La Manche
La Manche Marvels: Coastal wonders, historic cliffs, and maritime elegance blend in a tapestry of enchantment along the English Channel.
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Press the down arrow key to interact with the calendar and select a date. Press the question mark key to get the keyboard shortcuts for changing dates.
You find your holiday home at the sea side in department La Manche on the English Channel. This area is best known for the rugged coast line in the Basse-Normandy region around Mont Saint-Michel. This rock island and pilgrimage town is listed on UNESCO world heritage list and is really special to see at spring tide. At low tide it is possible to walk to the island. Admire the old books from the abbey in Hôtel de Ville in Avranches and the view on the island from Jardin de Plantes.
Beach, harbour and boating
Fun trips can be made from your gite in Normandy to the fortification of Vauben in Saint-Vaast-la-Hougue and the original beach huts in Gouville-sur-Mer. Sea side resort Granville de Notre-Dame has a lighthouse and the seafarers museums to visit. The isle of Chausy is wonderful for swimming and fishing on its white beaches and you might even be accompanied by dolphins during the boat trip. Make a day trip from the seaside town of Barnevill-Carteret to the isles of Guernsey or Jersey.
Normandy and the Second World War.
Several places in La Manche are reminders of the Second World War. Utah Beach where the allied forces landed on D-day, June 6th 1944 for instance. Interesting museums can be found in Cherbourg-Octeville, Marigny and Sainte-Marie-du-Mont. Old Saint-Lô, also known for the national studfarm, was completely rebuilt after its destruction.
Walking and cycling in La Manche.
Both the coast and the green countryside are inviting for walkers and horse riders. Follow the pilgrims route from Saint-James to Mont Saint Michel or in the direction of Santiago de Compostela, the ‘voie verte’ at the Ham rocks or the path through the orchard along the Vire river. Beautiful are also the gardens with dahlias at Flamanville castle.
La Manche has 1200 kms of bicycle paths such as part of the Tour de Manche which also runs through England and the route through nature park Marais du Contention et du Bessie from the harbour in Barfleur to Coutances.
Enjoy fresh fish and cider.
Delicious specialities are fresh seafood such as mussels, scallops and oysters. Normally cattle, sheep and other animals can be admired on the year market Foire de la Sainte-Croix in September. Visit the museum in Valognes and experience how cider is made from local apples.