Travel guide Manche

It is one of the symbols of the Manche, and even of Normandy as a whole. The bocage develops its palette of greens here: those of the trees, the meadows, the plants, conscientiously following the more or less folded geography of the place. The most numerous residents are the animals: the livestock are found in abundance.

If it is not the prefecture, the city is, by far, the largest. About fifteen kilometers long, along the sea, the city is dynamic, multiple, commercial, rich of an intense cultural life, and abounds in small lanes, parks and architectural beauties. The bad clichés are hard to believe: the city is a favorite.

A little bit everywhere, you will see here stud farms or breedings. If Normandy is historically a land of horses, the Manche region plays a major role. Whether you are an experienced rider, an amateur or a novice, with or without children, you will find many opportunities to ride your horse in the department: memories guaranteed.

La Manche is a coastal department, but it is also very hilly - which may be surprising. In the north, the hills and cliffs impress when they end in the sea, like the Roule in Cherbourg. In the south-east, a landscape sometimes worthy of low mountains: hills, promontories, steep valleys or winding roads are frequent.

Museums, memorial sites, steles and ceremonies regularly celebrate the liberation of 1944, which began - not least - on Utah Beach. Although the fighting was intense, the favorable outcome opened the way to the rest of the country and Western Europe. This year's 80th anniversary heralds many celebrations.

I might as well say it straight away: here, we don't eat light! La Manche is Normandy, and Normandy is all about hearty dishes, fresh cream, butter and cheese! Thus sublimated, local dishes have a thousand flavors, and a thousand possibilities. In the Channel, fish and seafood are also honored: we love it!

Here, they are numerous. To the east, the uninhabited Saint-Marcouf. To the west, a host of rocks and islands, such as the Ecrehous or Chausey archipelago, about fifteen minutes from the mainland. And then, just opposite, the Channel Islands, so close and so far away: in a few minutes, you are in another country: passport please!

On the west coast of the Cotentin, a small number of harbors cut the coastline. These inland bays, where the sea only penetrates at high tide, are natural coastal shelters full of charm, separated from the sea by dune strips. Geffosses, Blainville, Regnéville or the Vanlée harbor are among the most impressive.

The heart of the department, over several hundred square kilometres, is the place of marshes. Fauna and flora are here in their territory, and the quietness of the place is not an empty word. If, in summer, you can navigate on the canals, in winter, the whole territory is covered with water, creating a real - and splendid - inland sea.

It is so well known that it is the emblem of the department. Majestic, splendid, mythical, mysterious: it's hard to find the words to describe "the wonder" - its nickname here. Of course, a first visit to the Manche cannot do without the Mount. Finally, we remind you for all practical purposes: it is well and truly located in the Channel..

They are numerous, and of all sizes: some are dozens of kilometers long, others take place in pretty little creeks sometimes difficult to access. With more than 350 kilometers of coastline, the Channel has many beaches: swimming, surfing, lazing around... are all summer possibilities!

Few people know this, and yet! The west coast of Cotentin has several surfing spots. Siouville-Hague or Le Rozel, for example, are renowned for the strength of the swell, and the possibilities that come with it. In addition to the locals, some national stars come to train here, and there are even dedicated schools for novices and experienced surfers.