Things to do
Your Normandy
Whether you’re a culture lover, a historian or activity nut you’ll find plenty to keep you amused and entertained. Our tips will lead you straight to the very best the region has to offer; picturesque villages, beach restaurants, must-see monuments and D Day locations. Plus.. check out our guests’ picks for laid-back fun.
Guests’ top 10 things to do
(with very little driving)
1 Eating moules frites at beach restaurant La Cale
2 Explore the coast and choose your favourite empty beach
3 La Maison du Biscuit & Gosselin grocery, foodie heaven
4 Granville for chic shopping, Christian Dior museum and the Old Town
5 Golf at nearby Agon Coutainville, a most relaxed, friendly club
6 Monsieur Carbonnel’s wine shop in Coutainville
7 La Clé des Temps – a warehouse full of crazy bric-a-brac
8 Biking on the flat, quiet roads
9 Sampling the cheese, calvados and saucisson at one of the local markets
10 Visit a local oyster farm and buy directly from the producer
A bit of culture
There’s a choice of sights to see all around us, some nearby, some easy day trips.
Mont Saint Michel
The must-see World Heritage site.
The Bayeux tapestry
11th century linen canvas embroidered after the Battle of Hastings, 1066.
The American cemetery at Colleville and the DDay landing beaches
The stretch of the Norman coast with its WW2 code names Utah, Omaha, Gold, Juno and Sword.
Medieval ruins
Chateau de Gratot, the Chateau de Pirou and the Abbaye d’ Hambye.
Dinan
One of the prettiest towns in Brittany, 13th century buildings, art galleries,
Villedieu les Poeles
Famous for its copper work and its bell foundry.
Les Haras de Saint Lo
Leading national stud farm, a must for horse lovers.
For things to do with the kids, see the Children page
Our top towns
Agon Coutainville
A vibrant seaside town with bars, casino, traiteur, restaurants, supermarkets, golf, 9.8 km, 10 minute drive.
Coutances
A large historic town, nearest train station, 11th century cathedral, ice rink, bowling, annual Jazz festival, 11km, 12 minute drive.
Granville
A pretty port, train station, shopping, Christian Dior museum, ferry to Jersey, 40 km, 35 minute drive.
Buzzy restaurants, crazy cafés
With Michelin stars: Le Mascaret at Blainville sur mer (8 mins) & La Marine at Barneville Carteret (40 mins)
More relaxed: Les Flots Bleus at Gouville (5 mins)
La Ferme, La Plancha, Le restaurant du golf at Coutainville (12 mins)
Even more relaxed: La Cale at Blainville beach (10 mins) & La Cabane at Gonneville beach (8 mins)
What’s on
Carnivals, circus shows, concerts, fairs and various festivals… Events and festivals, all year round.
