Introduction From the reign of William the Conqueror through to D-Day, Normandy’s heritage and history have been turbulent. These historic events have left a rich heritage of cathedrals, abbeys, castles, museums, historic buildings, churches, chapels, manor houses, war sites, cemeteries and memorials. Many of the cathedrals, abbeys and castles were built in the 11th and…
Where’s the best place for pancakes in Normandy? This is the question news organisation, Côté Manche, asked their Facebook fans. Here’s their pick of the best places in and around Coutances. If you want a relatively quick and informal meal then finding a crêperie is a safe bet. Both savoury and sweet pancakes will be…
Are you thinking about a winter trip to Normandy but are concerned there might not be enough to do? While it’s true that the main tourist season is Easter to the October school holidays, Normandy doesn’t close down completely. This Top 10 list will show you there’s no shortage of activities even in the winter…
The tourist Office in Coutances has just produced a leaflet if you’d like to take a self guided walk around Coutances. It’s available in French and has also been translated into English and German. Start at the tourist office and follow the map and commentary. Look above the shops and you’ll find interesting façades and…
Coutances’ Dahlia Festival takes place in September and is usually on for the whole month. It’s an annual event and has been celebrated over 25 times. It takes place in the agricultural college (the lycée agricole) where students wanting an agricultural or horticultural profession study. Throughout the year the college also runs a garden centre with…
Across the square in Coutances from the cathedral are the fabulous Coutances gardens. They are known as Le Jardin des Plantes and are open all year round albeit with shorter hours in the winter. They’re one of Normandy’s oldest public gardens and have a mix of English and French styles. Every year a theme is…
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….
Guided tours of the upper galleries of Coutances Cathedral can usually be booked throughout the summer. They are also offered during the school holidays. In the summer there is often a tour in English once a week. French tours are available every day in both the morning and the afternoon. The tours last around an…
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…
If you’re a hiker or walker, I’ve found the perfect guide for you. Coutances tourist office produced a fantastic range of information leaflets in 2018 for walkers and hikers. They are a great way to help you to discover the Normandy countryside. It really is the ultimate hiking guide in and around Coutances. There…
If you’re coming to La Manche region of Normandy, I can highly recommend a day out in Coutances. It’s only 20 minutes away from the gite so it’s somewhere I go fairly often but it doesn’t fail to disappoint. The imposing cathedral dominates the skyline as you drive in to the town. And close up,…
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