La Manche, the department
Are you looking for a vacation destination that perfectly combines nature, culture and history? Are you fascinated by coastal panoramas, charming villages and historic monuments? Then you've come to the right place, the Manche department is the ideal place for you!
Located in the heart of NormandyThis department offers an impressive variety of landscapes and heritage to explore.
In this article, we take you on a tour of Normandy's landscapes, covering the department's four main terroirs: the majesty of the wild coastline, the bucolic elegance of the countryside, the hidden treasures of the hinterland and the extraordinary Mont-Saint-Michel. Discover how the Manche, with its unsuspected riches and warm welcome, manages to captivate all who visit it with its unrivalled authenticity and charm.
The wild beauty of the coast
The Manche department boasts 350 kilometers of coastline, some of the most unspoiled in France. Just three hours from Paris, this exceptional coastline evokes the end of the world, with its wild, unspoiled nature. We invite you to discover three jewels of this coastal landscape: the cliffs of La Hague, the D-Day beaches and Cap de la Hague.
The cliffs of La Hague
Located in the extreme north-west of the Cotentin peninsula, the cliffs of La Hague form a spectacular natural panorama of craggy rocks shaped by wind and waves. They are home to remarkable biodiversity and charming fishing ports such as Port Racine and Goury.
Walk the cliffs along the GR223 customs path and marvel at the breathtaking views over the sea and the Channel Islands.
The D-Day landing beaches and their stories
The D-Day beaches, the scene of key events in the Second World War on June 6, 1944, remain poignant places of remembrance. Allied forces landed on Utah, Omaha, Gold, Juno and Sword, initiating the liberation of France. Today, these beaches invite us to reflect, with their museums, cemeteries and monuments dedicated to the courage of the soldiers.
They also offer peaceful landscapes of fine sand and turquoise waters.
Cap de la Hague: a breathtaking panorama
Towering 128 metres above the cliffs of La Hague, Cap de la Hague offers a magical 360° view of the sea, the Channel Islands, the Goury lighthouse and the Nez de Jobourg, the highest cliff in continental Europe. A place of legends, it was a source of inspiration for Jacques Prévert, who lived here and wrote many texts.
La Manche - The bucolic charm of the Normandy countryside
La Manche is much more than just its beaches: it's a profoundly rural département, bathed in a diverse and omnipresent natural environment. We invite you to explore three of its most charming aspects: the marshes of Cotentin and Bessin, its picturesque bocages, and the apple orchards that are the region's symbols.
The Cotentin and Bessin marshes: a preserved ecosystem
Stretching between the Bay of Veys and the Bay of Mont-Saint-Michel, the Cotentin and Bessin marshes form an immense wetland area of almost 30,000 hectares. They are home to a remarkable biodiversity: over 200 species of birds, 700 varieties of plants and 50 species of mammals find shelter in this region. Discover these ever-changing landscapes on foot, by bike, on horseback or by boat. Don't miss the Mont-Saint-Michel Bay Ecomuseum, for a fascinating immersion in local history and traditions.
Bocages, the quintessential Norman landscape
Characteristic of Normandy, the bocages, with their agricultural plots surrounded by hedges, ditches and embankments, offer a verdant, tranquil landscape. This environment is ideal for relaxing and hiking, as well as being a haven for flora and fauna, thanks to the diversity of habitats and the richness of the soil. Explore the bocages of La Manche on signposted trails, which guide you through picturesque villages, manor houses, churches and castles.
Apple orchards, cradles of Norman cider
Apple orchards, emblematic of the Normandy landscape, bear witness to the age-old expertise of local producers. With over 600 varieties of apples, La Manche is proud of its cider, calvados, pommeau and apple juice products. Visit the orchards and cider houses to taste these specialities, which contribute to the region's renown. In spring, the apple blossom transforms the orchards into an enchanting spectacle of colors and scents.
The hidden wonders of the interior
La Manche is much more than its beaches and rural landscapes, it's also home to unsuspected inland treasures. We invite you to explore three facets of Manche's inland wonders: the picturesque Sienne Valley, the charming villages with their rich architectural heritage, and the centuries-old abbeys, living witnesses to history.
The Sienne Valley, a surprise along the way
The Vallée de la Sienne is a green setting crossed by the river of the same name, which rises in Calvados and flows into the English Channel at Regnéville-sur-Mer. It's a haven for nature lovers, offering a wide range of activities: hiking, fishing, canoeing, cycling... In addition to its natural beauty, the Vallée de la Sienne boasts a remarkable cultural heritage, with sites such as the Château de Cerisy-la-Salle, the Musée de la Céramique in Ger, and Jacques Prévert's home in Omonville-la-Petite.
Villages of character and their architectural heritage
La Manche is home to many villages of character, real jewels preserving their authenticity and charm of yesteryear. Some, such as Barfleur, Saint-Vaast-la-Hougue and Bricquebec, have even been classified as among France's most beautiful villages.
Their architectural heritage, a reflection of their history and culture, is a must-see. You'll be enchanted by stone houses, Romanesque and Gothic churches, castles, manor houses, fishing ports and lighthouses.
These villages are also lively places, where you can meet the locals, taste the local produce, or immerse yourself in the cultural activities.
Centuries-old abbeys bear witness to the spiritual and cultural history of La Manche
La Manche is rich in exceptional religious heritage, embodied by its centuries-old abbeys, which have shaped the region's spiritual and cultural history. The abbey of Mont-Saint-Michela masterpiece of Romanesque and Gothic art, is a world-renowned UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Alongside this jewel, other abbeys, though less famous, are no less fascinating, such as Hambye Abbey, La Lucerne Abbey, Savigny Abbey and Lessay Abbey. These sites offer not only enriching visits, but also moments of meditation, music concerts and exhibitions, revealing a little-known facet of La Manche.
La Manche - Conclusion
It goes without saying that La Manche represents a privileged destination for those with a passion for nature, culture and history. Whether your interest lies in the impressive beauty of the coastline, the peaceful charm of the countryside, or the hidden treasures of the land, you'll find plenty to satisfy your desires in this multi-faceted département.
And let's not forget Mont-Saint-Michel, the jewel of Normandy, which will captivate you with its magnificence and secrets.
So don't delay, plan your getaway to La Manche, the département that promises memorable moments. An experience you won't soon forget!
La Manche - FAQ
What are the main towns in La Manche?
The main towns in La Manche, all with more than 8,000 inhabitants according to the 2021 census, are Cherbourg-en-Cotentin, Saint-Lô, Granville, Avranches and Coutances.
What is department 50 called?
Department number 50 is called La Manche. It's a French department in the Normandy region, named after the sea that borders it to the north and west.
Why the name "La Manche" for this department?
The name "la Manche" was given to the département in 1790, when the French departments were created, in reference to the arm of the sea that runs along its north and west sides, marking a break with the names of the provinces under the Ancien Régime.
What do the residents of La Manche call themselves?
Residents of La Manche are referred to as Manchots or Manchois. "Manchot" is a more traditional and widely used term, while "Manchois" is considered more modern and formal.L
