Food, of course!
Subject to good transport conditions (some products do not keep as long as others), the Manche is a land of gastronomy, so bringing back something to enjoy seems obvious. Dairy and cheese products are a must: from the north to the south of the department, from farm shops to cooperative stores, the possibilities are numerous. If Camembert is not from here, but from the neighboring department, excellent crus are made. Butters, fresh creams and yoghurts embody the local know-how. Once again, make sure you have everything you need beforehand: a cooler or isothermal bags for example. Local products here also include excellent meats - from the Normandy breed, of course - which you can find in dedicated stores or on farms. Here again, transport them in the best conditions of conservation. Less care is needed to bring back with you the sweet local beverages: if you consume them in moderation, you will not hesitate to bring back cider, calva, perry and even beers - local producers are more and more numerous in the Manche. During your stay here, you should come across cider houses and other breweries: the welcome is always excellent, and you should not leave empty-handed! Other delicacies, the cookies. From Sainte-Mère-Eglise to Quinéville through Sortosville-en-Beaumont, you will find innumerable varieties, made on the spot. For yourself or to offer, these little wonders are among the most frequently brought back gifts. In the same register, confectionery is made in the Manche. You will find some incredible ones at the Ferme des Cara-Meuh, in the south of the department, near the Mont-Saint-Michel, but also at the brand Lait Douceur. The latter, located in Saint-Sauveur-le-Vicomte, invites you to discover its creations, some of which are made with milk jam.
Clothes made in Manche
Less known are the clothing factories, and yet they exist: the most famous, and world-renowned, is the Saint-James brand. The latter, which took its name from the small town where its factory is located, produces many collections of clothing, including sweaters, sailors, jackets, shirts and oilskins. The factory, which can be visited, has a store on site. You can find others in several cities of the department. In the north of the Manche department, the Tricoteries du Val-de-Saire are proud of their local roots and production. Here too, the climate, mild but sometimes windy and humid, has naturally oriented the production towards flagship items, such as sweaters! They are of excellent quality, and it is said here that you will keep them for years. Local clothing, beyond the 100% made in Manche productions, is also to show the pride of being from the area, or of having been here! Thus the brand Cherwood - you will have understood the pun - invites you to wear outfits (mainly sweatshirts) promoting the city of Cherbourg! Note also that the ports have several stores selling fittings, but also marine clothes. If some of them can only be worn by fishermen who go out to sea, others will give your look an original salty touch! In the north of Cotentin, you will find tights, children's clothing and pretty creations from the local brand called "Les queues de sardines". Finally, if you are a specialist in woolen clothing, we make it here: Laines à l'ouest, a factory located in the small town of Lessay, offers you many varieties of wool from sometimes very rare breeds of sheep!
And in no particular order..
Umbrellas, of course! For the record, it was the success of the eponymous film that led to the creation of the "Genuine Cherbourg Umbrella" and not the other way around! Before Jacques Demy's film, no umbrella had ever been made here. Today, things have changed: the factory is located in the heart of the city, in a vast and sublime building facing the sea. The Genuine Cherbourg Umbrella has a price tag, but you'll keep it for years: here, we know how to make it, and we've created different models that can withstand almost any condition. Beyond these collections, the brand has gradually grown, offering different ranges, each stamped "Véritable Cherbourg".
If you are a fan of gadgets, the Heula brand, which is not specific to the department but to Normandy, also has its followers! Often funny, openly mocking clichés about the weather, prejudices and the way of life here, the creations range from kitchen aprons to coffee mugs, as well as table mats and key rings. In another register, less humorous but more chic, the Saint-Léna brand offers pretty products whose logo is a stylized and easily recognizable Mont-Saint-Michel: bath mats, cushions, bags or trays are available in the pretty Saint-Léonard boutique. Equally beautiful are the creations of Les Carollaises: the company, which has two stores in the south of the department, offers items covering a wide range of proposals such as crockery, plush toys, jewelry, fashion items or, more surprisingly, coated fabrics for your tablecloths. You will find here all you need to bring back beautiful original products, 100% local. The jewelry, precisely: those of the Anica brand, made in Hambye, are well representative of local know-how. You are here near Villedieu-les-Poêles, and you will discover here beautiful creations in cast pewter, whose mastery is not a secret for anyone in the area.
Stores and outlets adapt their opening hours: most often, in summer, they are extended, and the days of opening are more numerous. Finally, an obvious point: bring back an object, food, or clothing, yes, but you will bring back with you, first of all, beautiful memories of the Channel!
