Why Granville Should Be Your Next Normandy Escape

One of the things I love most about my job is that filming often takes me to places I might never have thought to visit otherwise. That’s exactly what happened on a recent trip to Normandy. Between filming, I had the chance to explore the beautiful seaside town of Granville, and I quickly discovered it’s so much more than a pretty coastal destination.

Not only is it home to the childhood house of legendary fashion designer Christian Dior, but it’s also perfectly placed for exploring Normandy’s incredible wartime history and, of course, the breathtaking Mont Saint-Michel. It really is one of those destinations that has a little bit of everything.

Stepping Inside Christian Dior’s World

The highlight of my visit had to be Villa Les Rhumbs, the elegant clifftop house where Christian Dior grew up.

Overlooking the English Channel, the house is now the Musée Christian Dior, and from the moment I arrived, I could see why this place had such an influence on his life. The gardens are simply stunning, filled with colourful flowers and framed by panoramic sea views. You don’t have to be a fashion lover to appreciate the beauty of it.

Walking through the rooms, you get a real sense of the man behind the famous name. Beautiful couture pieces, original sketches and fascinating displays tell the story of how a boy growing up by the sea became one of the world’s greatest designers.

I found myself spending almost as much time outside as I did inside. The gardens are wonderfully peaceful, and it’s easy to imagine Dior finding inspiration here. If you’re anything like me, don’t forget your camera because every angle seems made for photographs.

Granville’s Coastal Charm

After visiting the museum, I wandered into Granville itself, and it’s exactly the kind of French town I love discovering.

There are narrow cobbled streets, colourful fishing boats in the harbour, lovely cafés spilling onto the pavements and some fantastic seafood restaurants if you’re staying for lunch. It feels authentic, relaxed and refreshingly unspoilt.

It’s the perfect place to slow down for a few hours, enjoy the sea air and simply wander wherever the streets take you.

A Journey Through History

One of the reasons I enjoyed travelling around Normandy was that every corner told different story.

While I was filming in the region, I also made time to visit some of Normandy’s wartime museums. It’s impossible not to be moved by what you see and learn. From personal stories to military artefacts and preserved sites, they offer such an important insight into the events of D-Day and the sacrifices made during the Second World War.

It provides a completely different perspective on the region and is something I’d really recommend including in your itinerary.

The Magic of Mont Saint-Michel

Just when I thought the trip couldn’t get any better, I finally visited Mont Saint-Michel. Even after seeing countless photographs over the years, nothing compares to seeing it with your own eyes. Rising dramatically from the tidal bay, it’s one of those places that genuinely takes your breath away. The medieval streets are full of character, the abbey is absolutely fascinating, and every viewpoint offers another incredible photo opportunity. If you can, try to arrive early or stay until later in the day when the light is softer and the crowds begin to thin. It’s well worth it.

A Place That Has It All

What I loved most about this part of Normandy is how effortlessly it combines so many different experiences. One minute you’re walking through the childhood home of one of the world’s greatest fashion designers, the next you’re reflecting on moments that changed history, before finishing the day watching the tide roll around one of France’s most iconic landmarks.

Filming gave me the perfect excuse to discover this beautiful corner of France, but I’d happily return in a heartbeat with a little more time to explore.

If you’re planning a trip to Normandy, I’d definitely add Granville to your list. It’s elegant without feeling pretentious, rich in history, surrounded by beautiful coastline and close enough to some of France’s most famous attractions to make the perfect base for a few days away.

Sometimes the places you stumble across between the main attractions become the ones you remember most. For me, Granville was exactly that and I have a feeling it might be for you too.