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Tourist destination magazine # 1st EDITION 2017

The cabins at Gouville-sur-Mer THE MONT AND ITS MARVELS -tourism.com D-DAY, MEMORY AND EMOTION THE PROMISES OF THE COASTLINE OF STONES AND CULTURE LA MANCHE FOR COUPLES AND FAMILIES 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 Discover a destination Souvenirs made in La Manche ...... 44 shaped by the elements, surprising, Events in 2017, long live La Manche! ...... 46 “ la manche in a nutshell ...... 48 fascinating and full of promises of Practical information ...... 49

an unforgettable stay ” List of tourist offices...... 50

Map of La Manche ...... 51

The Nez de The Mont and its marvels

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 islet The tourist destination magazine for La Manche The tourist destination magazine for La Manche

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 Tombelaine, which is very popular is immense: 575 km2 between with the many birds that frequent Cancale and Granville. In this the territory. The bay is a remarkable Tlandscape moulded by the ebb and reservoir of biodiversity, with a variety flow of the biggest tides in , the of fauna and flora. There are no less “Wonder of the West” stands proud. than 130 species of birds, and about a The Mont and its abbey, crowned by hundred species of fish... the Archangel Saint Michael (Archange When venturing onto the sandy Saint-Michel), can first be seen from benches, visitors may be lucky enough the heights of the due to to spot the harbour seals who love this particular geographical location. to visit the bay. They may also catch For walkers, the cliffs of sight of the common bottlenose and Champeaux offer a particularly dolphin colony that is well-known in the impressive view, perched at heights of Norman-Breton Gulf. 60 or even 80 metres. Even the regulars always marvel at this MEETING WITH changing landscape, at the confluence THE MARVEL of the rivers Sée, Sélune and . Once you arrive at the foot of the rock, Spanning this famous river, which the atmosphere changes. This area is has a dam that is also involved in the more densely populated. Beyond the movements of the bay, is the famous gates of the Mont Saint-Michel ramparts, new footbridge which allows visitors to the medieval village is full of life. reach Mont Saint-Michel. The Centre des monuments nationaux, Of course you can get there faster, the body in charge of the abbey, thanks to the and maringottes reminds us: “The long history of Mont (a type of horse-drawn carriage) Saint-Michel began in 708, when that will take you to the Mont from Bishop Aubert had the first sanctuary the car parks. But approaching this built on Mont-Tombe in honour of the wonderful place while taking the time Archangel”. to immerse yourself in the landscape is Benedictines settled there in the 10th an experience to be enjoyed again and century and began to build the abbey, again. which became “a major pilgrimage site VENTURING ONTO of the Christian West as well as one of the centres for medieval culture where THE SHIFTING SANDS a large number of manuscripts were When the tide is out, you have to be produced, preserved and studied”. brave to cross the shores as the pilgrims A veritable architectural feat, the do; this is an unforgettable experience abbey has been transformed over the on a site unlike any other, and allows centuries and offers a great variety of you to approach the Mont in a more forms. Its Merveille (meaning “Marvel”), private way. For these hikes, you have a structure located to the north of the to be accompanied by certified and abbey church, stands as a masterpiece experienced guides due to the risks of of Norman Gothic art and testifies to rising tides and shifting sands. the extraordinary expertise of the 13th- Crossing the Bay of Mont Saint-Michel Some trips go via the granite islet of century builders.

6 7 The tourist destination magazine for La Manche The tourist destination magazine for La Manche

THE MONT AND ITS MARVELS

periodically turn the Mont into an MANUSCRIPTS island. The tidal range is nearly fifteen AND SCRIPTORIAL metres when the water is very choppy. The town of , the custodian of The spectacle is particularly striking at the books of the religious communities the equinoctial tides: the tide goes out in the area since 1791, for about fifteen kilometres and comes retains 203 volumes from Mont Saint- back in at “the speed of a galloping Michel. These manuscripts – evidence horse”, as the saying goes. More of the spiritual, intellectual and artistic specifically, the speed of the rising life of the Benedictine monks – have tide varies by location. In all cases, been on display in the Scriptorial since it provides a fascinating spectacle 2006. A municipal museum conceived and causes a tidal bore, a wave which “as a true metaphor for Mont Saint- travels up the bay against the bay’s Michel”, it offers an introductory journey current. to learn about the monastic scribes and Created by the high-speed tide, this the production of the manuscripts, surge can be up to fifty centimetres which Avranches endeavours to make high. accessible to everyone using methods The curious phenomenon attracts that include digitisation. crowds to the shore and also to the water: kayakers love to surf on it and be HIGH TIDES carried as far as possible inland from AND TIDAL BORE Mont Saint-Michel, with the challenge The Bay of Mont Saint-Michel lives being to avoid getting “pushed out” of to the rhythm of powerful tides that the wave too soon. Mont Saint-Michel Abbey cloister

Find out all about the bay, crossings So, are you ready and spring tides on to go? 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.

“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 Scriptorial - Avranches the crypts, the church and the cloister... Here, dreams come true.”

8 9 D-Day, memory and emotion

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 The tourist destination magazine for La Manche The tourist destination magazine for La Manche

D-DAY, MEMORY AND EMOTION

From 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 experience the minutes that preceded world’s biggest armada landed the big jump by the parachutists of the on the beaches of . 101st Airborne. This very impressive ThousandsA of soldiers braved their three-dimensional simulation reminds fear of the unknown, determined to us of the fear that they had to overcome put an end to the five-year reign of a and the courage that the soldiers, who monstrous war machine. were often very young, had to show. The tributes are in evidence all over the HISTORY department of La Manche. IS AN OPEN BOOK The Route du D-Day et de la Bataille Several museums like the Musée du de Normandie, and the Normandy Débarquement at Utah Beach, the Victory Museum in Catz (opening Airborne Museum in Sainte-Mère- in spring 2017), will also help you Eglise or the D-Day Experience in to gain an understanding, beyond Saint-Côme-du-Mont will take you on a the strategic scale of the coalition, journey to the heart of history. A host of the impact on the lives of the of objects, uniforms, equipment, films local people who found themselves and photographs explain in detail the involved in an unthinkable historic large military challenge that was the event, sometimes unwillingly, which is D-Day Landings. Fully immersed in always a very moving experience for D-Day, you can even board a C47 and visitors. It’s no surprise that these big

Iron Mike - La Fière

12 The bell tower - Sainte-Mère-Eglise13 The tourist destination magazine for La Manche The tourist destination magazine for La Manche

first village liberated by sea, just a few D-DAY, MEMORY hours after the D-Day landings, it took AND EMOTION seventy days of fighting to liberate , Saint-Lô, Avranches, Mont Saint-Michel, and all the surrounding elaborate installations of the “US Army realised that soldiers from the far towns and countryside. Although General Hospitals”. end of the United States, and indeed D-Day itself had fewer military They also remember fleeing, when from all over the world, would maybe, casualties than had been feared, the they had to leave the area and find probably, surely help them to heal troops’ advance across the lands of La safe havens. But they especially like their wounds and look forward to Manche proved more complicated and to recall the joy they felt when they rebuilding for a better future. deadlier than expected. The hell of the Cotentin and marshland, the battle of the hedgerows, the capturing of the batteries at Crisbecq and Find all the visitor attractions, accommodation near the D-Day , the recapturing of Fort du So, are you ready beaches and tours for families on Roule, the liberation of , the manche-tourism.com entrance into Saint-Lô, the prefectural to go? (D-Day in Normandy section) town that was entirely destroyed by bombing, and the famous Operation or try the Musée à Ciel Ouvert experience: a 50 km trail Cobra, followed by the Avranches Breakthrough, were all among the guided by a touchscreen tablet, to explore the key sites obstacles to winning the challenge of the D-Day landings, starting from the tourist office in of the Liberation. Thanks to the Sainte-Mère-Église The Musée du Débarquement - Sainte-Marie-du-Mont commitment, determination, and mental and strategic strength of the famous generals and majors, Leclerc, events celebrating the “anniversary” Patton, Howie (who died for Saint-Lô), of D-Day and the commemoration Bradley, Collins and Johnson, to name ceremonies organised each year are but a few, and their valiant soldiers, the so enthusiastically received. feat was accomplished. These great Veterans and World War Two military figures will forever be part enthusiasts feel the need to meet of world history and particulary the up in places that are steeped in history of La Manche and Normandy. emotion, such as the American Here, in this part of , there is Military Cemetery in Saint-James or surely not a single family that is not the German Military Cemetery in La in some way linked to this universal Chapelle-en-Juger. event, a symbol of solidarity between the nations. OVER HEDGED FARMLAND THE DUTY AND MARSHES Just imagine the magnitude of OF REMEMBRANCE . 150,000 men, If, during your stay in Normandy, you more than 20,000 military vehicles have the chance to hear the stories of The Fort du Roule - Cherbourg-en-Cotentin and tonnes of equipment descended local residents who lived through the upon the Normandy beaches in just a occupation and the D-Day landings, few hours. This gigantic landing took you will immediately notice the In the eyes of... Gilles Perrault place after a stormy night, struggling strength of feeling that persists to this A writer and author of great accounts of investigations such as, “Le Secret du Jour J”, against the raging waters of the day. “Le Pull-over rouge”, “Notre ami le roi”, etc. His latest book “Le Dictionnaire amoureux . The mission of the The people of Manche, who were in de la Résistance” was a resounding success. first soldiers on the four kilometres most cases very young children at the All his books are published (or have been republished) by Fayard. of Utah Beach, supported by the time, remember the deafening sound parachutists who landed at dawn after of the thousands of planes, the bombs “Here, at Utah Beach, the sun rises over the sea. This is extremely rare in France. Thus the victory of a dark night above Sainte-Mère-Eglise, falling, the astounding arrival of the light over darkness surged forth from the water on 6 June 1944, and freedom came rolling back to was simple. It was necessary to head first GI’s in the isolated rural areas, the us on the crest of a wave. This is why a tour of our memorial sites in La Manche, on the beaches and inland as soon as possible, to recapture hundreds of tanks and vehicles that along the hollow paths where the battle of the hedgerows played out, is not a grim pilgrimage about Carentan and the deep water harbour looked unlike those of the occupying the giant slaughterhouses created by the madness of humankind, as is so often the case in France: of Cherbourg, among others. While forces, the military camps set up in instead it is about liberation, happiness, and hope; it resurrects the overwhelming emotion that the Sainte-Marie-du-Mont was the very just a few hours, and the extremely oldest among us experienced as children, and have never forgotten.”

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THE PROMISES OF THE COASTLINE

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 stands majestic and proud. From territory, the articifial harbour its great height, it watches over the of Cherbourg-en-Cotentin, sea squalls and currents, which are theA second biggest of its kind in the extremely strong and unruly at the Raz world, proudly displays its gigantic du Barfleur. Of course, the 365 steps framework. On a clear day, a deep may leave you short of breath but it’s blue sea appears. The long descent is well worth the effort, as the view is an opportunity to admire the unique untrammelled and the light is stunning. fortified architecture of this maritime As the sea air can give you quite an conurbation that contains four types appetite, you may want to head to the of port: marina, commercial, fishing and docks of Barfleur and Saint-Vaast la- military. Before exploring the historic Hougue, two authentic fishing villages, town centre and its monuments, before for a meal. Here and there, the cries entering the Gare Transatlantique of the gulls accompany the song of station, you should take the time to the sailboats, and the departures stroll along the seaside in order to get and arrivals of the trawling nets, an idea of all the space it occupies. depending on the time of the tide. Tide allowing, it will then be time for TOWARDS THE LEVANT you to walk or take an amphibious Next it’s time to make a choice. Head vehicle to the island of , with to the East Coast or discover the West its bird sanctuary, gardens and Vauban Coast? You will need to come back tower. A detour via Jonville beach regardless. One day is not enough to to the Pointe de Saire will make for explore and make the most of the 360 an enchanting day out. Kilometres of kilometres of coastline that form the golden sand stretch out in front of the outline of the department. flower-adorned villas that steadfastly The Gare Maritime Transatlantique station - Cherbourg-en-Cotentin To its left, the Gatteville lighthouse face the sea.

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THE PROMISES OF THE COASTLINE

Not far from these scenic villages So, if you feel like heading north- loved by holidaymakers, just 40 west, don’t miss the detour to Racine kilometres along the coast, Utah harbour, the smallest in France. In Beach and its D-Day museums keep a setting with a very Irish air about the right to remembrance alive in a it, the place is like something from a most pleasant way. Everywhere along novel… the coasts of the department of La Following the path past the brightly Manche, natural sites are protected coloured hulls of the tiny boats from any construction schemes that moored at the pontoons, you may might spoil the area. This sensation have decided to stop at Landemer, or is even more striking when you reach Omonville-la-Rogue, attracted by the the Baie des Veys. This large and side streets with their unique houses, uniquely beautiful estuary, into which and by the sails of the catamarans flow the four rivers that irrigate the further afield. The Nez de Jobourg, Contentin and Bessin Marshland way up at the Cap de , clearly Regional Natural Park, is a well-known knows how to attract visitors. We spot among rockpoolers. warned you, this wild coastline loves to keep leading you a little further LA HAGUE, along… AN IRISH AIR From these cliffs which culminate at Yet at this stage of your open-air 128 metres, some of the tallest in exploration, the other coast will still Europe, you will enjoy views of the not have revealed its treasures to you. Baie d’Écalgrain, where the mauve and Cap de Carteret

dazzling yellow of the flowers vie with an exceptional panoramic view of the the blue-green of the sea in an infinite Hatainville dunes on one side, and panorama. the Côte des Havres on the other. Further down, the peaceful cows The seaside resort of Barneville- make the most of the salty-aired Carteret boasts an array of beautiful countryside. The low walls divide the seaside villas, and offers a full range geometric plots of lush grass, which of watersports. Meanwhile, the stretches all the way to the water. The municipality of Portbail keeps watch foam of the Raz Blanchard surrounds over the advancing sea, which comes Goury lighthouse, the other guardian all the way to the foundation of its of the Manche coasts. Here, lifeguards church on spring tide days. are especially careful when the winds pick up. Then there’s the road to the harbours of Blainville, Regnéville and La In La Hague, the Customs Path is a joy Vanlée, wonderful natural beauty for walkers and admirers of beautiful spots that are very popular with landscapes. Surfers, windsurfers and watercolour artists and make for a swimmers in search of thrills will be pleasant wander. drawn to the beaches that prolong the coastline south of the . Also in this coastal area, you can give Sciotot, , Siouville-Hague and your taste buds a treat with oysters, offer some amazing waves lobsters and bouchot mussels. when the tide comes in. Adorned with cosy houses, the very long seawall at Agon-Coutainville is an FROM CAPES TO HARBOURS… established meeting point and you can Then, opposite the , be that this varied walk through Cap de Carteret, a promontory countryside and seaside will win you La Hague located on the Côte des Isles, offers over, too.

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THE PROMISES OF THE COASTLINE

THE MONT A little bit Norman yet distinctly British, ON THE HORIZON the islands of , Guernesey, Sercq, and Aurigny can be seen on the The dune landscape, so typical of the horizon. Treat yourself to an excursion West Coast, stretches all the way to to the Channel Islands, departing from Saint-Martin-de-Bréhal. Just before the harbours of La Manche (information Donville les Bains and Granville, p.49). the ultimate corsair town, pop up to surprise you. The promenade at the A little further south, the resorts of Plat Gousset, Haute Ville and the , Saint-Pair-sur-Mer and Pointe du Roc seem to gaze lovingly at Carolles, the first ever sea bathing the islands. It’s fun to watch destinations, enjoy the mild climate of the constant waltz of the sailboats the Bay of Mont Saint-Michel. Horse- while waiting for your turn to board. riders and sand yachts provide an In Chausey, a change of scene is interesting spectacle. guaranteed, as this archipelago of 365 And tucked behind the colourful cliffs islets at low tide and 52 at high tide of Champeaux, at the very end of this offers a new landscape every 6 hours. unique coastline that traces the outline Here, there’s hardly any traffic, just of the department from east to west, the nature in the raw, like stepping into “Wonder of the West” finally makes its another world… appearance.

Granville - Pointe du Roc Find all the visitor attractions and leisure activities So, are you ready available on the coast on to go? 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

“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 Carolles discovering yet more new photographic gems...”

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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.

22 The customs path in La Hague23 The tourist destination magazine for La Manche The tourist destination magazine for La Manche

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.

ne of the defining characteristics Michel, the Saint-Michel Paths form of the department of La a network of two itineraries through Manche is its mosaic of La Manche: the Cherbourg paths Olandscapes. There are the beaches of and the Barfleur paths. The first (202 fine sand, the granite cliffs, the hedged kilometres, nine stages) goes from farmland, the marshes… This diversity Cherbourg to the Côte des Havres, means that anyone who wants to Coutances and its cathedral, and leads experience its greatest treasures to the Mont and its bay. The second has to take their time. Fortunately, (192 kilometres, eight stages) starts the territory offers many paths and from Barfleur, crosses the Cotentin roads for exploring these landscapes: and Bessin Marshland Regional Nature on foot, on horseback, by bike… Not Park, and also goes via Coutances forgetting the canoe that gives access before heading towards the Bay of to places that only the network of Mont Saint-Michel. streams, rivers and waterways can reach. ON HORSEBACK Jullouville La Manche is horse-breeding country ON FOOT and has many great itineraries for When it comes to hiking, the most riders to enjoy. Between Cerisy- famous itinerary is the GR 223. la-Forêt and Mont Saint-Michel, an Spanning 436 kilometres, it provides equestrian adventure trail spanning a way to explore the whole coastline 155 kilometres – The Abbeys Road of La Manche - in one go or in – offers a variety of paths and sections - from the Bay of Veys to landscapes to discover Norman Mont Saint-Michel. It goes via the religious art, and the Romanesque, Cotentin marshes, the , Cistercian and Benedictine abbeys. the balconies of Cherbourg, the cliffs This walk also includes the National of La Hague, the Côte des Havres, Stud Farm of Saint-Lô, the Roches and the Coutançais hedged farmland de Ham overlooking the and a (Coutances area), before continuing crossing of the Bay of Mont Saint- towards Granville and the Bay of Mont Michel. Saint-Michel. The road is connected to the Voie Verte greenways, many local circuits Covering many kilometres, the and the “Bay of Mont Saint-Michel GR 223 follows the customs path equestrian heritage” itinerary. This that was once used to survey the 148-kilometre horse ride goes via the coasts and fight smuggling with the coastline and inland for an exploration Channel Islands. Yet at times it also of some remarkable sites: the Vanlée ventures inland, where visitors can harbour, the hollow paths of the find accommodation and refreshments hedged farmland, the Champeaux along the way. Inherited from cliffs… Along the way, the riders and The Haras National - Saint-Lô centuries of pilgrimage to Mont Saint- 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 the D-Day Beaches to Mont Saint- centre, where tomorrow’s champions Michel. This trail is 230 kilometres long learn their trade. and has 10 stages on which to explore BY BIKE Normandy’s natural, historical and Among the wide array of options for cultural heritage. cyclists, there are three main itineraries. Covering over 450 kilometres, the The Tatihou - Mont Saint-Michel Véloscénic connects two of France’s mountain bike trail, with its 285 most famous monuments: Notre- kilometres and 5 stages, offers an Dame-de- and Mont Saint- immersion in the diversity of the territory. Michel. The journey between these two It combines sporting sensations with sacred sites is divided into 25 stages heritage sightseeing by crossing La (5 in La Manche) where visitors can Manche from north to south, from Val de see many fine examples of the nation’s Saire to the Bay of Mont Saint-Michel. heritage. Another cycle route combines Follow this itinerary to admire the the charms of South-West , Normandy coasts, cross the marshes North and La Manche, areas of Sangsurière and Adriennerie, set that have a great deal in common. This off across the hedged farmland, take is the Tour de Manche, covering 1,200 the submersible road from La Vanlée kilometres with 50 stages (15 in La harbour among the sheep of the salt Manche). Cyclists have to take cross- marshes, and get away from it all on channel ferries to reach and Tatihou island and the Bay of Mont Saint- . And because the history and Michel… Along the way, you should also heritage of La Manche provide plenty take the time to stop and visit the varied of ideas for outings, cycling fans can set and numerous buildings, viewpoints and off on the Véloroute cycle path from museums.

Find all the information, maps and practical guides for So, are you ready the great hiking itineraries on to go? 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.”

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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.

28Hambye abbey 29 The tourist destination magazine for La Manche 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 and Bessin Marshland Regional Nature it many certifications, including Park, a vast area of marshes and hedged the status of UNESCO World farmland that is home to exceptional flora LHeritage Site. First, Mont Saint-Michel and fauna and can be visited all year round, and its bay were added to this list in and the Normandie- Regional 1979. In 2008, the Tours Vauban at La Nature Park, an ideal place for outings Hougue and Tatihou were listed among and relaxation in the craggy vales of the twelve fortifications built by the military Mortainais. architect Vauban (17th century). In November 2016, Granville carnival SKILLS AND TRADITIONS was added to the Intangible Cultural The local craftspeople have no need of Heritage of Humanity list. A popular advertising. Thousands of visitors flock celebration organised around Shrove to see them every year, for example Tuesday - with parades, a confetti battle visiting the bell foundry at Villedieu-les- and intrigues - it has run for over 140 Poêles, which also built its reputation years. The first carnivals were held to on copperwork. Villedieu has earned give the sailors a few carefree hours the Ville et Métiers d’Art label. before heading off to fish for cod on the Banks of Newfoundland. The La Manche peninsula has plenty to appeal to architecture enthusiasts, too. NATURAL HERITAGE The territory has been shaped by the The sea, hedged farmland and marshes monuments that testify to its devotion are the main components of La Manche’s to religion in the . This era landscape, and the area is particularly was also the time when conquerors, like committed to preserving its environment. the sons of Tancred who became the In fact, 26 “Sensitive Natural Areas” offer kings of , opened Normandy up guided tours, as do many remarkable to Eastern inspirations, which has since natural sites. As well as these sites, there become intertwined with Norman art. are two regional nature parks: the Cotentin This is also the origin of the leopards

30 The bell foundry at Villedieu-les-Poêles31 The tourist destination magazine for La Manche The tourist destination magazine for La Manche

Of stones and cultures

The Roches de Ham

that are the emblems of the , and Certified lands of art the Church of Saint-André-de-Bohon has the most obvious example of this and history contribution in the whole of Normandy: La Manche contains two areas that are a bas-relief carved into the limestone certified Pays d’art et d’histoire (Lands depicting two affronted lions, dating of art and history). In the Coutances Top left, the castle - from the early 12th century. area, there are many treasures that Middle left, Port-Bail Various eras and influences inspired provide evidence of the local area’s Bottom left, Abbey Church the architecture of La Manche, without rich history. Above, the cathedral - Coutances erasing the typical construction The buildings in particular: Coutances methods based on granite, shale and cathedral, the lime kilns of Regnéville- earth. Many manor houses, castles and sur-Mer, castle and more humble abodes were spared the castle, the abbeys of and wartime destruction and make for some Lessay, the manor farms… You should Find all the information about UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and certified Pays d’art et very charming old neighbourhoods, also be sure to explore the Clos du So, are you ready d’histoire and Ville et métiers d’art, on villages and hamlets in La Hague, Val Cotentin, further north. to go? manche-tourism.com de Saire, the Côte des Havres and the (Heritage section) Mortainais. This land includes three remarkable You have to come up close to see settlements: the old Gaulish village The Regional Nature Parks offer places to enjoy sightseeing and many different activities in all these treasures, and immerse of Alauna that is now , the the Maisons du Parc visitor centres: yourself in the landscapes shaped by fiefdom of the 17th-century aristocracy La Manche’s diverse heritage. Their who built many mansions there, Saint- Maison du Parc of the Cotentin and Bessin Marshlands in Saint-Côme-du-Mont beauty can also be admired from Sauveur-le-Vicomte, birthplace of parc-cotentin-bessin.fr/ above, from the overhangs offering the writer Jules Barbey d’Aurevilly, Maison du Parc Normandie-Maine panoramic views. The public park in and Bricquebec, which boasts three parc-naturel-normandie-maine.fr Avranches, the Roches de Ham, the castles and the Abbey of Notre- cliffs of Jobourg, in Val Dame-de-Grâce, whose community of A list of nature outings and visitor centres is available on de Saire and the Fosse Arthour in the Cistercian monks makes the famous manche-tourism.com Mortainais are great examples. Trappe de Bricquebec cheese. (Places to visit section)

32 33 The tourist destination magazine for La Manche The tourist destination magazine for La Manche

LA MANCHE LA MANCHE for families for couples

Thalassotherapy Get together in a pampering bubble, just the two of you at a spa in La Manche, and Perfect your swing La Cité de la Mer Fun for all at “Famille Plus” resorts treat yourselves to some relaxing moments Cookery workshops Golfers will find courses in La Manche Three seaside resorts, Agon-Coutainville, Barneville-Carteret and by the sea. in Cherbourg-en-Cotentin Working in a small team at a hands-on located between land and sea, with Hauteville-sur-Mer, and one countryside resort, Saint-Hilaire-du- For all your relaxation, fitness and Here you can visit the submarine Le Redoutable, get workshop, learn to cook like a chef! great technical challenges and amazing Harcouët, have been awarded the “Famille Plus” label. They offer a range pampering needs, there are many spas and close to the famous submarine exploration craft and an Find out the tips and tricks that make viewpoints guaranteed! Granville has one of of facilities and activities for children and grown-ups alike: handicraft wellness centres offering saunas, hammams, extraordinary abyssal aquarium, walk under the sea or all the difference, and learn a special the region’s most highly prized golf courses. workshops, marble contests, police investigations, and introductions to swimming pools, hot tubs… you just need to relive the Titanic’s crossing! recipe by a top chef from La Manche The 27 holes on gently rolling ground amid sand yachting, skimboard and many more! pick one! or a traditional recipe from Cotentin the wild sand dunes make it one of France’s citedelamer.com manche-tourism.com/family-plus-label previthal.com during your stay in La Manche. most famous links. manche-tourism.com/wellbeing-normandy See the list of tourist offices on page 50 la-ferme-des-mares.com manche-tourism.com/golf-normandy wildekitchen.net ateliersdecuisine-yannickleflot.fr

Adventure for all the family On foot, by bike, by canoe… Discover the caves of Jobourg Standing 130 metres tall, the Nez de Jobourg towers over the Looking for fun activities to share with the family? Discover At your own pace, on foot, by bike and by canoe, discover our selection of jagged coasts of La Hague opposite the Channel Islands. With the many leisure parks in La Manche: zoos and animal walks all over La Manche. Choose your circuit depending on your mode The château lifestyle experienced guides, venture into the secret caves on the trail of parks to meet wildlife, as well as treetop rope courses, of transport, timing, distance and level of difficulty, then set off in total Feel like a getaway just for two? Experiece “the château lifestyle” the smugglers who used to haunt these secluded natural hiding ziplines, laser tag, etc. for the greatest adventurers! freedom. for a weekend in one of the many manors, castles and charming places. manche-tourism.com/families-in-normandy period houses in La Manche. Route guides available at the tourist offices. See the list of tourist offices exspen.com page 50 gites-de-france-manche.com/locations-de-vacances-d-exception.html aladecouvertedelahague.fr

34 35 The tourist destination magazine for La Manche The tourist destination magazine for La Manche

A PENINSULA FOR ALL FOUR SEASONS

In La Manche, the four seasons are all in evidence and clearly The Cotentin and Bessin Marshland Regional Nature Park defined, but they like to be mischievous and mix things up sometimes, with four seasons in one day!

n La Manche the weather is phenomenon called “white marshes” changeable - and that’s one thing makes the landscape look like a mirror that will never change! How could that stretches as far as the eye can see, Iit be otherwise, since the Cotentin reflecting the polar blue of the winter peninsula has three particularities, sky and thousands of migrant birds. If or you might say three qualities. A by chance, the first season of the year narrow outline, the sea all around and decides to be generous, snow may even tides that chase away the clouds… well, fall on the coastline. The spectacle of the sometimes. It’s Mother Nature who snow covering the Bay of Mont Saint- decides, and that’s what makes the Michel is simply magical. Of course, as place so charming. the locals say, “fait pas chaud!” (“it’s not warm!”), but never mind. If you don your WINTER pea coat or a reefer jacket made in La Here, three white mantles make for a Manche, you’ll be ready to face the sea peaceful winter. From one end of the spray and enjoy the exceptional light in department to the other, the frosty January. It’s no surprise that the area mornings make the rolling countryside attracts photographers, who fall in love look magical, sparkling in the gentle with Cotentin’s naturally photogenic rays of the rising sun. At the centre of scenery. the territory, the immense Cotentin and To provide some fireworks and fanfare, Bessin Marshland Regional Nature Park and because La Manche loves to Cap de la Hague is filled with fertile water. This natural celebrate the seasons in its own way, a

36 37 The tourist destination magazine for La Manche The tourist destination magazine for La Manche

A PENINSULA FOR A PENINSULA FOR ALL FOUR SEASONS ALL FOUR SEASONS

festival full of colour and human warmth sight of the sea disappearing into sails, as soon as the first sun rays shine, comes to break up the whiteness of the distance, you are sure to enjoy towards the Chausey archipelago and AUTUMN winter, the Granville carnival. And gathering prawns and hunting for the Channel Islands. Soon it will be time to go back to because the sky likes to have fun too, cockles and clams. But watch out! To The scent of summer, and the famous school or work, but autumn and the it sometimes provides unusually sunny make the most of the day and come mussels and chips from Blainville and oysters have to wait before making days for the thousands of carnival- back “tired and happy” with a bucketful Barfleur, fills the air. The mercury can their entrance. Every year in La goers. of treasure, it’s best to be accompanied rise as high as thirty degrees. Really! Manche sees an Indian summer. It by a local who knows all about the rising You just have to come and see it to prolongs the vitamin-rich benefits SPRING tide. believe it. Visitors flock to the seafront of the sunshine before making way Spring first makes an appearance terraces and sun loungers, bathers for the salty air of the storms and along the wayside and in the middle of When the clocks go forward in the wait for high tide, and beach volleyball breakers. Pulled from the trees by the fields. The primroses and golden summer, the days are longer for night players have plenty of room to knock the persistent winds, the autumn daffodils are the first to come and warm owls and a walk to the Pointe d’Agon the ball about. Further along, on the leaves cover the countryside and the up the cold land, even though a few seems very appealing. Sometimes a wet sand, impromptu pétanque games white seafoam knocks on the doors spring frosts may still be in waiting. April squall, as unexpected as it is short, take place, undisturbed by the sand of the seaside houses. It’s time to brings the delicate apple blossom into brings out the yellow sou’westers, yachts rushing by. Tatihou island gets head inland. So, to accompany this bloom. The marshes around Carentan like bouquets of sunshine dotted ready to welcome world musicians for transhumance and honour the fourth have turned greener than ever. Up about the sand. Make sure you bring an audience of spectators and walkers, season, Les Rendez-Vous Soniques at Vauville, the tropical-looking flora some rainwear options in your bags while further south, pilgrims from all brings more electric sounds to Saint- defies the clichés. At sea, the whelk and baskets. Long sleeves and short over the world cross other shores. Lô’s famous music scene. harvest replaces the sea bass fishing sleeves, sandals and Wellington boots. campaign. Carrots from Créances, mange-tout SUMMER peas, cress and shallots appear on In Granville and Barneville-Carteret, the market stalls. The spring tides wise skippers take advantage of the invite rockpoolers to their favourite winter to restore their boats. They playground. If you are amazed by the will set off again with the wind in their

Market - Granville Tatihou island - Saint-Vaast-la-Hougue

38 39 The tourist destination magazine for La Manche The tourist destination magazine for La Manche

GASTRONOMY As seen by Mathilde, “pausez-vous” 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.

40 41 The tourist destination magazine for La Manche 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

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 #seafood of Origin (AOC) last June, under the name #salt marsh lamb “Cidre Cotentin”. Can you imagine a party without oysters? A summer without a plate of mussels and chips? Another example? Try salt marsh lamb from La Manche! Its aromatic, All over France and the world, our oysters are known fragrant flavour is obtained by the lambs frolicking for three months for their flavour and quality, to the point that some on our coastal pastures, which are covered by the spring tides once oyster farms in France rear oysters from our region or twice a month. For the lamb will travel for many kilometres along in their oyster tanks. Our mussels, whether they are our coasts, which influences the subtle taste of its flesh. Its meat is wild from Barfleur or farmed on ropes (bouchot), are enough in itself: to cook it, forget about garlic and thyme and just not to be outdone. What makes this flavour so special? add fleur de sel, for the salt marsh lamb from La Manche should be The richness of our coasts, which are brimming with enjoyed as a simple dish. plankton! They are farmed at sea and pummelled by the strong tides, the strongest in Europe, which gives them their incomparable taste! *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}

42 43 The tourist destination magazine for La Manche The tourist destination magazine for La Manche Souvenirs made in

LA MANCHE A sailor’s jersey Fashion and nautical clothing AOC Cotentin cider Are you on holiday and want to bring back a little souvenir, a local speciality or a typical product from Saint-James The genuine Normandy? We’ve selected 10 ideas for products “Made in La Manche”. The producers of Cidre Cotentin* are Cherbourg Umbrella committed to preserving their terroir Discover great contemporary gift ideas, created in La Manche! The must-have item for your wardrobe is designed at Saint-James in La Cherbourg-en-Cotentin and expertise, resulting in a quality Give them as a gift or bring them home to make your holiday in Normandy last a bit longer! Manche. In the SAINT JAMES studios, product. Its character and flavour you’ll find Breton tops, jumpers, Invented and made in Cherbourg. balance are mainly obtained from a jackets, dresses and other clothing on Quality, security and authenticity are the selection of local varieties. 100% pure a nautical theme… Classic and timeless, best words to describe this wonderful juice and naturally sparkling, Cidre the Breton top is also a great gift or gift! Sport Auto, Windproof, Milady… The Cotentin* is not pasteurised. This souvenir for all ages. range is extensive. Just pick the model cider stands out from the crowd - it is that suits you best. full bodied and its bitter, tangy notes saint-james.fr prevail over the sweet ones. Cider parapluiedecherbourg.com Cotentin* also comes in an extra-dry version called Extra Brut. Infusions and teas cidrecotentin.fr La Cotentine Moderne Saint-Germain-sur-Ay Seafood rillettes L’Atelier du Poissonnier La Cotentine Moderne is the story of a born again country woman who decided to Agon-Coutainville leave the rat race in order to farm salt marsh lambs in Saint-Germain-sur-Ay harbour. Not Rillettes, terrines, soups… Excellent content with saving an old local breed of produts in attractive jars! A little souvenir sheep, she has also created teas and herbal from La Manche to delight the taste teas with delicious aromas from our coasts. buds. L’Atelier du Poissonnier also offers Bring some of La Manche’s fresh air back gift sets. Buy them directly at the Atelier with you and make your holiday last a bit Craft beer du Poissonnier in Agon-Coutainville. longer while sampling her infusions! “Le p’tit zef” La Croix des grèves Milk jam

atelierdupoissonnier.com Lait Douceur de Normandie lacotentinemoderne.fr aperitif Cidres Lemasson Saint-Sauveur-le-Vicomte Trained at the French Institute of Brewing and Malting, A treasure from the heart of Biscuits Christophe prepares a wide Normandy, milk from our cows A Manche Box Le p’tit zef “is a punch-style aperitif. A range of beers*, each one is turned into a nectar called La The gift “madeMaison in Normandie” du biscuit - -en-Beaumont subtle blend of A.O.C*, orange more characterful than the one milk “jam” known as confiture Artisan-made. Established in 1903, Burnouf juice and sellscane syrup. Notpure too sweet andbutter biscuits…before it. The brewery is openA de real lait. This marvel will make 6 box sets to discover, ranging from €29 to 159: a cruise to treat! There’s something for every taste: financiers, cookies, doigts de dames, congolos, not too sour, this aperitif is mainly made to beer enthusiasts, who can for a delicious breakfast and the islands, a microlight flight, a night in a tepee, a relaxation rochers coco, brownies, amandines, sablés diamants. Why not try the tasting assortment, from organic ingredients”. visit and taste a few varieties can be used in homemade session at a spa, or dinner for 2… over 200 ideas for breaks or which includes 8 house specialities. cidre-lemasson.fr of the world’s oldest fermented desserts to delight your activities in La Manche, to give as a gift or treat yourself! maisondubiscuit.fr drink. guests. manchetourisme.com/lamanchebox brasseriedelabaie.com lait-douceur.com Also available at tourist offices in La Manche *Excessive alcohol consumption is bad for your health. Enjoy responsibly. 44 45 The tourist destination magazine for La Manche The tourist destination magazine for La Manche

EVENTS IN 2017: LONG LIVE LA MANCHE!

“The secret resident AUGUST FeTE DE LA PeCHE a PIED of the abbey” Bay of Mont Saint-Michel EVENTS IN 2017: Nocturnal walk inside Mont Saint- Ecomuseum in -St-Léonard Michel Abbey 10 September 2017 From 10 July to 26 August 2017 Every night except for Sunday, take a LONG LIVE LA MANCHE! nocturnal walk inside the abbey, during which you follow the traces of the Information up-to-date on 15 December 2016 with information supplied by the event organisers. peregrine falcon, a regular resident in the abbey church’s spire. abbaye-mont-saint-michel.fr Jazz en Baie FestivaL From 2 to 13 August 2017 Franco-British Plant Days at ALL YEAR ROUND JUNE A jazz and improvised music gathering, Crosville-sur- castle the Jazz en Baie festival is an event that 15 and 16 April 2017 Festival Papillons de Nuit #17 Fairs and markets, combines tourism, music and heritage. Discover traditional rockpooling in Already the 20th edition of this Saint-Laurent-de-Cuves a tradition in La Manche the Bay of Mont Saint-Michel, with event, with over 60 exhibitors in the From 2 to 4 June 2017 jazzenbaie.com La Manche has over 200 traditional activities and rockpooing outings for courtyard and around the castle. fairs and markets. Six fairs, some of Normandie Horse Show the whole family. chateaucrosville.org which are apparently a thousand years patrimoine.manche.fr STAGE OF THE TOUR DE FRANCE Saint-Lô old, attract thousands of visitors every À LA VOILE From 4 to 13 August 2017 year. Jullouville - 13 and 14 July 2017 The year’s big equestrian event. Sport, Festival des coquillages Each week, many towns have their Jullouville is hosting a stage of this horse-breeding and shows, with free et des crustacés own markets. On the menu: treats for sailing race for the first time, with a admission. A great day out for the Toute la Mer sur un plateau the taste buds, meetings with local coastal raid in the bay of the Mont whole family. Granville fishing harbour and at the producers and a friendly atmosphere! which everyone will be able to see normandiehorseshow.com fish market The towns of Saint-Lô and Cherbourg- P2N is a festival that celebrates all from the beaches and promontories. 30 September and 1 October 2017 en-Cotentin host the biggest markets styles of music for a varied audience MAY tourvoile.fr “Les Traversées de Tatihou - A big, educational popular celebration on Saturdays with over 150 stalls. Jazz SOUS LES POMMIERS during three days of festivities. Musiques du large” Festival to learn about the diversity of manche-tourism.com/markets-normandy Coutances papillonsdenuit.com Les Heures Musicales Festival Tatihou island, Saint-Vaast-la-Hougue local trades and seafood, and the From 20 to 27 May 2017 at Lessay Abbey and Val de Saire gastronomic treasures of the area. 73rd AnniverSARy of the D-Day From 18 July to 18 August 2017 From 14 to 26 August 2017 ouestnormandie.cci.fr Landings For twenty-three years, Les Heures FEBRUARY Around 6 June 2017 Musicales has been putting on the Each year, the Liberation is Granville Carnival world’s leading Baroque ensembles, OCTOBER commemorated with a series of From 24 to 28 February 2017 in the enchanting setting of the There has been a carnival in Granville ceremonies, reconstructions of American “Mange ta soupe !” festival Romanesque Lessay Abbey. every year for 143 years! This Norman military camps, historic marches, militaria Carentan heuresmusicalesdelessay.com From 20 to 22 October 2017 institution is now on UNESCO’s markets, historic parachute drops, An unusual festival of traditional and A multi-disciplinary festival about Intangible Cultural Heritage of Every year in Coutances, the festival exhibitions and military vehicle parades. Barneville-Carteret world music linked to the spring tide. the environment, health, solidarity, Humanity list. puts on “jazz for a diverse audience” ot-baieducotentin.fr/d-day-1944/ Gliss’ Festival - 22 and 23 July 2017 Cross the foreshore to access the sociability and eco-awareness. carnavaldegranville.fr (jazz, blues, soul, funk, latino-jazz, 73e-anniversaire-du-debarquement- Founded two years ago, this board sports island and see the concerts. mangetasoupe.eu electro, gospel, klezmer, swing, etc.). programme-juin-2017 festival lasts two days and draws around culture.manche.fr jazzsouslespommiers.com 20,000 festival-goers from all over APRIL JULY La Manche and the whole of western SEPTEMBER NOVEMBER Bay of Mont Saint-Michel France, to watch shows and take part in “Christian Dior and Marathon “Sorties de Bain” demonstrations, all free of charge! Sainte Croix Thousand-year- Les Rendez-Vous Soniques Granville - CHILDHOOD HOME From 26 to 28 May 2017 street arts festival bcglissfestival.com old Fair Festival AND HAUTE COUTURE” Granville An awe-inspiring natural setting Granville Lessay - From 8 to 10 September 2017 Saint-Lô - From 8 to 12 November 2017 From 8 April to 24 September 2017 in the bay, amazing routes and the From 6 to 9 July 2017 Normandy’s biggest fair. A “thousand- The autumn festival of Les Rendez- The exhibition sheds new light on the exceptional site of Mont Saint-Michel The street arts festival starts the year-old” institution with its traditional Vous Soniques offers a challenging, work of the great fashion designer, as the final destination. In 2017, there season in Granville with over 50 live horse sales, markets, agricultural eclectic line-up featuring big names, marking 70 years since his fashion will be a solo and duo marathon, a trail performances. equipment and roast meat stands… new discoveries and up-and-coming house was founded. race, a half-marathon, a 10 km race, etc. sortiesdebain.com “You’ll find it all here!” local artists. musee-dior-granville.com marathondumontsaintmichel.com/fr archipel-granville.com canton-lessay.com lesrendezvoussoniques.com

46 47 The tourist destination magazine for La Manche The tourist destination magazine for La Manche

LA MANCHE PRACTICAL in a nutshell INFORMATION

three times longer than it is wide, the GEOGRAPHY department stretches for 138 km from EXCURSIONS TO THE ISLANDS FIND A PLACE POPULATION north to south and 59 km from east to TO STAY IN La Manche is the westernmost west. Manchots or Manchois? You choose! department of the Normandy region. LA MANCHE To the south, La Manche adjoins Chausey Plan your seaside or country Brittany with Ille-et-Vilaine, and the Surface area: 5,938 km holiday in La Manche by selecting 517,998 inhabitants Car-free crossings on “Joly France I”, (2012) (i.e. 84 inhab. per km) Pays de la Loire with Mayenne. The and booking your rental, hotel, C7 GRANVILLE “Jolie France II” and “Douce France”. department is essentially made up of 360 km of coasts B&B, campsite, holiday village Cherbourg-en-Cotentin Jolie France The company runs a year-round the to the north, or unusual accommodation at Gare Maritime - Rue des Isles service. Sea cruises and trips around 81,000 as well as part of Normandy’s hedged Islands: Mont Saint- manche-tourism.com Tel. 02 33 50 31 31 / 02 33 50 31 81 the island. In July, a new Chausey- Saint-Lô (prefecture) farmland. It forms the eastern part of Michel, Tombelaine, vedettejoliefrance.com Jersey line will be opening. Booking the Armoricain massif except for the 20,000 required. Carentan marshes, which are part of Chausey, Tatihou, Saint- Granville the Parisian basin, as is most of the Marcouf and Île Pelée. 13,100 west and centre of Normandy. Nearly THE CHANNEL ISLANDS Coutances The tourist destination magazine for La La Manche: Granville, Barneville- Manche was published in March 2017 by: 9,000 C7 GRANVILLE Carteret and Diélette. Manche Tourisme - Comité Départemental du Tourisme de la Manche - Maison du Avranches TOURISM B3 BARNEVILLE-CARTERET Département – 98 route de Candol - CS 73108 – 8,600 Certifications and labels C1 CHERBOURG-OCTEVILLE 50008 SAINT-LÔ Cedex B2 DIÉLETTE Les Vedettes du Cotentin Editorial: Géraldine Lebourgeois, Stephanie (source: INSEE 2013) Montagne-Grésille / Creation: DGC Communication 2 UNESCO World Mont Saint-Michel and its bay, the Manche Iles Express Port Chantereyne – Saint-Lô / Printing: Lecerf Rouen Offset – Heritage Sites Vauban towers of La Hougue and 1 rue des Isles Tel. 07 60 20 20 40 Mont-Saint-Aignan Tatihou in Saint-Vaast-la-Hougue Tel. 0 825 131 050 vedettesducotentin.com Photo credits: Anibas Photography/CDT50/ 1 event on UNESCO’s le-Haras-National-de-Saint-Lo, Anlorh, Archives manche-iles.com/en/ The company offers a choice of départementales de la Manche, ASOY-Mainguy, NATURE Intangible Cultural Crossings to the Channel Islands transfers to Aurigny on a one-way or Stephan Barrault, Château Crosville, Coraline Heritage of Granville Carnival Berrat, Alice Bertrand, Brasserie de la Baie, 4,000 hectares of sites listed of Jersey, , Aurigny and return trip basis. Crossings to Guernsey Captain Yvon, Christophe Cauchard, Centre des Humanity list Sercq, departing from ports in Monuments Nationaux/Abbaye du Mont Saint- as sensitive natural areas. available on request. Michel, Nicolas Chagnon, Château Chantore/ , Chlomkup, David Daguier/CD50, David 2 Regional Nature Parks 1 of the Darrault, Karina Davis, Loris Delande/Cotentin Cotentin and Bessin Marshland/ “Most Beautiful Barfleur Surf club, Arnaud Digard, Drouhot/La Cité de CROSSINGS TO ENGLAND & La Mer, Philippe Fauvel/CDT50, Festival Les Normandie-Maine. Villages of France” Art’Zimutés, Festival Jazz en Baie, Fotolia, Léa C1 CHERBOURG-OCTEVILLE Guillotte, Ghislaine Hervieu, Thierry Houyel/ 6 nature reserves: the CDT50, Jérôme Houyvet, Kujjuk, La BARJO, La Mathon peat bog, Cerisy national Maison du Biscuit, La Malice Photographie/C’est 4 “Famille Plus” Agon-Coutainville, Hauteville- TO ENGLAND to IRELAND beau la Manche, Alexandre Lamoureux/PAT forest, Vauville pond, the Beaugillot de la baie du Mont Saint-Michel, L’Atelier du estate, and the Sangsurière and resorts sur-Mer, Barneville-Carteret and Poissonnier, Marie-Brigitte Leflot, Pierre-Yves Le Saint-Hilaire-du-Harcouët Gare Maritime Transmanche Gare Maritime Transmanche Meur, Marc Lerouge/CDT50/PAT du Cotentin, Adriennerie marshes. Tel. 02 33 88 44 88 / 0 825 828 828 Tel. 02 33 23 44 44 / 0 810 001 357 Le véritable parapluie de Cherbourg, MLP, Hélène Marie, Mathilde Mochon, Normandie Over 7,000 km of marked 2 “Villes et Pays d’Art Coutances and the Clos du brittany-ferries.co.uk shamrock-irlande.com Horse Show, Éric Parisot/Airborne Museum, Cherbourg to and . Cherbourg to Rosslare and Jimmy Perrotte/Manche Tourisme, Prévithal, hiking paths. et d’Histoire” Cotentin (around Bricquebec, Rorold, Nicolas Rottiers, Team Extrem, Hermance Triay, Vincent M, Voyez large, Zoo Champrépus, Saint-Sauveur-le-Vicomte and A 15-metre tidal range All the phone numbers are indicated for Limited CD50, Par Douve et Marais, G. Mignard, X. (difference in water level between low Valognes) Any reproduction, even partial, of the articles calls from France. Gare Maritime Transmanche or illustrations in this magazine is strictly From abroad, dial 0033 instead of the first and high tide) in the Bay of the Mont, Tel. 02 33 43 23 87 prohibited. This magazine is not contractually meaning that the area has Europe’s 1 “Ville Villedieu-les-Poêles digit indicated. binding and despite the care taken over its et Métiers d’Art” Example: to reach 02 33 05 98 70, dial stenaline.fr production, it may contain errors for which strongest tides. 0033 2 33 05 98 70 Cherbourg to Rosslare Manche Tourisme shall not be held liable.

48 49 The tourist destination magazine for La Manche The tourist destination magazine for La Manche

D2 C3 SAINT-SAUVEUR-LE-VICOMTE F8 E7 VILLEDIEU-LES-POELES TOURIST OFFICES Office de Tourisme Office de Tourisme du canton Office de Tourisme Office de Tourisme de la Pointe de Saire de St Sauveur le Vicomte Mont-Saint-Michel-Normandie et Vitrine des Métiers d’Art 02 33 43 63 21 02 33 21 50 44 02 33 79 35 61 02 33 61 05 69 C6 AGON-COUTAINVILLE C3 BRICQUEBEC D9 DUCEY C9 LE MONT SAINT-MICHEL ot-pointedesaire.com saint-sauveur-le-vicomte. mortainais-tourisme.org ot-villedieu.fr Coutances Tourisme Office de Tourisme Office de Tourisme Office de Tourisme Mont-Saint- stationverte.com Portes du Cotentin du Cœur du Cotentin Mont-Saint-Michel-Normandie Michel-Normandie

02 33 19 08 10 02 33 52 21 65 02 33 60 21 53 02 33 60 14 30 tourisme-coutances.fr otbv.fr ducey-tourisme.com ot-montsaintmichel.com D2 QUINEVILLE F6 TORIGNI-SUR-VIRE Office de Tourisme E2 SAINT-VAAST-LA-HOUGUE Office de Tourisme E4 CARENTAN C9 LE MONT SAINT-MICHEL All the phone numbers are intercommunal de Office de Tourisme de Saint-Lô Agglo indicated for calls from France. Office de Tourisme Centre d’Information Touristique 02 33 94 46 70 02 33 71 99 71 02 33 77 42 22 From abroad, dial 0033 instead of A1 de la Baie du Cotentin D1 (CIT) officetourismemontebourg.fr tourisme-saintvaast.com ot-saintloagglo.fr the first digit indicated. Office de Tourisme 02 33 71 23 50 Office de Tourisme Cotentin Val 02 14 13 20 15 Example: to reach 02 33 05 98 70, de la Hague Cap Cotentin ot-baieducotentin.fr de Saire bienvenueaumontsaintmichel.com D4 SAINT-COME-DU-MONT dial 0033 2 33 05 98 70 02 33 52 74 94 02 33 23 12 13 Maison du Parc naturel cap-cotentin.fr tourismecotentinvaldesaire.fr B2 régional des Marais du Cotentin D3 SAINTE-MERE-EGLISE C2 VALOGNES Office de Tourisme et du Bessin Office de Tourisme de la Baie du Office de Tourisme du Cœur du D7 AVRANCHES C8 CAROLLES D7 GAV RAY de la Hague Cap Cotentin 02 33 71 65 30 Cotentin Cotentin Office de Tourisme Office de Tourisme Coutances Tourisme 02 33 52 81 60 parc-cotentin-bessin.fr 02 33 21 00 33 02 33 40 11 55 Mont-Saint-Michel-Normandie Granville Terre et Mer Portes du Cotentin cap-cotentin.fr ot-baieducotentin.fr otbv.fr 02 33 58 00 22 02 33 61 92 88 02 33 19 08 10 C4 SAINT-GERMAIN-SUR-AY cc-avranchesmontsaintmichel.fr tourisme-granville-terre-mer.com tourisme-coutances.fr C5 LESSAY Office de Tourisme Office de Tourisme Côte Ouest Centre Manche B3 CARTERET C9 GENETS Côte Ouest Centre Manche 02 33 07 02 75 CHERBOURG-EN- E1 BARFLEUR Office de Tourisme Office de Tourisme 02 33 45 14 34 tourisme-cocm.fr Office de Tourisme de la Côte des Isles Mont-Saint-Michel-Normandie tourisme-cocm.fr COTENTIN 02 33 54 02 48 otcdi.com 02 33 89 64 00 E9 SAINT-HILAIRE-DU- barfleur.fr tourismebaiemontstmichel.com D3 MONTEBOURG HARCOUET Office de Tourisme Office de Tourisme Dielette B3 BARNEVILLE-CARTERET C6 GOUVILLE-SUR-MER intercommunal de Montebourg Mont-Saint-Michel-Normandie Office de Tourisme E4  CHERBOURG- Coutances Tourisme 02 33 41 15 73 02 33 79 38 88 de la Côte des Isles EN-COTENTIN Portes du Cotentin officetourismemontebourg.fr st-hilaire.fr 02 33 04 90 58 Office de Tourisme de 02 33 19 08 10 F9 otcdi.com Cherbourg-Cotentin tourisme-coutances.fr MORTAIN 02 33 93 52 02 Office de Tourisme cherbourgtourisme.com C7 GRANVILLE Mont-Saint-Michel-Normandie D10 SAINT-JAMES Office de Tourisme 02 33 59 19 74 Office de Tourisme Saint-Côme-du-Mont B1 BEAUMONT-HAGUE Granville Terre et Mer mortainais-tourisme.org Mont-Saint-Michel-Normandie Office de Tourisme de la Hague 02 33 91 30 03 02 33 89 62 38 Cap Cotentin D6 COUTANCES tourisme-granville-terre-mer.com saintjamestourisme.fr 02 33 52 74 94 Coutances Tourisme cap-cotentin.fr Portes du Cotentin C6 HAUTEVILLE-SUR-MER D5 PERIERS C8 SAINT-JEAN-LE-THOMAS 02 33 19 08 10 Coutances Tourisme Office de Tourisme Office de Tourisme C6 BLAINVILLE-SUR-MER tourisme-coutances.fr Portes du Cotentin Côte Ouest Centre Manche Mont-Saint-Michel-Normandie Coutances Tourisme 02 33 19 08 10 02 33 47 82 57 02 33 70 90 71 Portes du Cotentin tourisme-coutances.fr tourisme-cocm.fr tourismebaiemontstmichel.com 02 33 19 08 10 tourisme-coutances.fr C5 CREANCES E5 SAINT-LO Office de Tourisme Office de Tourisme Côte Ouest Centre Manche C8 JULLOUVILLE C5 PIROU de Saint-Lô Agglo E8 BRECEY 02 33 45 05 71 Office de Tourisme Office de Tourisme 02 14 29 00 17 Office de Tourisme tourisme-cocm.fr Granville Terre et Mer Côte Ouest Centre Manche ot-saintloagglo.fr Mont-Saint-Michel-Normandie 02 33 61 82 48 02 33 46 30 47 02 33 89 21 13 C4 DENNEVILLE tourisme-granville-terre-mer.com tourisme-cocm.fr tourisme-brecey.com Office de Tourisme de la Côte des Isles C4 LA HAYE-DU-PUITS C10 C8 SAINT-PAIR-SUR-MER C7 BREHAL otcdi.com Office de Tourisme Office de Tourisme Office de Tourisme Granville Office de Tourisme Côte Ouest Centre Manche Mont-Saint-Michel-Normandie Terre et Mer Granville Terre et Mer 02 33 46 01 42 02 33 60 20 65 02 33 50 52 77 02 33 90 07 95 tourisme-cocm.fr mont-saint-michel-baie.com tourisme-granville-terre-mer.com tourisme-granville-terre-mer.com B2 DIELETTE Office de Tourisme D1 SAINT-PIERRE-EGLISE C4 BRETTEVILLE-SUR-AY de la Hague Cap Cotentin Office de Tourisme Cotentin Val Office de Tourisme 02 33 52 74 94 D8 LA HAYE-PESNEL B4 PORTBAIL de Saire Côte Ouest Centre Manche cap-cotentin.fr Office de Tourisme Office de Tourisme 02 33 23 12 13 02 33 17 04 04 Granville Terre et Mer de la Côte des Isles tourismecotentinvaldesaire.fr tourisme-cocm.fr C7 DONVILLE-LES-BAINS 02 33 90 75 02 02 33 04 03 07 Office de Tourisme tourisme-granville-terre-mer.com otcdi.com Granville Terre et Mer 02 33 50 12 91 -03 tourisme-granville-terre-mer.com

52 51 Tourist destination magazine # 1st EDITION 2017

The cabins at Gouville-sur-Mer 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