Magazine 2017 > La Manche Normandy peninsula by Latitude Manche

Tourist destination magazine # 1st

The cabins at Gouville-sur-Mer

EDITION 2017

THE MONT AND ITS MARVELS

manche-tourism.com

D-DAY, MEMORY AND EMOTION THE PROMISES OF THE COASTLINE OF STONES AND CULTURE LA MANCHE FOR COUPLES AND FAMILIES

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Discover a destination shaped by the elements, surprising, fascinating and full of promises of an unforgettable stay â&#x20AC;?

The Nez de Jobourg

The Mont and its marvels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 D-Day, memory and emotion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 The promises of the coastline . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 Get away from it all on the paths of La Manche . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 Of stones and culture . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28 la manche for families . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34 la manche for couples .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35 A peninsula for all four seasons . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36 Gastronomy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40 Souvenirs made in La Manche . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44 Events in 2017, long live La Manche! . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46 la manche in a nutshell . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48 Practical information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49 List of tourist offices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50 Map of La Manche .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51

The Mont and i t s m a rv e l s Mont Saint-Michel catches the eye, drawing attention to the vastness of the bay and its treasures, like the setting for a beautiful gem.

Mont Saint-Michel and Tombelaine islet

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THE MONT AND ITS MARVELS The Bay of Mont Saint-Michel is a landscape in perpetual movement, with a generous natural setting that makes the Mont and its abbey, a true feat of architecture, even more special.

he Bay of Mont Saint-Michel is immense: 575 km2 between Cancale and Granville. In this landscape moulded by the ebb and flow of the biggest tides in Europe, the “Wonder of the West” stands proud. The Mont and its abbey, crowned by the Archangel Saint Michael (Archange Saint-Michel), can first be seen from the heights of the continent due to this particular geographical location. For walkers, the cliffs of Carolles and Champeaux offer a particularly impressive view, perched at heights of 60 or even 80 metres. Even the regulars always marvel at this changing landscape, at the confluence of the rivers Sée, Sélune and Couesnon. Spanning this famous river, which has a dam that is also involved in the movements of the bay, is the famous new footbridge which allows visitors to reach Mont Saint-Michel. Of course you can get there faster, thanks to the ferries and maringottes (a type of horse-drawn carriage) that will take you to the Mont from the car parks. But approaching this wonderful place while taking the time to immerse yourself in the landscape is an experience to be enjoyed again and again.

VENTURING ONTO THE SHIFTING SANDS When the tide is out, you have to be brave to cross the shores as the pilgrims do; this is an unforgettable experience on a site unlike any other, and allows you to approach the Mont in a more private way. For these hikes, you have to be accompanied by certified and experienced guides due to the risks of rising tides and shifting sands. Some trips go via the granite islet of 6

Tombelaine, which is very popular with the many birds that frequent the territory. The bay is a remarkable reservoir of biodiversity, with a variety of fauna and flora. There are no less than 130 species of birds, and about a hundred species of fish... When venturing onto the sandy benches, visitors may be lucky enough to spot the harbour seals who love to visit the bay. They may also catch sight of the common bottlenose dolphin colony that is well-known in the Norman-Breton Gulf.

MEETING WITH THE MARVEL Once you arrive at the foot of the rock, the atmosphere changes. This area is more densely populated. Beyond the gates of the Mont Saint-Michel ramparts, the medieval village is full of life. The Centre des monuments nationaux, the body in charge of the abbey, reminds us: “The long history of Mont Saint-Michel began in 708, when Bishop Aubert had the first sanctuary built on Mont-Tombe in honour of the Archangel”. Benedictines settled there in the 10th century and began to build the abbey, which became “a major pilgrimage site of the Christian West as well as one of the centres for medieval culture where a large number of manuscripts were produced, preserved and studied”. A veritable architectural feat, the abbey has been transformed over the centuries and offers a great variety of forms. Its Merveille (meaning “Marvel”), a structure located to the north of the abbey church, stands as a masterpiece of Norman Gothic art and testifies to the extraordinary expertise of the 13thcentury builders.

Crossing the Bay of Mont Saint-Michel

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THE MONT AND ITS MARVELS

MANUSCRIPTS AND SCRIPTORIAL The town of Avranches, the custodian of the books of the religious communities in the Avranchin area since 1791, retains 203 volumes from Mont SaintMichel. These manuscripts – evidence of the spiritual, intellectual and artistic life of the Benedictine monks – have been on display in the Scriptorial since 2006. A municipal museum conceived “as a true metaphor for Mont SaintMichel”, it offers an introductory journey to learn about the monastic scribes and the production of the manuscripts, which Avranches endeavours to make accessible to everyone using methods that include digitisation.

HIGH TIDES AND TIDAL BORE The Bay of Mont Saint-Michel lives to the rhythm of powerful tides that

periodically turn the Mont into an island. The tidal range is nearly fifteen metres when the water is very choppy. The spectacle is particularly striking at the equinoctial tides: the tide goes out for about fifteen kilometres and comes back in at “the speed of a galloping horse”, as the saying goes. More specifically, the speed of the rising tide varies by location. In all cases, it provides a fascinating spectacle and causes a tidal bore, a wave which travels up the bay against the bay’s current. Created by the high-speed tide, this surge can be up to fifty centimetres high. The curious phenomenon attracts crowds to the shore and also to the water: kayakers love to surf on it and be carried as far as possible inland from Mont Saint-Michel, with the challenge being to avoid getting “pushed out” of the wave too soon.

Mont Saint-Michel Abbey cloister

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Find out all about the bay, crossings and spring tides on manche-tourism.com (Bay of Mont Saint-Michel section)

Access and visit Mont Saint-Michel accueilmontsaintmichel.com abbaye-mont-saint-michel.fr otmontsaintmichel.com

Discover Avranches and the manuscripts avranches.fr/tourisme scriptorial.fr

In the eyes of... Xavier Bailly

Administrator at Mont Saint-Michel Abbey and Carrouges Castle, Centre des monuments nationaux.

The Scriptorial - Avranches

“In a bay where the sky changes every instant, where colours blend in countless permutations, where the moonlight is the most beautiful in the world, I never tire of admiring the abbey’s magical Romanesque and Gothic architecture. Whether it’s the 1,300 years of history or this exceptional landscape, everything at Mont Saint-Michel amazes me. On the west terrace, I like to contemplate the outline of this unique monument and the incessant play of the tides. The visitor trail always delights me and I feel ever more admiration for the talent and ingenuity of the builders of each room, the crypts, the church and the cloister... Here, dreams come true.” 9

D - D ay, m e m o ry a n d e m ot i o n Of course, the duty of remembrance is paramount, but without losing sight of history, another benefit of following the path to freedom is the emotion that it stirs.

Utah Beach

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D-DAY, MEMORY AND EMOTION From Utah Beach to Saint-Jean-le-Thomas, “one of the most beautiful panoramas in the world” according to General Eisenhower, all over the department there are are reminders of D-Day and the battles won to liberate the countryside, towns and villages.

t dawn on 6 June 1944, the world’s biggest armada landed on the beaches of Normandy. Thousands of soldiers braved their fear of the unknown, determined to put an end to the five-year reign of a monstrous war machine.

HISTORY IS AN OPEN BOOK Several museums like the Musée du Débarquement at Utah Beach, the Airborne Museum in Sainte-MèreEglise or the D-Day Experience in Saint-Côme-du-Mont will take you on a journey to the heart of history. A host of objects, uniforms, equipment, films and photographs explain in detail the large military challenge that was the D-Day Landings. Fully immersed in D-Day, you can even board a C47 and

experience the minutes that preceded the big jump by the parachutists of the 101st Airborne. This very impressive three-dimensional simulation reminds us of the fear that they had to overcome and the courage that the soldiers, who were often very young, had to show. The tributes are in evidence all over the department of La Manche. The Route du D-Day et de la Bataille de Normandie, and the Normandy Victory Museum in Catz (opening in spring 2017), will also help you to gain an understanding, beyond the strategic scale of the coalition, of the impact on the lives of the local people who found themselves involved in an unthinkable historic event, sometimes unwillingly, which is always a very moving experience for visitors. It’s no surprise that these big

Iron Mike - La Fière

The bell tower - Sainte-Mère-Eglise 13

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The Musée du Débarquement - Sainte-Marie-du-Mont

events celebrating the “anniversary” of D-Day and the commemoration ceremonies organised each year are so enthusiastically received. Veterans and World War Two enthusiasts feel the need to meet up in places that are steeped in emotion, such as the American Military Cemetery in Saint-James or the German Military Cemetery in La Chapelle-en-Juger.

OVER HEDGED FARMLAND AND MARSHES

Just imagine the magnitude of Operation Overlord. 150,000 men, more than 20,000 military vehicles and tonnes of equipment descended upon the Normandy beaches in just a few hours. This gigantic landing took place after a stormy night, struggling against the raging waters of the English Channel. The mission of the first soldiers on the four kilometres of Utah Beach, supported by the parachutists who landed at dawn after a dark night above Sainte-Mère-Eglise, was simple. It was necessary to head inland as soon as possible, to recapture Carentan and the deep water harbour of Cherbourg, among others. While Sainte-Marie-du-Mont was the very

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first village liberated by sea, just a few hours after the D-Day landings, it took seventy days of fighting to liberate Coutances, Saint-Lô, Avranches, Mont Saint-Michel, and all the surrounding towns and countryside. Although D-Day itself had fewer military casualties than had been feared, the troops’ advance across the lands of La Manche proved more complicated and deadlier than expected. The hell of the Cotentin and Bessin marshland, the battle of the hedgerows, the capturing of the batteries at Crisbecq and Azeville, the recapturing of Fort du Roule, the liberation of Carentan, the entrance into Saint-Lô, the prefectural town that was entirely destroyed by bombing, and the famous Operation Cobra, followed by the Avranches Breakthrough, were all among the obstacles to winning the challenge of the Liberation. Thanks to the commitment, determination, and mental and strategic strength of the famous generals and majors, Leclerc, Patton, Howie (who died for Saint-Lô), Bradley, Collins and Johnson, to name but a few, and their valiant soldiers, the feat was accomplished. These great military figures will forever be part of world history and particulary the history of La Manche and Normandy. Here, in this part of France, there is surely not a single family that is not in some way linked to this universal event, a symbol of solidarity between the nations.

D-DAY, MEMORY AND EMOTION elaborate installations of the “US Army General Hospitals”. They also remember fleeing, when they had to leave the area and find safe havens. But they especially like to recall the joy they felt when they

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realised that soldiers from the far end of the United States, and indeed from all over the world, would maybe, probably, surely help them to heal their wounds and look forward to rebuilding for a better future.

Find all the visitor attractions, accommodation near the D-Day beaches and tours for families on manche-tourism.com (D-Day in Normandy section)

or try the Musée à Ciel Ouvert experience: a 50 km trail guided by a touchscreen tablet, to explore the key sites of the D-Day landings, starting from the tourist office in Sainte-Mère-Église

THE DUTY OF REMEMBRANCE If, during your stay in Normandy, you have the chance to hear the stories of local residents who lived through the occupation and the D-Day landings, you will immediately notice the strength of feeling that persists to this day. The people of Manche, who were in most cases very young children at the time, remember the deafening sound of the thousands of planes, the bombs falling, the astounding arrival of the first GI’s in the isolated rural areas, the hundreds of tanks and vehicles that looked unlike those of the occupying forces, the military camps set up in just a few hours, and the extremely

The Fort du Roule - Cherbourg-en-Cotentin

In the eyes of... Gilles Perrault

A writer and author of great accounts of investigations such as, “Le Secret du Jour J”, “Le Pull-over rouge”, “Notre ami le roi”, etc. His latest book “Le Dictionnaire amoureux de la Résistance” was a resounding success. All his books are published (or have been republished) by Fayard. “Here, at Utah Beach, the sun rises over the sea. This is extremely rare in France. Thus the victory of light over darkness surged forth from the water on 6 June 1944, and freedom came rolling back to us on the crest of a wave. This is why a tour of our memorial sites in La Manche, on the beaches and along the hollow paths where the battle of the hedgerows played out, is not a grim pilgrimage about the giant slaughterhouses created by the madness of humankind, as is so often the case in France: instead it is about liberation, happiness, and hope; it resurrects the overwhelming emotion that the oldest among us experienced as children, and have never forgotten.” 15

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THE PROMISES OF THE COASTLINE

Barfleur

The coastline of La Manche is a microcosm of all the seashores. This peninsula, with its unique outline, lives and breathes to the rhythm of some of Europe’s most impressive tides. They come and go twice per twenty-four-hour period and offer maritime scenes in perpetual motion for us to gaze upon.

t the very end of this oblong territory, the articifial harbour of Cherbourg-en-Cotentin, the second biggest of its kind in the world, proudly displays its gigantic framework. On a clear day, a deep blue sea appears. The long descent is an opportunity to admire the unique fortified architecture of this maritime conurbation that contains four types of port: marina, commercial, fishing and military. Before exploring the historic town centre and its monuments, before entering the Gare Transatlantique station, you should take the time to stroll along the seaside in order to get an idea of all the space it occupies.

TOWARDS THE LEVANT Next it’s time to make a choice. Head to the East Coast or discover the West Coast? You will need to come back regardless. One day is not enough to explore and make the most of the 360 kilometres of coastline that form the outline of the department. To its left, the Gatteville lighthouse 16

stands majestic and proud. From its great height, it watches over the sea squalls and currents, which are extremely strong and unruly at the Raz du Barfleur. Of course, the 365 steps may leave you short of breath but it’s well worth the effort, as the view is untrammelled and the light is stunning. As the sea air can give you quite an appetite, you may want to head to the docks of Barfleur and Saint-Vaast laHougue, two authentic fishing villages, for a meal. Here and there, the cries of the gulls accompany the song of the sailboats, and the departures and arrivals of the trawling nets, depending on the time of the tide. Tide allowing, it will then be time for you to walk or take an amphibious vehicle to the island of Tatihou, with its bird sanctuary, gardens and Vauban tower. A detour via Jonville beach to the Pointe de Saire will make for an enchanting day out. Kilometres of golden sand stretch out in front of the flower-adorned villas that steadfastly face the sea.

The Gare Maritime Transatlantique station - Cherbourg-en-Cotentin

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THE PROMISES OF THE COASTLINE Not far from these scenic villages loved by holidaymakers, just 40 kilometres along the coast, Utah Beach and its D-Day museums keep the right to remembrance alive in a most pleasant way. Everywhere along the coasts of the department of La Manche, natural sites are protected from any construction schemes that might spoil the area. This sensation is even more striking when you reach the Baie des Veys. This large and uniquely beautiful estuary, into which flow the four rivers that irrigate the Contentin and Bessin Marshland Regional Natural Park, is a well-known spot among rockpoolers.

LA HAGUE, AN IRISH AIR Yet at this stage of your open-air exploration, the other coast will still not have revealed its treasures to you.

So, if you feel like heading northwest, don’t miss the detour to Racine harbour, the smallest in France. In a setting with a very Irish air about it, the place is like something from a novel… Following the path past the brightly coloured hulls of the tiny boats moored at the pontoons, you may have decided to stop at Landemer, or Omonville-la-Rogue, attracted by the side streets with their unique houses, and by the sails of the catamarans further afield. The Nez de Jobourg, way up at the Cap de la Hague, clearly knows how to attract visitors. We warned you, this wild coastline loves to keep leading you a little further along… From these cliffs which culminate at 128 metres, some of the tallest in Europe, you will enjoy views of the Baie d’Écalgrain, where the mauve and Cap de Carteret

dazzling yellow of the flowers vie with the blue-green of the sea in an infinite panorama. Further down, the peaceful cows make the most of the salty-aired countryside. The low walls divide the geometric plots of lush grass, which stretches all the way to the water. The foam of the Raz Blanchard surrounds Goury lighthouse, the other guardian of the Manche coasts. Here, lifeguards are especially careful when the winds pick up. In La Hague, the Customs Path is a joy for walkers and admirers of beautiful landscapes. Surfers, windsurfers and swimmers in search of thrills will be drawn to the beaches that prolong the coastline south of the Cap de la Hague. Sciotot, Le Rozel, Siouville-Hague and Surtainville offer some amazing waves when the tide comes in.

FROM CAPES TO HARBOURS… La Hague

Then, opposite the Channel Islands, Cap de Carteret, a promontory located on the Côte des Isles, offers

an exceptional panoramic view of the Hatainville dunes on one side, and the Côte des Havres on the other. The seaside resort of BarnevilleCarteret boasts an array of beautiful seaside villas, and offers a full range of watersports. Meanwhile, the municipality of Portbail keeps watch over the advancing sea, which comes all the way to the foundation of its church on spring tide days. Then there’s the road to the harbours of Blainville, Regnéville and La Vanlée, wonderful natural beauty spots that are very popular with watercolour artists and make for a pleasant wander. Also in this coastal area, you can give your taste buds a treat with oysters, lobsters and bouchot mussels. Adorned with cosy houses, the very long seawall at Agon-Coutainville is an established meeting point and you can be sure that this varied walk through countryside and seaside will win you over, too. 19

The tourist destination magazine for La Manche

THE PROMISES OF THE COASTLINE

THE MONT ON THE HORIZON The dune landscape, so typical of the West Coast, stretches all the way to Saint-Martin-de-Bréhal. Just before Donville les Bains and Granville, the ultimate corsair town, pop up to surprise you. The promenade at the Plat Gousset, Haute Ville and the Pointe du Roc seem to gaze lovingly at the Chausey islands. It’s fun to watch the constant waltz of the sailboats while waiting for your turn to board. In Chausey, a change of scene is guaranteed, as this archipelago of 365 islets at low tide and 52 at high tide offers a new landscape every 6 hours. Here, there’s hardly any traffic, just nature in the raw, like stepping into another world…

Granville - Pointe du Roc

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A little bit Norman yet distinctly British, the islands of Jersey, Guernesey, Sercq, Herm and Aurigny can be seen on the horizon. Treat yourself to an excursion to the Channel Islands, departing from the harbours of La Manche (information p.49). A little further south, the resorts of Jullouville, Saint-Pair-sur-Mer and Carolles, the first ever sea bathing destinations, enjoy the mild climate of the Bay of Mont Saint-Michel. Horseriders and sand yachts provide an interesting spectacle. And tucked behind the colourful cliffs of Champeaux, at the very end of this unique coastline that traces the outline of the department from east to west, the “Wonder of the West” finally makes its appearance.

Find all the visitor attractions and leisure activities available on the coast on manche-tourism.com (At the seaside section)

Harbours and marinas on

manche-tourism.com (Harbours and Marinas in Normandy section)

Watersports outings, trails and treks, for families with or without a guide, on manche-tourism.com (Cruises and excursions section)

and at the tourist offices (list page 50) In the eyes of… JÉRÔME HOUYVET

Photographer Find photographs by Jérôme Houyvet at the Lumières Marines Gallery at Barfleur harbour, lumieresmarines.com and Facebook: facebook.com/lumieresmarines

Carolles

“The coastline of La Manche is for me one of the most beautiful natural spaces imaginable from a photographic point of view. An immense playground covering 360 km, full of treasures and untouched landscapes. Controlled urbanisation offers us vast, wild expanses that are ideal for photography. The sea light reveals a palette of infinite colours and breathtaking shades, changing to the rhythm of the tides. There I find inspiration, a gentle pace of life and permanent visual renewal. My favourite activity: walking along the customs path, flying over the coastline in a paramotor and discovering yet more new photographic gems...” 21

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GET AWAY FROM IT ALL ON THE PATHS OF LA MANCHE Everyone has their own way of rambling around the peninsula, getting to know the area, meeting new people and enjoying a change of scene, over hills and vales.

The customs path in La Hague 23

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GET AWAY FROM IT ALL ON THE PATHS OF LA MANCHE To take a break from the hectic pace of everyday life, it feels good to enjoy the invigorating fresh air and authentic landscapes of La Manche, following its itineraries for hikes and all kinds of sightseeing.

Jullouville

ne of the defining characteristics of the department of La Manche is its mosaic of landscapes. There are the beaches of fine sand, the granite cliffs, the hedged farmland, the marshes… This diversity means that anyone who wants to experience its greatest treasures has to take their time. Fortunately, the territory offers many paths and roads for exploring these landscapes: on foot, on horseback, by bike… Not forgetting the canoe that gives access to places that only the network of streams, rivers and waterways can reach.

ON FOOT When it comes to hiking, the most famous itinerary is the GR 223. Spanning 436 kilometres, it provides a way to explore the whole coastline of La Manche - in one go or in sections - from the Bay of Veys to Mont Saint-Michel. It goes via the Cotentin marshes, the Val de Saire, the balconies of Cherbourg, the cliffs of La Hague, the Côte des Havres, and the Coutançais hedged farmland (Coutances area), before continuing towards Granville and the Bay of Mont Saint-Michel.

The Haras National - Saint-Lô

Covering many kilometres, the GR 223 follows the customs path that was once used to survey the coasts and fight smuggling with the Channel Islands. Yet at times it also ventures inland, where visitors can find accommodation and refreshments along the way. Inherited from centuries of pilgrimage to Mont Saint-

Michel, the Saint-Michel Paths form a network of two itineraries through La Manche: the Cherbourg paths and the Barfleur paths. The first (202 kilometres, nine stages) goes from Cherbourg to the Côte des Havres, Coutances and its cathedral, and leads to the Mont and its bay. The second (192 kilometres, eight stages) starts from Barfleur, crosses the Cotentin and Bessin Marshland Regional Nature Park, and also goes via Coutances before heading towards the Bay of Mont Saint-Michel.

ON HORSEBACK

La Manche is horse-breeding country and has many great itineraries for riders to enjoy. Between Cerisyla-Forêt and Mont Saint-Michel, an equestrian adventure trail spanning 155 kilometres – The Abbeys Road – offers a variety of paths and landscapes to discover Norman religious art, and the Romanesque, Cistercian and Benedictine abbeys. This walk also includes the National Stud Farm of Saint-Lô, the Roches de Ham overlooking the Vire and a crossing of the Bay of Mont SaintMichel. The road is connected to the Voie Verte greenways, many local circuits and the “Bay of Mont Saint-Michel equestrian heritage” itinerary. This 148-kilometre horse ride goes via the coastline and inland for an exploration of some remarkable sites: the Vanlée harbour, the hollow paths of the hedged farmland, the Champeaux cliffs… Along the way, the riders and their steeds will come across the

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GET AWAY FROM IT ALL ON THE PATHS OF LA MANCHE Dragey-Ronthon racehorse training centre, where tomorrow’s champions learn their trade.

BY BIKE

Among the wide array of options for cyclists, there are three main itineraries. Covering over 450 kilometres, the Véloscénic connects two of France’s most famous monuments: NotreDame-de-Paris and Mont SaintMichel. The journey between these two sacred sites is divided into 25 stages (5 in La Manche) where visitors can see many fine examples of the nation’s heritage. Another cycle route combines the charms of South-West England, North Brittany and La Manche, areas that have a great deal in common. This is the Tour de Manche, covering 1,200 kilometres with 50 stages (15 in La Manche). Cyclists have to take crosschannel ferries to reach Dorset and Devon. And because the history and heritage of La Manche provide plenty of ideas for outings, cycling fans can set off on the Véloroute cycle path from

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the D-Day Beaches to Mont SaintMichel. This trail is 230 kilometres long and has 10 stages on which to explore Normandy’s natural, historical and cultural heritage. The Tatihou - Mont Saint-Michel mountain bike trail, with its 285 kilometres and 5 stages, offers an immersion in the diversity of the territory. It combines sporting sensations with heritage sightseeing by crossing La Manche from north to south, from Val de Saire to the Bay of Mont Saint-Michel. Follow this itinerary to admire the Normandy coasts, cross the marshes of Sangsurière and Adriennerie, set off across the hedged farmland, take the submersible road from La Vanlée harbour among the sheep of the salt marshes, and get away from it all on Tatihou island and the Bay of Mont SaintMichel… Along the way, you should also take the time to stop and visit the varied and numerous buildings, viewpoints and museums.

Find all the information, maps and practical guides for the great hiking itineraries on manche-tourism.com (Walks, rambles and rides section)

The tourist offices in La Manche (see list p. 50) offer practical guides for families to enjoy local walks, cycle rides and horse rides. In the eyes of... Arnaud Guérin

A geologist with a DESS qualification in the Environment, Arnaud Guérin became a professional photographer in order to build a bridge between science and the general public. Telling the story of Earth and nature is what drives him. arnaudguerin.com “All around the world there are legendary paths: Milford track in New Zealand, Laugavegur in Iceland, the Tour du Mont Blanc in France, Italy and Switzerland… Our customs path is one of those. This coastal circuit where we all have a favourite section is actually an awesome trekking itinerary, around 400 kilometres long with a change in altitude of around 7,000 metres, that connects the D-Day Beaches to Mont Saint-Michel no less, via the Val de Saire, La Hague and the Côte des Isles. Along the way, being the trekker that I am, I go from one marvel to another, collecting gems during the course of my journey. At the end of the trip, the resulting necklace is one of the most beautiful adornments that you could possibly offer inquisitive travellers who love sustainable, local tourism. So put on your boots and set off on the path of marvels.” 26

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Of stones and culture The immeasurable heritage of La Manche transcends time and passing fads, engraved in the stones as if in the genes of all those who care enough to share it.

Hambye abbey 28

The tourist destination magazine for La Manche

Of stones and culture La Manche takes care of its architectural gems just as it takes care to preserve its landscapes and pass on its skills and traditions, the cornerstones of its identity and a remarkable legacy to share.

a Manche’s heritage has earned it many certifications, including the status of UNESCO World Heritage Site. First, Mont Saint-Michel and its bay were added to this list in 1979. In 2008, the Tours Vauban at La Hougue and Tatihou were listed among twelve fortifications built by the military architect Vauban (17th century). In November 2016, Granville carnival was added to the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity list. A popular celebration organised around Shrove Tuesday - with parades, a confetti battle and intrigues - it has run for over 140 years. The first carnivals were held to give the sailors a few carefree hours before heading off to fish for cod on the Banks of Newfoundland.

NATURAL HERITAGE

The sea, hedged farmland and marshes are the main components of La Manche’s landscape, and the area is particularly committed to preserving its environment. In fact, 26 “Sensitive Natural Areas” offer guided tours, as do many remarkable natural sites. As well as these sites, there are two regional nature parks: the Cotentin

and Bessin Marshland Regional Nature Park, a vast area of marshes and hedged farmland that is home to exceptional flora and fauna and can be visited all year round, and the Normandie-Maine Regional Nature Park, an ideal place for outings and relaxation in the craggy vales of the Mortainais.

SKILLS AND TRADITIONS

The local craftspeople have no need of advertising. Thousands of visitors flock to see them every year, for example visiting the bell foundry at Villedieu-lesPoêles, which also built its reputation on copperwork. Villedieu has earned the Ville et Métiers d’Art label. The La Manche peninsula has plenty to appeal to architecture enthusiasts, too. The territory has been shaped by the monuments that testify to its devotion to religion in the Middle Ages. This era was also the time when conquerors, like the sons of Tancred who became the kings of Sicily, opened Normandy up to Eastern inspirations, which has since become intertwined with Norman art. This is also the origin of the leopards

The bell foundry at Villedieu-les-Poêles 31

The tourist destination magazine for La Manche

Of stones and cultures

The Roches de Ham

that are the emblems of the region, and the Church of Saint-André-de-Bohon has the most obvious example of this contribution in the whole of Normandy: a bas-relief carved into the limestone depicting two affronted lions, dating from the early 12th century. Various eras and influences inspired the architecture of La Manche, without erasing the typical construction methods based on granite, shale and earth. Many manor houses, castles and more humble abodes were spared the wartime destruction and make for some very charming old neighbourhoods, villages and hamlets in La Hague, Val de Saire, the Côte des Havres and the Mortainais. You have to come up close to see all these treasures, and immerse yourself in the landscapes shaped by La Manche’s diverse heritage. Their beauty can also be admired from above, from the overhangs offering panoramic views. The public park in Avranches, the Roches de Ham, the cliffs of Jobourg, La Pernelle in Val de Saire and the Fosse Arthour in the Mortainais are great examples. 32

Certified lands of art and history La Manche contains two areas that are certified Pays d’art et d’histoire (Lands of art and history). In the Coutances area, there are many treasures that provide evidence of the local area’s rich history. The buildings in particular: Coutances cathedral, the lime kilns of Regnévillesur-Mer, Gratot castle and Pirou castle, the abbeys of Hambye and Lessay, the manor farms… You should also be sure to explore the Clos du Cotentin, further north. This land includes three remarkable settlements: the old Gaulish village of Alauna that is now Valognes, the fiefdom of the 17th-century aristocracy who built many mansions there, SaintSauveur-le-Vicomte, birthplace of the writer Jules Barbey d’Aurevilly, and Bricquebec, which boasts three castles and the Abbey of NotreDame-de-Grâce, whose community of Cistercian monks makes the famous Trappe de Bricquebec cheese.

Top left, the castle - Bricquebec Middle left, Port-Bail Bottom left, Lessay Abbey Church Above, the cathedral - Coutances

So, are you ready to go?

Find all the information about UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and certified Pays d’art et d’histoire and Ville et métiers d’art, on manche-tourism.com (Heritage section)

The Regional Nature Parks offer places to enjoy sightseeing and many different activities in the Maisons du Parc visitor centres: Maison du Parc of the Cotentin and Bessin Marshlands in Saint-Côme-du-Mont parc-cotentin-bessin.fr/

Maison du Parc Normandie-Maine

parc-naturel-normandie-maine.fr

A list of nature outings and visitor centres is available on manche-tourism.com (Places to visit section)

The tourist destination magazine for La Manche

LA MANCHE

for families

for couples

Thalassotherapy

La Cité de la Mer in Cherbourg-en-Cotentin

Here you can visit the submarine Le Redoutable, get close to the famous submarine exploration craft and an extraordinary abyssal aquarium, walk under the sea or relive the Titanic’s crossing! citedelamer.com

Fun for all at “Famille Plus” resorts

Three seaside resorts, Agon-Coutainville, Barneville-Carteret and Hauteville-sur-Mer, and one countryside resort, Saint-Hilaire-duHarcouët, have been awarded the “Famille Plus” label. They offer a range of facilities and activities for children and grown-ups alike: handicraft workshops, marble contests, police investigations, and introductions to sand yachting, skimboard and many more! manche-tourism.com/family-plus-label See the list of tourist offices on page 50

Adventure for all the family

previthal.com manche-tourism.com/wellbeing-normandy

Cookery workshops

Working in a small team at a hands-on workshop, learn to cook like a chef! Find out the tips and tricks that make all the difference, and learn a special recipe by a top chef from La Manche or a traditional recipe from Cotentin during your stay in La Manche. la-ferme-des-mares.com wildekitchen.net ateliersdecuisine-yannickleflot.fr

At your own pace, on foot, by bike and by canoe, discover our selection of walks all over La Manche. Choose your circuit depending on your mode of transport, timing, distance and level of difficulty, then set off in total freedom.

manche-tourism.com/families-in-normandy

Route guides available at the tourist offices. See the list of tourist offices page 50

Perfect your swing

Golfers will find courses in La Manche located between land and sea, with great technical challenges and amazing viewpoints guaranteed! Granville has one of the region’s most highly prized golf courses. The 27 holes on gently rolling ground amid the wild sand dunes make it one of France’s most famous links. manche-tourism.com/golf-normandy

Discover the caves of Jobourg

On foot, by bike, by canoe…

Looking for fun activities to share with the family? Discover the many leisure parks in La Manche: zoos and animal parks to meet wildlife, as well as treetop rope courses, ziplines, laser tag, etc. for the greatest adventurers!

Get together in a pampering bubble, just the two of you at a spa in La Manche, and treat yourselves to some relaxing moments by the sea. For all your relaxation, fitness and pampering needs, there are many spas and wellness centres offering saunas, hammams, swimming pools, hot tubs… you just need to pick one!

The château lifestyle

Feel like a getaway just for two? Experiece “the château lifestyle” for a weekend in one of the many manors, castles and charming period houses in La Manche. gites-de-france-manche.com/locations-de-vacances-d-exception.html

Standing 130 metres tall, the Nez de Jobourg towers over the jagged coasts of La Hague opposite the Channel Islands. With experienced guides, venture into the secret caves on the trail of the smugglers who used to haunt these secluded natural hiding places. exspen.com aladecouvertedelahague.fr 35

The tourist destination magazine for La Manche

A P ENINS U LA F OR ALL F O U R SEASONS In La Manche, the four seasons are all in evidence and clearly defined, but they like to be mischievous and mix things up sometimes, with four seasons in one day!

The Cotentin and Bessin Marshland Regional Nature Park

n La Manche the weather is changeable - and that’s one thing that will never change! How could it be otherwise, since the Cotentin peninsula has three particularities, or you might say three qualities. A narrow outline, the sea all around and tides that chase away the clouds… well, sometimes. It’s Mother Nature who decides, and that’s what makes the place so charming.

WINTER

Cap de la Hague

Here, three white mantles make for a peaceful winter. From one end of the department to the other, the frosty mornings make the rolling countryside look magical, sparkling in the gentle rays of the rising sun. At the centre of the territory, the immense Cotentin and Bessin Marshland Regional Nature Park is filled with fertile water. This natural

phenomenon called “white marshes” makes the landscape look like a mirror that stretches as far as the eye can see, reflecting the polar blue of the winter sky and thousands of migrant birds. If by chance, the first season of the year decides to be generous, snow may even fall on the coastline. The spectacle of the snow covering the Bay of Mont SaintMichel is simply magical. Of course, as the locals say, “fait pas chaud!” (“it’s not warm!”), but never mind. If you don your pea coat or a reefer jacket made in La Manche, you’ll be ready to face the sea spray and enjoy the exceptional light in January. It’s no surprise that the area attracts photographers, who fall in love with Cotentin’s naturally photogenic scenery. To provide some fireworks and fanfare, and because La Manche loves to celebrate the seasons in its own way, a 37

The tourist destination magazine for La Manche

A PENINSULA FOR ALL FOUR SEASONS festival full of colour and human warmth comes to break up the whiteness of winter, the Granville carnival. And because the sky likes to have fun too, it sometimes provides unusually sunny days for the thousands of carnivalgoers.

SPRING

Spring first makes an appearance along the wayside and in the middle of the fields. The primroses and golden daffodils are the first to come and warm up the cold land, even though a few spring frosts may still be in waiting. April brings the delicate apple blossom into bloom. The marshes around Carentan have turned greener than ever. Up at Vauville, the tropical-looking flora defies the clichés. At sea, the whelk harvest replaces the sea bass fishing campaign. Carrots from Créances, mange-tout peas, cress and shallots appear on the market stalls. The spring tides invite rockpoolers to their favourite playground. If you are amazed by the

Market - Granville

sight of the sea disappearing into the distance, you are sure to enjoy gathering prawns and hunting for cockles and clams. But watch out! To make the most of the day and come back “tired and happy” with a bucketful of treasure, it’s best to be accompanied by a local who knows all about the rising tide. When the clocks go forward in the summer, the days are longer for night owls and a walk to the Pointe d’Agon seems very appealing. Sometimes a squall, as unexpected as it is short, brings out the yellow sou’westers, like bouquets of sunshine dotted about the sand. Make sure you bring some rainwear options in your bags and baskets. Long sleeves and short sleeves, sandals and Wellington boots.

A PENINSULA FOR ALL FOUR SEASONS sails, as soon as the first sun rays shine, towards the Chausey archipelago and the Channel Islands. The scent of summer, and the famous mussels and chips from Blainville and Barfleur, fills the air. The mercury can rise as high as thirty degrees. Really! You just have to come and see it to believe it. Visitors flock to the seafront terraces and sun loungers, bathers wait for high tide, and beach volleyball players have plenty of room to knock the ball about. Further along, on the wet sand, impromptu pétanque games take place, undisturbed by the sand yachts rushing by. Tatihou island gets ready to welcome world musicians for an audience of spectators and walkers, while further south, pilgrims from all over the world cross other shores.

AUTUMN Soon it will be time to go back to school or work, but autumn and the oysters have to wait before making their entrance. Every year in La Manche sees an Indian summer. It prolongs the vitamin-rich benefits of the sunshine before making way for the salty air of the storms and breakers. Pulled from the trees by the persistent winds, the autumn leaves cover the countryside and the white seafoam knocks on the doors of the seaside houses. It’s time to head inland. So, to accompany this transhumance and honour the fourth season, Les Rendez-Vous Soniques brings more electric sounds to SaintLô’s famous music scene.

SUMMER In Granville and Barneville-Carteret, wise skippers take advantage of the winter to restore their boats. They will set off again with the wind in their

Tatihou island - Saint-Vaast-la-Hougue

The tourist destination magazine for La Manche

GASTRONOMY As seen by Mathilde, â&#x20AC;&#x153;pausez-vousâ&#x20AC;? blogger from La Manche

La Manche is a discreet region. Yet when we look more closely, we realise that its edible treasures form the basis of gastronomy all over the world.

The tourist destination magazine for La Manche

#dairy products Raw milk plays a major role in gastronomy. It gives us butter, cream… and cheese! A world of flavours, in other words. This milk, which is natural as it has not undergone any heat treatment, is therefore much creamier and is a flavour enhancer for our favourite recipes. Conveniently, La Manche meets all the conditions to produce excellent milk: a wild territory made up of fields and farmlands and a mild, humid climate - it’s the ideal place for it. Thus our butters and creams are acclaimed for their quality among chefs all around the world.

#apples & cider

#seafood Can you imagine a party without oysters? A summer without a plate of mussels and chips? All over France and the world, our oysters are known for their flavour and quality, to the point that some oyster farms in France rear oysters from our region in their oyster tanks. Our mussels, whether they are wild from Barfleur or farmed on ropes (bouchot), are not to be outdone. What makes this flavour so special? The richness of our coasts, which are brimming with plankton! They are farmed at sea and pummelled by the strong tides, the strongest in Europe, which gives them their incomparable taste!

#salt marsh lamb

Looking for a delicious drink to accompany our local specialities? Indulge in our ciders* and apple juices, which go wonderfully with dishes such as seafood and cheese from La Manche. These are Normandy’s trademark beverages, and owe their authentic flavour to the quality of the apples from our orchards and their natural, artisanal production methods. The skills have been passed on down the generations, since local varieties are used to make these quality products. So it’s no surprise that our still and unpasteurised ciders* earned the Controlled Designation of Origin (AOC) last June, under the name “Cidre Cotentin”.

Another example? Try salt marsh lamb from La Manche! Its aromatic, fragrant flavour is obtained by the lambs frolicking for three months on our coastal pastures, which are covered by the spring tides once or twice a month. For the lamb will travel for many kilometres along our coasts, which influences the subtle taste of its flesh. Its meat is enough in itself: to cook it, forget about garlic and thyme and just add fleur de sel, for the salt marsh lamb from La Manche should be enjoyed as a simple dish. *Excessive alcohol consumption is bad for your health. Enjoy responsibly.

Mathilde Mochon

With a camera in one hand and a fork in the other, Mathilde roams the department in search of food treasures, which she shares on her blog Pause{s}

The tourist destination magazine for La Manche

Souvenirs made in

LA MANCHE

A sailor’s jersey Fashion and nautical clothing

Are you on holiday and want to bring back a little souvenir, a local speciality or a typical product from Normandy? We’ve selected 10 ideas for products “Made in La Manche”. Discover great contemporary gift ideas, created in La Manche! Give them as a gift or bring them home to make your holiday in Normandy last a bit longer!

Saint-James The must-have item for your wardrobe is designed at Saint-James in La Manche. In the SAINT JAMES studios, you’ll find Breton tops, jumpers, jackets, dresses and other clothing on a nautical theme… Classic and timeless, the Breton top is also a great gift or souvenir for all ages. saint-james.fr

The genuine Cherbourg Umbrella Cherbourg-en-Cotentin Invented and made in Cherbourg. Quality, security and authenticity are the best words to describe this wonderful gift! Sport Auto, Windproof, Milady… The range is extensive. Just pick the model that suits you best. parapluiedecherbourg.com

Infusions and teas

AOC Cotentin cider The producers of Cidre Cotentin* are committed to preserving their terroir and expertise, resulting in a quality product. Its character and flavour balance are mainly obtained from a selection of local varieties. 100% pure juice and naturally sparkling, Cidre Cotentin* is not pasteurised. This cider stands out from the crowd - it is full bodied and its bitter, tangy notes prevail over the sweet ones. Cider Cotentin* also comes in an extra-dry version called Extra Brut. cidrecotentin.fr

La Cotentine Moderne Saint-Germain-sur-Ay

Seafood rillettes L’Atelier du Poissonnier Agon-Coutainville Rillettes, terrines, soups… Excellent produts in attractive jars! A little souvenir from La Manche to delight the taste buds. L’Atelier du Poissonnier also offers gift sets. Buy them directly at the Atelier du Poissonnier in Agon-Coutainville. atelierdupoissonnier.com

La Cotentine Moderne is the story of a born again country woman who decided to leave the rat race in order to farm salt marsh lambs in Saint-Germain-sur-Ay harbour. Not content with saving an old local breed of sheep, she has also created teas and herbal teas with delicious aromas from our coasts. Bring some of La Manche’s fresh air back with you and make your holiday last a bit longer while sampling her infusions! lacotentinemoderne.fr

“Le p’tit zef” aperitif Cidres Lemasson

Biscuits

La Maison du biscuit - Sortosville-en-Beaumont

Artisan-made. Established in 1903, Burnouf sells pure butter biscuits… A real treat! There’s something for every taste: financiers, cookies, doigts de dames, congolos, rochers coco, brownies, amandines, sablés diamants. Why not try the tasting assortment, which includes 8 house specialities. maisondubiscuit.fr

Cametours Le p’tit zef “is a punch-style aperitif. A subtle blend of calvados A.O.C*, orange juice and cane syrup. Not too sweet and not too sour, this aperitif is mainly made from organic ingredients”. cidre-lemasson.fr

Craft beer La Croix des grèves Courtils

Milk jam Lait Douceur de Normandie Saint-Sauveur-le-Vicomte

Trained at the French Institute of Brewing and Malting, Christophe prepares a wide range of beers*, each one more characterful than the one before it. The brewery is open to beer enthusiasts, who can visit and taste a few varieties of the world’s oldest fermented drink.

A treasure from the heart of Normandy, milk from our cows is turned into a nectar called milk “jam” known as confiture de lait. This marvel will make for a delicious breakfast and can be used in homemade desserts to delight your guests.

brasseriedelabaie.com

lait-douceur.com

A Manche Box The gift “made in Normandie” 6 box sets to discover, ranging from €29 to 159: a cruise to the islands, a microlight flight, a night in a tepee, a relaxation session at a spa, or dinner for 2… over 200 ideas for breaks or activities in La Manche, to give as a gift or treat yourself! manchetourisme.com/lamanchebox Also available at tourist offices in La Manche

*Excessive alcohol consumption is bad for your health. Enjoy responsibly. 44

The tourist destination magazine for La Manche

EVENTS IN 2017:

LONG LIVE LA MANCHE!

EVENTS IN 2017: LONG LIVE LA MANCHE! Information up-to-date on 15 December 2016 with information supplied by the event organisers.

ALL YEAR ROUND Fairs and markets, a tradition in La Manche La Manche has over 200 traditional fairs and markets. Six fairs, some of which are apparently a thousand years old, attract thousands of visitors every year. Each week, many towns have their own markets. On the menu: treats for the taste buds, meetings with local producers and a friendly atmosphere! The towns of Saint-Lô and Cherbourgen-Cotentin host the biggest markets on Saturdays with over 150 stalls. manche-tourism.com/markets-normandy

Franco-British Plant Days at Crosville-sur-Douve castle 15 and 16 April 2017 Already the 20th edition of this event, with over 60 exhibitors in the courtyard and around the castle. chateaucrosville.org

MAY

Jazz SOUS LES POMMIERS Coutances From 20 to 27 May 2017

FEBRUARY Granville Carnival From 24 to 28 February 2017 There has been a carnival in Granville every year for 143 years! This Norman institution is now on UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity list. carnavaldegranville.fr

APRIL “Christian Dior and Granville - CHILDHOOD HOME AND HAUTE COUTURE” Granville From 8 April to 24 September 2017 The exhibition sheds new light on the work of the great fashion designer, marking 70 years since his fashion house was founded. musee-dior-granville.com 46

Every year in Coutances, the festival puts on “jazz for a diverse audience” (jazz, blues, soul, funk, latino-jazz, electro, gospel, klezmer, swing, etc.). jazzsouslespommiers.com Bay of Mont Saint-Michel Marathon From 26 to 28 May 2017 An awe-inspiring natural setting in the bay, amazing routes and the exceptional site of Mont Saint-Michel as the final destination. In 2017, there will be a solo and duo marathon, a trail race, a half-marathon, a 10 km race, etc. marathondumontsaintmichel.com/fr

“The secret resident of the abbey” Nocturnal walk inside Mont SaintMichel Abbey From 10 July to 26 August 2017 Every night except for Sunday, take a nocturnal walk inside the abbey, during which you follow the traces of the peregrine falcon, a regular resident in the abbey church’s spire. abbaye-mont-saint-michel.fr

JUNE Festival Papillons de Nuit #17 Saint-Laurent-de-Cuves From 2 to 4 June 2017

P2N is a festival that celebrates all styles of music for a varied audience during three days of festivities. papillonsdenuit.com 73 AnniverSARy of the D-Day Landings Around 6 June 2017 Each year, the Liberation is commemorated with a series of ceremonies, reconstructions of American military camps, historic marches, militaria markets, historic parachute drops, exhibitions and military vehicle parades. ot-baieducotentin.fr/d-day-1944/ 73e-anniversaire-du-debarquementprogramme-juin-2017 rd

JULY “Sorties de Bain” street arts festival Granville From 6 to 9 July 2017 The street arts festival starts the season in Granville with over 50 live performances. sortiesdebain.com archipel-granville.com

STAGE OF THE TOUR DE FRANCE À LA VOILE Jullouville - 13 and 14 July 2017 Jullouville is hosting a stage of this sailing race for the first time, with a coastal raid in the bay of the Mont which everyone will be able to see from the beaches and promontories. tourvoile.fr Les Heures Musicales Festival at Lessay Abbey From 18 July to 18 August 2017 For twenty-three years, Les Heures Musicales has been putting on the world’s leading Baroque ensembles, in the enchanting setting of the Romanesque Lessay Abbey. heuresmusicalesdelessay.com Barneville-Carteret Gliss’ Festival - 22 and 23 July 2017 Founded two years ago, this board sports festival lasts two days and draws around 20,000 festival-goers from all over La Manche and the whole of western France, to watch shows and take part in demonstrations, all free of charge! bcglissfestival.com

AUGUST

Jazz en Baie FestivaL From 2 to 13 August 2017 A jazz and improvised music gathering, the Jazz en Baie festival is an event that combines tourism, music and heritage. jazzenbaie.com Normandie Horse Show Saint-Lô From 4 to 13 August 2017 The year’s big equestrian event. Sport, horse-breeding and shows, with free admission. A great day out for the whole family. normandiehorseshow.com “Les Traversées de Tatihou Musiques du large” Festival Tatihou island, Saint-Vaast-la-Hougue and Val de Saire From 14 to 26 August 2017

FeTE DE LA PeCHE a PIED Bay of Mont Saint-Michel Ecomuseum in Vains-St-Léonard 10 September 2017

Discover traditional rockpooling in the Bay of Mont Saint-Michel, with activities and rockpooing outings for the whole family. patrimoine.manche.fr Festival des coquillages et des crustacés Toute la Mer sur un plateau Granville fishing harbour and at the fish market 30 September and 1 October 2017 A big, educational popular celebration to learn about the diversity of local trades and seafood, and the gastronomic treasures of the area. ouestnormandie.cci.fr

OCTOBER An unusual festival of traditional and world music linked to the spring tide. Cross the foreshore to access the island and see the concerts. culture.manche.fr

“Mange ta soupe !” festival Carentan From 20 to 22 October 2017 A multi-disciplinary festival about the environment, health, solidarity, sociability and eco-awareness. mangetasoupe.eu

SEPTEMBER

NOVEMBER

Sainte Croix Thousand-yearold Fair Lessay - From 8 to 10 September 2017 Normandy’s biggest fair. A “thousandyear-old” institution with its traditional horse sales, markets, agricultural equipment and roast meat stands… “You’ll find it all here!” canton-lessay.com

Les Rendez-Vous Soniques Festival Saint-Lô - From 8 to 12 November 2017 The autumn festival of Les RendezVous Soniques offers a challenging, eclectic line-up featuring big names, new discoveries and up-and-coming local artists. lesrendezvoussoniques.com 47

The tourist destination magazine for La Manche

LA MANCHE in a nutshell POPULATION Manchots or Manchois? You choose!

517,998 inhabitants (2012) (i.e. 84 inhab. per km) Cherbourg-en-Cotentin

81,000

Saint-Lô (prefecture)

20,000 Granville

13,100

GEOGRAPHY

La Manche is the westernmost department of the Normandy region. To the south, La Manche adjoins Brittany with Ille-et-Vilaine, and the Pays de la Loire with Mayenne. The department is essentially made up of the Cotentin peninsula to the north, as well as part of Normandy’s hedged farmland. It forms the eastern part of the Armoricain massif except for the Carentan marshes, which are part of the Parisian basin, as is most of the west and centre of Normandy. Nearly

three times longer than it is wide, the department stretches for 138 km from north to south and 59 km from east to west.

360 km of coasts Islands: Mont SaintMichel, Tombelaine, Chausey, Tatihou, SaintMarcouf and Île Pelée.

TOURISM

Avranches

8,600

(source: INSEE 2013)

NATURE

4,000 hectares of sites listed as sensitive natural areas.

2 Regional Nature Parks Cotentin and Bessin Marshland/ Normandie-Maine.

6 nature reserves: the

Mathon peat bog, Cerisy national forest, Vauville pond, the Beaugillot estate, and the Sangsurière and Adriennerie marshes.

Over 7,000 km of marked

hiking paths.

A 15-metre tidal range

(difference in water level between low and high tide) in the Bay of the Mont, meaning that the area has Europe’s strongest tides.

Certifications and labels 2 UNESCO World Heritage Sites 1 event on UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity list 1 of the “Most Beautiful Villages of France” 4 “Famille Plus” resorts 2 “Villes et Pays d’Art et d’Histoire”

1 “Ville et Métiers d’Art”

EXCURSIONS TO THE ISLANDS

Chausey

Surface area: 5,938 km

Coutances

9,000

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

Mont Saint-Michel and its bay, the Vauban towers of La Hougue and Tatihou in Saint-Vaast-la-Hougue Granville Carnival

Barfleur

C7 GRANVILLE Jolie France Gare Maritime - Rue des Isles Tel. 02 33 50 31 31 / 02 33 50 31 81 vedettejoliefrance.com

Car-free crossings on “Joly France I”, “Jolie France II” and “Douce France”. The company runs a year-round service. Sea cruises and trips around the island. In July, a new ChauseyJersey line will be opening. Booking required.

THE CHANNEL ISLANDS C7 GRANVILLE B3 BARNEVILLE-CARTERET B2 DIÉLETTE Manche Iles Express 1 rue des Isles Tel. 0 825 131 050 manche-iles.com/en/ Crossings to the Channel Islands of Jersey, Guernsey, Aurigny and Sercq, departing from ports in

La Manche: Granville, BarnevilleCarteret and Diélette. C1 CHERBOURG-OCTEVILLE Les Vedettes du Cotentin Port Chantereyne Tel. 07 60 20 20 40 vedettesducotentin.com The ferry company offers a choice of transfers to Aurigny on a one-way or return trip basis. Crossings to Guernsey available on request.

CROSSINGS TO ENGLAND & IRELAND C1 CHERBOURG-OCTEVILLE

Agon-Coutainville, Hautevillesur-Mer, Barneville-Carteret and Saint-Hilaire-du-Harcouët Coutances and the Clos du Cotentin (around Bricquebec, Saint-Sauveur-le-Vicomte and Valognes) Villedieu-les-Poêles

TO ENGLAND

Brittany Ferries Gare Maritime Transmanche Tel. 02 33 88 44 88 / 0 825 828 828 brittany-ferries.co.uk Cherbourg to Portsmouth and Poole. All the phone numbers are indicated for calls from France. From abroad, dial 0033 instead of the first digit indicated. Example: to reach 02 33 05 98 70, dial 0033 2 33 05 98 70

to IRELAND

Irish Ferries Gare Maritime Transmanche Tel. 02 33 23 44 44 / 0 810 001 357 shamrock-irlande.com Cherbourg to Rosslare and Dublin Stena Line Limited Gare Maritime Transmanche Tel. 02 33 43 23 87 stenaline.fr Cherbourg to Rosslare

FIND A PLACE TO STAY IN LA MANCHE

Plan your seaside or country holiday in La Manche by selecting and booking your rental, hotel, B&B, campsite, holiday village or unusual accommodation at manche-tourism.com

The tourist destination magazine for La Manche was published in March 2017 by: Manche Tourisme - Comité Départemental du Tourisme de la Manche - Maison du Département – 98 route de Candol - CS 73108 – 50008 SAINT-LÔ Cedex Editorial: Géraldine Lebourgeois, Stephanie Montagne-Grésille / Creation: DGC Communication – Saint-Lô / Printing: Lecerf Rouen Offset – Mont-Saint-Aignan Photo credits: Anibas Photography/CDT50/ le-Haras-National-de-Saint-Lo, Anlorh, Archives départementales de la Manche, ASOY-Mainguy, Stephan Barrault, Château Crosville, Coraline Berrat, Alice Bertrand, Brasserie de la Baie, Captain Yvon, Christophe Cauchard, Centre des Monuments Nationaux/Abbaye du Mont SaintMichel, Nicolas Chagnon, Château Chantore/ Bacilly, Chlomkup, David Daguier/CD50, David Darrault, Karina Davis, Loris Delande/Cotentin Surf club, Arnaud Digard, Drouhot/La Cité de La Mer, Philippe Fauvel/CDT50, Festival Les Art’Zimutés, Festival Jazz en Baie, Fotolia, Léa Guillotte, Ghislaine Hervieu, Thierry Houyel/ CDT50, Jérôme Houyvet, Kujjuk, La BARJO, La Maison du Biscuit, La Malice Photographie/C’est beau la Manche, Alexandre Lamoureux/PAT de la baie du Mont Saint-Michel, L’Atelier du Poissonnier, Marie-Brigitte Leflot, Pierre-Yves Le Meur, Marc Lerouge/CDT50/PAT du Cotentin, Le véritable parapluie de Cherbourg, MLP, Hélène Marie, Mathilde Mochon, Normandie Horse Show, Éric Parisot/Airborne Museum, Jimmy Perrotte/Manche Tourisme, Prévithal, Rorold, Nicolas Rottiers, Team Extrem, Hermance Triay, Vincent M, Voyez large, Zoo Champrépus, CD50, Par Douve et Marais, G. Mignard, X. Any reproduction, even partial, of the articles or illustrations in this magazine is strictly prohibited. This magazine is not contractually binding and despite the care taken over its production, it may contain errors for which Manche Tourisme shall not be held liable.

The tourist destination magazine for La Manche

TOURIST OFFICES C6 AGON-COUTAINVILLE Coutances Tourisme Portes du Cotentin 02 33 19 08 10 tourisme-coutances.fr

A1 AUDERVILLE Office de Tourisme de la Hague Cap Cotentin 02 33 52 74 94 cap-cotentin.fr D7 AVRANCHES Office de Tourisme Mont-Saint-Michel-Normandie 02 33 58 00 22 cc-avranchesmontsaintmichel.fr E1 BARFLEUR Office de Tourisme 02 33 54 02 48 barfleur.fr B3 BARNEVILLE-CARTERET

Office de Tourisme de la Côte des Isles 02 33 04 90 58 otcdi.com

B1 BEAUMONT-HAGUE Office de Tourisme de la Hague Cap Cotentin 02 33 52 74 94 cap-cotentin.fr C6 BLAINVILLE-SUR-MER Coutances Tourisme Portes du Cotentin 02 33 19 08 10 tourisme-coutances.fr E8 BRECEY

Office de Tourisme Mont-Saint-Michel-Normandie 02 33 89 21 13 tourisme-brecey.com C7 BREHAL

Office de Tourisme Granville Terre et Mer 02 33 90 07 95 tourisme-granville-terre-mer.com C4 BRETTEVILLE-SUR-AY

Office de Tourisme Côte Ouest Centre Manche 02 33 17 04 04 tourisme-cocm.fr

C3 BRICQUEBEC Office de Tourisme du Cœur du Cotentin 02 33 52 21 65 otbv.fr E4 CARENTAN Office de Tourisme de la Baie du Cotentin 02 33 71 23 50 ot-baieducotentin.fr

D9 DUCEY Office de Tourisme Mont-Saint-Michel-Normandie 02 33 60 21 53 ducey-tourisme.com

D1 FERMANVILLE Office de Tourisme Cotentin Val de Saire 02 33 23 12 13 tourismecotentinvaldesaire.fr

C8 CAROLLES Office de Tourisme Granville Terre et Mer 02 33 61 92 88 tourisme-granville-terre-mer.com

D7 GAVRAY Coutances Tourisme Portes du Cotentin 02 33 19 08 10 tourisme-coutances.fr

B3 CARTERET

C9 GENETS

Office de Tourisme de la Côte des Isles otcdi.com

E4 CHERBOURG-

EN-COTENTIN Office de Tourisme de Cherbourg-Cotentin 02 33 93 52 02 cherbourgtourisme.com

D6 COUTANCES Coutances Tourisme Portes du Cotentin 02 33 19 08 10 tourisme-coutances.fr

C5 CREANCES Office de Tourisme Côte Ouest Centre Manche 02 33 45 05 71 tourisme-cocm.fr C4 DENNEVILLE Office de Tourisme de la Côte des Isles otcdi.com

B2 DIELETTE Office de Tourisme de la Hague Cap Cotentin 02 33 52 74 94 cap-cotentin.fr C7 DONVILLE-LES-BAINS Office de Tourisme Granville Terre et Mer 02 33 50 12 91 tourisme-granville-terre-mer.com

Office de Tourisme Mont-Saint-Michel-Normandie 02 33 89 64 00 tourismebaiemontstmichel.com C6 GOUVILLE-SUR-MER

Coutances Tourisme Portes du Cotentin 02 33 19 08 10 tourisme-coutances.fr

C7 GRANVILLE Office de Tourisme Granville Terre et Mer 02 33 91 30 03 tourisme-granville-terre-mer.com C6 HAUTEVILLE-SUR-MER Coutances Tourisme Portes du Cotentin 02 33 19 08 10 tourisme-coutances.fr

C9 LE MONT SAINT-MICHEL Office de Tourisme Mont-SaintMichel-Normandie 02 33 60 14 30 ot-montsaintmichel.com C9 LE MONT SAINT-MICHEL Centre d’Information Touristique (CIT) 02 14 13 20 15 bienvenueaumontsaintmichel.com B2 LES PIEUX Office de Tourisme de la Hague Cap Cotentin 02 33 52 81 60 cap-cotentin.fr C5 LESSAY

Office de Tourisme Côte Ouest Centre Manche 02 33 45 14 34 tourisme-cocm.fr D3 MONTEBOURG

Office de Tourisme intercommunal de Montebourg 02 33 41 15 73 officetourismemontebourg.fr F9 MORTAIN Office de Tourisme Mont-Saint-Michel-Normandie 02 33 59 19 74 mortainais-tourisme.org

D5 PERIERS Office de Tourisme Côte Ouest Centre Manche 02 33 47 82 57 tourisme-cocm.fr

C8 JULLOUVILLE Office de Tourisme Granville Terre et Mer 02 33 61 82 48 tourisme-granville-terre-mer.com

C5 PIROU Office de Tourisme Côte Ouest Centre Manche 02 33 46 30 47 tourisme-cocm.fr

C4 LA HAYE-DU-PUITS Office de Tourisme Côte Ouest Centre Manche 02 33 46 01 42 tourisme-cocm.fr

C10 PONTORSON Office de Tourisme Mont-Saint-Michel-Normandie 02 33 60 20 65 mont-saint-michel-baie.com

D8 LA HAYE-PESNEL Office de Tourisme Granville Terre et Mer 02 33 90 75 02 tourisme-granville-terre-mer.com

B4 PORTBAIL Office de Tourisme de la Côte des Isles 02 33 04 03 07 otcdi.com

D2 QUETTEHOU Office de Tourisme de la Pointe de Saire 02 33 43 63 21 ot-pointedesaire.com

D2 QUINEVILLE Office de Tourisme intercommunal de Montebourg 02 33 94 46 70 officetourismemontebourg.fr D4 SAINT-COME-DU-MONT Maison du Parc naturel régional des Marais du Cotentin et du Bessin 02 33 71 65 30 parc-cotentin-bessin.fr C4 SAINT-GERMAIN-SUR-AY Office de Tourisme Côte Ouest Centre Manche 02 33 07 02 75 tourisme-cocm.fr

C3 SAINT-SAUVEUR-LE-VICOMTE Office de Tourisme du canton de St Sauveur le Vicomte 02 33 21 50 44 saint-sauveur-le-vicomte. stationverte.com

F8 SOURDEVAL Office de Tourisme Mont-Saint-Michel-Normandie 02 33 79 35 61 mortainais-tourisme.org

Office de Tourisme 02 33 71 99 71 tourisme-saintvaast.com

F6 TORIGNI-SUR-VIRE Office de Tourisme de Saint-Lô Agglo 02 33 77 42 22 ot-saintloagglo.fr

D3 SAINTE-MERE-EGLISE Office de Tourisme de la Baie du Cotentin 02 33 21 00 33 ot-baieducotentin.fr

C2 VALOGNES Office de Tourisme du Cœur du Cotentin 02 33 40 11 55 otbv.fr

E2 SAINT-VAAST-LA-HOUGUE

E7 VILLEDIEU-LES-POELES Office de Tourisme et Vitrine des Métiers d’Art 02 33 61 05 69 ot-villedieu.fr

All the phone numbers are indicated for calls from France. From abroad, dial 0033 instead of the first digit indicated. Example: to reach 02 33 05 98 70, dial 0033 2 33 05 98 70

CHERBOURG-ENCOTENTIN

E9 SAINT-HILAIRE-DU

HARCOUET Office de Tourisme Mont-Saint-Michel-Normandie 02 33 79 38 88 st-hilaire.fr

Dielette

D10 SAINT-JAMES Office de Tourisme Mont-Saint-Michel-Normandie 02 33 89 62 38 saintjamestourisme.fr

Saint-Côme-du-Mont

C8 SAINT-JEAN-LE-THOMAS Office de Tourisme Mont-Saint-Michel-Normandie 02 33 70 90 71 tourismebaiemontstmichel.com E5 SAINT-LO Office de Tourisme de Saint-Lô Agglo 02 14 29 00 17 ot-saintloagglo.fr

C8 SAINT-PAIR-SUR-MER Office de Tourisme Granville Terre et Mer 02 33 50 52 77 tourisme-granville-terre-mer.com D1 SAINT-PIERRE-EGLISE Office de Tourisme Cotentin Val de Saire 02 33 23 12 13 tourismecotentinvaldesaire.fr

-03

Tourist destination magazine # 1st

The cabins at Gouville-sur-Mer

EDITION 2017

THE MONT AND ITS MARVELS

manche-tourism.com

D-DAY, MEMORY AND EMOTION THE PROMISES OF THE COASTLINE OF STONES AND CULTURE LA MANCHE FOR COUPLES AND FAMILIES