THE NORMANDY
ADVERTISER 95c
ISSUE 28
APRIL 2012
PUBLISHERS OF
News and What’s on information for Normandy and the surrounding area
Cherbourg marks the Titanic’s stop PLUS 3 PAGES OF EASTER WHAT’S ON EVENTS P8-10
Cyclists unite to fight Mont St Michel bike ban AUTHORITIES in charge of the Mont Saint Michel have been urged to rethink plans to ban bicycles from accessing the famous monument. Two cycling groups have written a joint letter to the local mayor and the BasseNormandie préfecture arguing that the ban is unnecessary and possibly illegal. Bike users’ federation FUB, which represents hundreds of independent cycling groups around France, and the Fédération Française de Cyclotourisme say limiting bike access at the busiest times would be enough. Another local cycling group, Vélocité, is considering legal action if the ban is not overturned. From April 28, the car park at the foot of Mont Saint Michel will be moved 2km inland, as works get under way to turn the site back into a natural island accessible only by a new bridge. FUB president Geneviève Laferrère said: “We want the mayor to reconsider his decision, which we think is contrary to the law. “Short-term restrictions on bikes to allow the works to be carried out, and at particularly busy times, would be enough.”
World heritage bid for valley by SAMANTHA DAVID DETERMINED efforts are under way for the Seine valley and the beautiful Côte d’Albâtre in Haute-Normandie to become recognised as an official Unesco world heritage site. The Seine-Maritime departmental council has two full-time officials working on the project, which will be a long process requiring intense lobbying. Department president Didier Marie, who is leading the Vallée de Seine and the Côte d'Albâtre campaign, said the tourist industry would support the bid and that formal Unesco recognition would enhance the region’s unique identity. However, the bid could be complicated by a potential conflict of interest, as plans are under way to re-industrialise and develop parts of the region. Mr Marie said he did not see a conflict between economic development and a Unesco listing. He said it is just a matter of putting everything in the right place, and defining the areas to be protected with precision and care. Continued on page 3
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Am I from Normandy? Sometimes, says election hopeful Hollande
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