Local Area Information
The cottage is Ideally Situated for Visiting All the Attractions Below:-
L'Abbaye d'Hambye
Located just over the footbridge. The abbey is a classified monument and dates back to the 12th century. You can visit daily during the high season and there is a large lawned area to the rear, which is ideal for picnics.
Auberge de l'abbaye d'Hambye
A wonderful gastronomic dining experience, they pride themselves on using local produce, located just 500m from the cottage. We have eaten here several times ourselves on special occasions. It is very highly rated on TripAdvisor.
Bayeaux Tapestry
Visit the historically famous tapestry in the beautiful city of Bayeaux. Audio tours are available in numerous languages. After your visit, take the opportunity to drive a little further up the coast and see the D-day landing beaches.
Beaches
There are excellent sandy life-guarded beaches in the following locations:- Donville les Bains/Granville - 28km, St. Martin de Brehal - 25km, Kairon Plage - 35km, Agon-Coutainville - 34km. Montmartin sur Mer - 26km. There are also plenty of quieter sandy beaches along the coast, but these are unsupervised.
Bell Foundry (Cornille-Havard) Villedieu les Poêles
This foundry has been making bells in the same way since the Middle Ages. They recently cast new bells for Notre Dame in Paris. There are daily tours (some in English). Very interesting, well worth a visit.
Cattle/veal market Gavray, Wednesday 10.30am
A very traditional weekly livestock market. An opportunity to see how the local farmers trade their young animals. When the whistle is blown at 11am precisely, buyers sprint to secure the best deal. There is also a small traditional market happening at the same time.
Champrepus Zoo
A small but very well run zoo. There are many animals to view and you can even go into the Lemur enclosure with them. The entry prices are reasonable. Moderately priced food is available, or if you wish, you can take a picnic. There is also a children's play area if your children get bored of the animals! Location is approx 15 minutes from the cottage.
Cité de la Mer, Cherbourg
This is a maritime museum situated in the cruise terminal at Cherboug, in a Art Deco building constructed in 1933. There is an aquarium, on-site submarine and Titanic exhibition.
Go Karting
There is a Karting track at Le Parc, which is 20km away on the D975 from Villedieu les Pôeles heading towards Avranches.
Haras National de St. Lô
This is a part of the national group for horse breeding, specialising at this center of the Selle Française, the Norman Cob and the Percheron. If you like horses this is a must visit. You can look around the visitor center free of charge. The buildings are historic and are still used for their original purpose. A very friendly unhurried guided tour is available during high season.
Ice Skating/Ten pin bowling. Coutances
There is an ice rink and bowling alley situated in Coutances, 20 minutes away called Le Yeti, ideal for any rainy days that you may have. You can hire skates and bowling shoes at either of the venues. They are situated next to each other.
La Cale, Blainville sur Mer
This is a novel and different dining experience! They mainly offer good moules frites and grillades, which are normally generous in size. The service can be variable but amusingly eccentric. It is an experience not to be missed. It is good fun with a brilliant atmosphere. They have a jazz band playing and is often chaotic and busy. It is situated literally right on the beach. Enjoyed by locals and tourists alike.
La Forêt des Elfes, Cérances.
An aerial walk way, up to 30m high in the forest. There are 3 courses that are limited to height, 1.25m, 1.4m and 1.6m. Will make you ache in places that you didn't know existed, but well worth a visit. Good fun for all the family.
Le Mont St Michel
This monument is the biggest tourist attraction in Normandy. If you have never visited before then it is well worth the trip. Beautiful at any time of the year, but particularly at night when it is lit up. Advisable to take a picnic with you as the restaurants can be expensive, and if you look at reviews, not very good! You now have to pay for parking, but the shuttle buses are free. Very busy during the height of the season.
Operation Overlord, D-Day
Located approx 45 minutes away you will find numerous sites relating to the D-day landings and liberation of France. The are loads of museums, and sign posted routes that can be followed. The beaches themselves are free to enter, and the one at Arromanches is particularly interesting as there are still elements of the Mulberry harbour visible. There are several cemeteries to visit, which are also free and quite breathtaking in their size.
Restaurant de la Gare, de Percy
Located in the nearby town of Percy, 7.5km away, this small restaurant offers superb freshly prepared food with friendly service. It is very popular. Lunch time and evening service is available. They are closed Saturday lunchtime (open Saturday evening), all day Sunday and Monday.
Restaurant Le Krill, La Baleine
Good averagely priced brasserie restaurant. Located approx 4.5km away. They offer freshly prepared local cuisine, often cooked on an open fire. Their specialties include duck, steak, fish and the local Andouille de La Baleine. Friendly patrons, who can speak a little English.
Swimming pools/Aqua park
There are several swimming pools in the area. We have listed just a few for you. Villedieu les Pôeles, Granville, Coutances, St. Lô, Brecey, St. Hilaire. There is also an open air pool situated in St. Sever (Calvados). You will also find water parks in Vire and Avranches.
Weekly market Gavray
Weekly market day in Gavray is Saturday. Not as large as the market in Villedieu, but a good opportunity to stock up on local produce. The bars and cafés are always busy if you wish to people watch!
Weekly market Villedieu les Pôeles
Large, very traditional weekly market. Every Tuesday morning until approximately midday.
