of Honfleur, and the sunsets in Le Havre, each stop had its own unique charm.

Above all, this trip proved to us that you don’t have to travel very far or set aside a huge budget to treat yourself to a truly refreshing getaway.

From Lille, Normandy is easily accessible by car and is perfect for a long weekend or a 3-day road trip. By packing a few picnics, splitting the costs, and choosing your accommodations wisely, it’s entirely possible to enjoy the region without breaking the bank.

If you’re looking for a road trip idea in France for a few days, the Alabaster Coast is definitely a destination we recommend.

And between us, I think Veules-les-Roses and the cliffs of Étretat are among the places we’re most eager to visit again!