This chocolate-box Normandy water mill in Rethoville dates from the 18th century. It’s in the north east of La Manche region of Normandy between Cherbourg and Barfleur. Originally called la Coudrarie water mill it’s now known as the Marie Ravenel water mill. This is in homage to the miller’s daughter and celebrated poet who lived…
The Vauban Tower on Tatihou island was built in 1694 and has been a UNESCO world heritage site since 2008. Originally a tower dating from the 16th century had been built to defend the island from English troops. In 1662 the King decided that it should be destroyed and it was therefore demolished in 1666….
La Pointe du Hoc is a headland in Saint-Pierre-du-Mont in the Calvados region of Normandy. It’s set between Omaha and Utah beaches and was a German fortified stronghold protecting 6 artillery guns (155mm) during WW2. Men from the United States 2nd Ranger Battalion were tasked with scaling the 100ft cliffs, disarming the guns and advancing…
This is a holiday owners dream – a fantastic review full of ideas of what to do in La Manche region of Normandy. This family spent two weeks exploring the area every day both nearby and further afield. Visits to Cité de la Mer in Cherbourg, Bayeux, Omaha Beach and Mont Saint Michel were some…
If you’re looking for some family fun, then the Coutances maze is open every day during the summer holidays. You can find it between Coutances and Gratot on the D57 and it is well signposted as ’Labyrinthe de Coutances’. It is close to the déchetterie (recycling centre) for Gratot which is also signposted. The maze…
Although Saint-Malo is in Brittany, it’s very accessible from the southern Manche in Normandy. I have guests who go for a day trip as it’s less than 90 minutes drive. Highlights include the Solidor Tower in Saint-Servan – a 14th-century building that houses a collection tracing the history of voyages around Cape Horn, the Great…
La Manche region of Normandy’s characterised by its extensive coastline which surrounds a terrain of hedgerows, woodland and pastures. The pastures are known as bocage. The video below highlights some of the key sights to see. Seaside Towns and Villages The miles and miles of coast are also home to pretty seaside villages and towns….
Saturday 7th July 2018 saw the return of the Marché Normand in Gavray. It’s an annual event and the main street in the town is closed to traffic for the whole day for some family fun. It started at 10am with dancing from a local dance group who wear traditional Normandy costumes. At 11am the…
If you’re looking for ideas for free things to do in Normandy, look no further. This link has some great suggestions of things to do in La Manche region of Normandy. Whether you’re on a budget or want to combine some free activities with things you pay for, there are lots of free things to…
The beautiful town of Coutances in Normandy is perfect for a day of exploring. The Tourist Office have published this guide to Coutances. It’s written in English and there’s a map of the towns showing the highlights. I took these photos late one afternoon in the Normandy sunshine. The public garden is delightful – beautifully…
My visit to the Normandy American Cemetery and Memorial in Colleville-sur-Mer on a sunny February day is one of the most memorable days I’ve had. I spent the day visiting the Omaha beach area and the cemetery was my last port of call. I’d seen an aerial photo of the cemetery, I had printed out…
Les Braves; this beautiful steel sculpture had been on my ‘to-do’ list of places to visit for quite some time. I came across a photo of it online not long after I moved to Normandy and it mesmerized me. On a cold but sunny February day, in 2018 I headed off to see ‘Les Braves’….
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