With 600 km of coastline, Normandy is an ideal area for those who like to enjoy activities on the water, especially at sea. And let's not forget the rivers inland and the beautiful river trips possible. Whether you want to go canoeing, kayaking, paddling, windsurfing or even surfing, the region welcomes water sports enthusiasts with open arms! And then, water activities are also a great way to appreciate the landscapes, the fauna and the flora.

A multitude of activities to enjoy on the water

Before reaching the Normandy coast, let's stop in Suisse Normande. The omnipresence of the river Orne, but also the Noireau and the Rouvre are all opportunities to practice various water sports, from the gentlest to the most muscular. And then, these activities are perfect for a total immersion with the superb landscapes of this natural region of Normandy and its heritage. Villages of character, sumptuous panoramas of the Normandy mountains, these moments offered to beginners as well as experienced sportsmen are sure to leave their mark

You can then take to the open sea and head for the coast to enjoy a wide range of experiences. For gentle water activities, you can start by going to the long Normandy beaches of the D-Day Landings or the Côte d'Albâtre to practice longe-côte, in other words walking in the water. In Étretat, if the cliffs are impressive when seen from the best viewpoints, they are even more impressive when you paddle on the sea until you pass under the inevitable arches. An unforgettable moment! There are also activities that require a little more agility, such as windsurfing, to be practiced at Cap de la Hague. Everyone can participate, with courses available for beginners. It's exactly the same for surfing, which you can enjoy from the spot of Siouville and its beautiful waves. The falls will surely be there, but taking the board is a guarantee of good moments to share with family and friends. Finally, don't forget that kayaking is also practised on the sea, so a session around the Chausey islands will be an opportunity to appreciate all the riches of the Norman archipelago situated to the north of the magnificent Mont-Saint-Michel bay

Nautical events not to be missed

Normandy is also home to some great sailing events, where you can experience the excitement of legendary races such as the Rolex Fastnet Race. For a week, the public and the town of Cherbourg-en-Cotentin will be thrilled to see 400 crews from all over the world enter one of the most spectacular artificial harbours in the world. Around them, many events, nautical activities and concerts are held

Later, from 29 October to 8 November 2021, another great moment to experience is the departure of the Transat Jacques Vabre from the city of Le Havre. For 10 days, the maritime city will be celebrating, with a multitude of activities on offer, including virtual participation in the race thanks to Virtual Regratta. An opportunity to challenge the great skippers