An Aerial View of La Manche in Normandy
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. There is a contrast in the coastline. At the top of La Manche there are rugged cliffs which give way to extensive beaches at you move south down the Cotentin coast.
Seaside Towns and Villages
The miles and miles of coast are also home to pretty seaside villages and towns. Some of the aerial shots show Granville with its rocky headland, old town and marina together with Barfleur with a beautiful port and quaint cobbled streets. Also on the coast are Regnéville, home to a ruined chateau, the island of Tatihou with its fort and the lighthouse at Gatteville. Many of these locations offer magnificent views. From the high town at Granville you can see the beaches stretching to both the north and south and also overlook the modern town and marina. If you can climb the 365 steps at Gatteville, the view is wonderful. It is hard on the lungs going up and hard on the legs coming down. The stone circular staircase has convenient stopping points thanks to the deep windowsills of the lighthouse’s 52 windows.
D-Day Sites
Hommage is paid to the D-Day landings in various sites throughout La Manche region including Saint-Mère-Eglise and Utah beach. There are many more D-Day sites in La Manche region and most villages have a memorial with names inscribed of those who were lost in combat.
Heritage Buildings
Throughout the region are chateaux, abbeys, cathedrals, manor houses and churches. The video shows a few glimpses of a few including Lucerne abbey, Barfleur church, the Vaubin cabin in Carolles, the Gateville lighthouse and the church in Sainte-Mère-Église. However, there are many more
Last but not least is Mont St Michel - the jewel in Normandy’s crown. It’s a small island commune with its crowning glory of an abbey dating from the 8th century. You get a brief view of it in the distance looking across the bay.
For more information about La Manche visit the website http://www.manche-tourism.com
Take a look at the video here: