The 11 things to do in La Manche

There is not only the south of France that goes away, on the contrary. If you also wish to visit La Manche, the department, we have compiled a list of the must-sees of the destination!

Located in the extreme west of the Normandy region, La Manche has been named since the 17th century after the sea, which encircles it to three quarters. On its west side, it borders the Anglo-Norman Islands and on its east side, the Baie de Seine. It alone forms the Cotentin peninsula, a place by which the Nordic peoples arrived in France. They named Normandy! Visiting the Channel is then discovering a multitude of surprises, architectural, historical, culinary or cultural. Do not rely on the ideas received on Normandy, because like Breton clichés, they are false. That’s why we listed the places to visit The Channel as it should be!

1. Le Mont-Saint-Michel

Inscribed to UNESCO World Heritage since 1979, Mont-Saint-Michel is one of the emblems of Normandy and even France. And because of this, it is the third tourist point in the country after the Eiffel Tower or Versailles! A true architectural wonder, it is built in 709 on a granite island in the bay of the same name. If accessible at low tide, it is otherwise at high tide. Indeed, it becomes an island, the waters that encirculate it are insurmountable. Make sure to monitor the tide schedules.

On site, do not miss the Church of Saint Peter of Mont-Saint-Michel, the Tour Gabriel and of course, the Abbey. Also, it is common to think that Mont-Saint-Michel is only a great Abbey on a rocky islet. But it is in reality a city, with its inhabitants, its town hall and its shops.

The Scriptorial

Scriptorial is in direct connection with Mont-Saint-Michel despite the fact that it is 30 kilometres away in Avranches. It is the Musée des manuscrits du Mont-Saint-Michel, in other words a concentration of historical wonders preciously preserved for centuries. Following a chronological journey, discover the history of the mountain through hundreds of texts and works. Very playful, with film screenings, multimedia terminals and iconographic documents, this visit will appeal to the whole family.

For the small sum of € 8, get access to the permanent course and the temporary exhibition. Reduced rates and free fees apply under certain conditions.

2. Cherbourg

Visit Cherbourg is to visit La Manche in a setting. In the north of the Cotentin Peninsula, this city was hit hard during the Second World War. Now she has rebuilt around her history, and keeping scars of which she is proud. So many things are worth the detour to Cherbourg. Notably the museums, and among them the one dedicated to Libération or otherwise, the old castle of Cherbourg. This building, largely disappeared, was once the heart of Cherbourg. But thanks to an increased reality application, you can rediscover it!

Also, do not miss the Cherbourg Rade, artificially built in the 18th century for a purely defensive purpose, where 4 ports take place. A real architectural and port prowess, for the time, perfectly preserved until today.

The City of the Sea

Reviews to depth lovers! The City of the Sea is a museum dedicated to marine life. Go to discover the many secrets of the oceans and the life that is developing there. In the Gallery of Engineering, you will be able to observe the various devices that have helped to study the oceans, especially the great depths. The oceans are a real world that we other terrestrials know badly.

The Cité de la Mer also aims to raise awareness among its visitors about the preservation of these places that we still learn a lot today.

3. Bessin and Cotentin Regional Natural Park

With its extended territory over more than 146,000 hectares, the Bessin and Cotentin Regional Natural Park is essential for visiting La Manche. It has the particularity of being composed of almost 20% marsh and polders, characteristic of the region. These submerged areas in winter do not manage to evacuate the waters and then give a unique charm to the region. Human activities that have influenced this formation in part, yet a balance exists today.

Thus, in marshes, bocages and other peatlands, you will find many animal or plant species. Nesting birds, European otters, bourdons or specimens of the local flora will be at the rendezvous if you take the time to observe them...

Beauguillot National Natural Reserve

Completely integrated into the Bessin Regional Natural Park, the Beauguillot National Natural Reserve is a protected area. Indeed, thousands of marine birds and a colony of seals come every winter to find refuge there. This natural environment, composed of salty meadows, dunes and wet meadows, is suitable for a preserved yet observable ecosystem.

Every year, nearly 40,000 visitors visit more than 35,000 birds and several hundred live species. A real concentration of life you must not miss!

4. Saint-Lô

Saint-Lô is a remarkable city. Second town of La Manche, after Cherbourg, it is also the prefecture. Traversed by the Vire, Saint-Lô is a multiple city. Also affected by the bombings of the Second World War, it reconstructed while retaining the remains of its past, including the medieval ramparts.

Nice to discover, it is visiting quietly, between markets and colossal religious buildings. It is also a cultural city, as it houses many museums: the Musée des Beaux-Arts, the Musée du bocage Normand and the Fernand Le Rachinel Museum, retracing the history of printing and typographical art.

Le Haras national de Saint-Lô

But Saint-Lô is also the capital of the horse! Then discover the Haras national de Saint-Lô, one of the oldest in France. It dates from the beginning of the 19th century and unfortunately it was seriously moved during the Second World War. Despite this, he was rebuilt to the identical to continue to welcome the horses (nearly forty).

You can visit it freely every day and in summer, do not miss the Thursdays of Saint-Lô where you will be presented the stables, and workshops are available. Also enjoy the discovery space where you are offered exhibitions.

To conclude, each year in August is organized the Normandie Horse Show . For ten days, the Equine Pôle de Saint-Lô offers activities and equestrian shows to amateurs.

5. The Chausey Islands

The name of the Chausey Islands applies to the entire archipelago they make up. At low tide, the archipelago consists of 365 islets and at low tide, only 52 are counted! Indeed, the tides in this place are the strongest in Europe, sometimes going up to 14 meters! Only one of these islands is inhabited, the main island of Grande-Île, located 17 kilometres from the coast. The translucent turquoise waters, white sand banks and the calm of the Chausey Islands will seduce you at first glance.

A true postcard of La Manche, they are a paradise for the eyes but also for many species of birds, seals and dolphins. This makes it a protected space and subject to some regulations. Visiting La Manche and discovering the Chausey Islands is enjoying a real return to the essentials. Also note that you can stay there, Grande-Île with tourist accommodation (hotel, lodging...).

6. Granville

Nicknamed “La Monaco du Nord”, Granville enjoys its charm and warm welcome. But the corsary city of La Manche reserves much more than that to its visitors. Ceinte de ramparts testifying to its rich historical past, this seaside resort has been in a stern for several years. You will enjoy its alleys and character houses as well as the very dynamic city center.

Its port is the first shell port of France, the opportunity then to be tempted by a plate of Saint-Jacques and almonds or by a plateau of seafood! Gourmandise and delicacy assured! Granville is also home to a very well-known annual Carnival where some 130,000 people span the mood for 5 days.

7. Port Racine

Located in Saint-Germain-des-Vaux, Port Racine has a very original feature. This is indeed the smallest port in France. The boats are maintained by solid ropes because the port does not have enough space to install pontoons! It is an unusual and peaceful place at a time.

There is a rather easy walk to get there from Saint-Germain-des-Vaux.

8. The landing beaches

Normandy is very famous for the role that its beaches played at the end of the Second World War. In 1944, allied troops landed on these beaches. They incorporate the greatest military operation of all the time set up in order to free Western Europe from the Nazi grip. On the five landing beaches, only Utah Beach is located in La Manche.

Between emotions and memory, discover these moments of history that have changed the face of the present world. You have the choice to go to the place solemnly, follow a guided walk or jeep, or visit dedicated museums.

Utah Beach Landing Museum

This museum is located in an incredible place: in the very place where American soldiers arrived on June 1944. Through an unheardly collection of vehicles, documents and testimonies, revive this event from its preparation to its success.

In the end, it is a way to discover a part of history, but also to contribute to the transmission of the memory of these men who fought for the good of France.

9. The Christian Dior Museum

Fans and fashion lovers will be delighted to visit the grand couturier’s childhood home, Christian Dior. Located in this sublime villa granvillaise facing the sea, Les Rhumbs, and in a beautiful garden, the museum retraces the life and work of the textile artist.

It is a place of memory and tribute to the life of a man who has marked the spirit and the world by his talent. Each summer there is a temporary exhibition in addition to the permanent collection of the Christian Dior Museum.

10. The Côte des Havres

The Côte des Havres represents a part of the west coast of La Manche, facing the Anglo-Norman Islands. Along this coastline, there are eight havens that follow between Carteret and Granville. They must all meet the criteria that make them goats: sandy beach, river and coastal current. The Côte des Havres remained in the wild, creating a unique, natural and changing geography for our great pleasure.

True paradise for biodiversity, they also contribute to the preservation and protection of many animal and plant species. You will also cross a large population of sheep and sheep, rafting salty meadows bordering the harbours! So we advise you to discover these havens by impregnating the character of each of them!

11. Saint-Vaast-la-Hougue

Elected favourite French village in 2019, Saint-Vaast-la-Hougue is a must for you who want to visit La Manche! Indeed, charming and authentic, it houses on its territory the works of the famous architect Vauban.

Let yourself be charmed by the village itself, its flowery alleys, its stone houses and its colors. Beyond these marvels, the village also has a magnificent horizon: small port, bayonets and of course, the island of Tatihou!

Tatihou Island

This island is less than a kilometre from the coast of Saint-Vaast-la-Hougue and is sometimes accessible on foot depending on the tides. But generally, access is made by sea shuttle. By visiting the island, you will discover a beautiful natural space, a maritime museum, a lazaret, a Vauban tower and its Fort as well as a beautiful rocky coastline.

Every year in August, the Tatihou Traversées festival is organized. It’s a music festival whose performances schedules are based on tides!

Visit La Manche: some more must-sees...

• The Gouville-sur-Mer cabins
• The Botanical Garden of Vauville
• The Nez Jobourg and the Nez de Voidries, bordering the Anse de Cenival
• The Fort Castle of Pirou
• Ecalgrain Bay

How to get to the Channel?

The car

To visit La Manche, you can reach two ends: the Paris region or the Rennes region. For the first, you should follow the A13 motorway until Caen, then the National N13 To the Channel. As for the second, the arrival is made by the Highway A84 or National N175 .

The rest completely depends on your destination in the department. There are three entrance poles: Avranche to the south-west, Saint-Lô to the east and Isigny-sur-Mer to the north (city of Calvados borderrophe).

The plane

Unfortunately there is no airport in the department of La Manche. On the other hand, there is Caen Airport nearby. Very well transferred and very active, it allows to travel throughout France and internationally easily. If you want to fly, then you will have to get to Caen and eventually rent a car on site. Also, if you arrive south, maybe Brittany will be your solution. Indeed, the airport of Rennes only 1h20 from Granville.

Don’t miss the perfect offer and go to a flight comparison like Skyscanner . On the lookout, he will offer you what is best for your stay!

The train

The two main stations in the department are those of Cherbourg, Saint-Lô and Granville .

From the Parisian stations of Saint-Lazare and Montparnasse, you reach La Manche in 3 or 4 hours. Note that the Paris-Saint-Lô route includes a correspondence while the Paris-Cherbourg or Paris-Granville routes are direct. Otherwise, lines from Rennes circulate to Granville and Saint-Lô (direct) or Cherbourg (with correspondence).

Where to stay in La Manche?

The department of La Manche is very wide on the height. This is your way of travel that will guide you on the accommodation to choose from. Indeed, if you want to visit La Manche in its beautiful globality, then you will have to move a lot. On the contrary, if you prefer to park in a place, and move in a day within a defined radius, then you can choose one accommodation for your entire stay. Cities of Saint-Lô , Cherbourg , Granville or Avranches are among the most important in the department, if you are looking to stay and move easily.

The Channel does not lack accommodation, whether unusual or traditional. Moreover, let’s not forget to mention the classics bed and breakfast , hotels , gîtes or Airbnb that will squeeze and will certainly seduce you. A great offer that leaves a wide choice, but which then submits many criteria. So don’t hesitate to visit a site hotel comparisons : the best offers at the best time await you there.

On the other hand, if you like unusual housing, don't miss the original eco-cabanes by Fermanville integrated into the P’tit Gris Des Moulins P’tit Gris Farm perched cabins in the woods of Savigny .