The department of Calvados occupies a swath of Normandy in Northern France, including Caen and Bayeux, and is characterized by its rugged beaches and rolling green meadows. This is the heart of the country's dairy production, with some of the best cheeses and butters being made here and which are perfectly paired with the department's famed tipple – calvados, a protected apple brandy which must be aged in oak barrels for a minimum of 2 years. With hundreds of beautiful sites, from towering cathedrals to elegant chateaux, you're never far away from France's rich history when you stay at a Calvados vacation rental.
This might come as a surprise, but after the capital, this small department holds the largest number of historic sites in the country. Over 900 medieval fortresses, ancient abbeys and palatial chateaux adorn the French register and they're all within reach of your Calvados vacation rental. If you're interested in art, try to make some time for the Musee des Beaux Arts in Caen, which houses contemporary works from national and international artists. At the weekend, you can amble through any of the local farmers' markets to pick up fine Normandy produce to take back to your rental.
The pretty Normandy coastline and green hills are criss-crossed with footpaths and equestrian trails. When you stay in a Calvados vacation rental, you can lace up your boots for sunny walks across this scenic swath of Northern France or saddle up to horseback ride along the beach. Cycling is a popular way to immerse yourself in the landscape and you can choose from riding along the pretty country lanes on road bikes or hitting the hilly outdoor tracks on mountains bikes. Does all that sound like too much hard work? Try hopping in a rental canoe to gently paddle downstream instead.
The only hot time to visit Normandy is during the summer months when families escape the cities for beach time. It's also the season, unsurprisingly, that comes with the highest price tag. If you want to save your money for the attractions and markets, consider visiting in the colder seasons. Both spring and fall can be a little chilly, but with bright skies, rental prices which have taken a nosedive and far fewer travelers on the hiking trails and beaches, it can be a seriously attractive time to stay in a Calvados vacation rental.
There are 4 national parks in Normandy, all of which are easily reached from your Calvados vacation rental. Between them, they cover a staggering 450,000 hectares. The diverse list of habitats, from dense forests and marshlands to pastoral hills and waterways, provide homes for plenty of wildlife including seabirds and mammals like wild horses and the Norman cow. Spring is one of the best times for wildlife spotting, when many of the species have their young in tow. Along the coast, oyster farms are prevalent. Nothing beats watching these bivalves being hauled from the sea and shucked right in front of you.
The nearest airport is in Caen (CFR-Carpiquet), located 35.5 mi (57.1 km) from the city center. If you can't find a flight that works for your travel itinerary, you can also fly into Deauville (DOL-Normandie), which is 13.3 mi (21.5 km) away.
If you prefer to travel by train, Le Grand Jardin Station, Lisieux (XLX-Lisieux Train Station) and Lisieux Station are the main stations in the area.
Whether you're planning your next epic adventure with pals or a romantic escape with your other half, one of these top vacation rentals in Calvados is sure to entice you:
For even more great options, use the search bar at the top of the page to find the perfect Calvados vacation rental for you.
After a busy week at work, a short break jampacked with adventure will be just what you need to refresh your spirit. Consider these irresistible weekend getaways in Calvados where you can pack loads of fun into your stay:
Generally well located and with a price tag that won't hurt your bank account, studio apartments offer style and privacy with the comforts of home. Book one of these studio apartments for rent in Calvados and use it as a base to explore:
Yes, so you can forget about staying in a characterless hotel or sleeping in someone's spare room. Choose one of our short-term rentals in Calvados and live large in your own private escape. Here are two options we think you'll like:
Whether you've been paired up for a month, a year or an eternity, nothing beats a romantic weekend getaway to fan the flames of love. If you're after someplace dreamy to spend a couple of days with your other half, you'll be smitten with these retreats:
Whether you're searching for somewhere stylish and spacious for a family vacation, a weekend away with old friends or a special event, we've got mansions for rent in Calvados to suit. Here are a few that'll make your jaw drop:
Grab a pen and a piece of paper and start writing your guest list. Vrbo has large group vacation rentals in Calvados with enough room to house as many people you like. Here are a couple of good examples:
If you're after large vacation rentals in Calvados, Vrbo will have the perfect vacation home for you. Whether you're planning a getaway with the whole family or an event like an anniversary, these options will have plenty of room for your whole crew:
You'll have your choice of houses with a pool in Calvados, so slip on your swimsuit and get set to spend your days enjoying yourself in the water. Here are two top options we think you'll love:
The first step to any memorable family getaway is finding the ideal place to stay. If you want a home away from home with enough space for everyone, one of these large family vacation rentals in Calvados will be just the ticket:
If you're after some family-friendly attractions in Calvados, you're spoiled for choice. Festyland, Pegasus Bridge and Arromanches 360 promise crowd-pleasing fun for young and old.