Channel Islands

Carteret, on the west coast (25 km/15 miles), is a lovely seaside resort with a large sandy beach. From there, ferries go to the Channel Islands of Guernsey of Jersey. This is a great day trip for those who like to feel the typical English atmosphere of these beautiful islands. Please be aware that you need to book the ferries in advance, in summer it is very popular. Don’t forget to bring your passport.

On the East coast (25km/15 miles), is St-Vaast-La-Hougue; famous for its Mussel and Oyster beds. A busy fishing and recreational harbour with a large marina, it has excellent sea food restaurants and is situated in an idyllic bay where it is possible to walk at low tide to the island Ile de Tatihou. Around the fortress of la Hougue are lovely walks where you can enjoy the salty air, children can search for little crabs and shells and screaming sea-gulls lend to the atmosphere. At low tide, locals can be seen maintaining their tradition of searching by hand for cockles and other shellfish. The picturesque and much photographed harbour of Barfleur, just a short distance north, has a rich history and is certainly worth paying a visit..

Further to the South are the D-Day landing beaches, Utah beach and Omaha beach, with several monuments of the war. The impressive American cemetery with all its white crosses overlooking the sea, the British cemetery and the sober German cemetery; eternal reminders of World War 2 which will instil in each visitor a profound, solemn awareness.

During the summer holidays and most weekends, there are antique markets with a lot of second hand goods, antiques and bric-à-brac. There are several hypermarkets and nice restaurants in the area.
For children we can recommend the animal park which is only 15 km/10 miles away from the château. It is a beautiful natural park with a small lake in the woods, pelicans, deer and an island of apes. After visiting the zoo the children can ride on a Shetland pony and eat an ice cream.

(c)Hanneke Veenstra

3 Tips for great restaurants

The grill restaurant in Yvetot-Bocage: Le moulin de la Haulle with a terrace at the duck pond
Old stone mill, beautifully restored. Specialty Grill and Crepes (savory and sweet filled pancakes)
Distance: 10 km. Menus from 8 Euros.

Hostellerie du Chateau in Bricquebec:
In an ancient walled courtyard are the remains of an impressive castle with towers. It is a restaurant with a medieval feeling and a fine cuisine. You feel really an evening 'out', beautifully served and reasonable in price. 3 course meal 16 Euros. Ideal for those who love a unique romantic setting. Despite the formal nature, children and dogs are welcome.
For more information: www.lhostellerie-bricquebec.com

La Potinière in Carteret:
Delicious food in a nice restaurant at the seaside, that's vacation! You see the children playing on the beach,while you can fully enjoy your meal.
Here you see the sun disappear into the sea. Distance: 22 km.
Informal place, menus around 12 Euros.
For more information: www.lapotiniere-carteret.com

More touristic attractions in Normandy :

• Golf just outside Brix 9 Holes and more larger golf courses all within 30-65 km from the chateau.
• Swimming pool in Valognes with lovely heated water (29 degres) 10 km
• Aquagym in Valognes, please ask us if you want to do this. Horse riding on the beach or at the countryside.
• The Bayeux tapestry, Bayeux – William the Conqueror.
• Cherbourg - Cité de la Mer Europe’s deepest sea aquarium with more than 3.500 fish.Visit Le Redoutable, France’s first missile-firing nuclear submarine and the first nuclear submarine in the world to be open to visitors.
• The typical french markets with products of the area: Monday morning in Bricquebec, Thursday morning in Cherbourg, Friday morning in Valognes and Saturday morning in St. Vaast la Hougue.
• If you happen to go to St. Vaast la Hougue, take the turning after Quettehou direction St. Vaast on the left hand side to La Verdura, closed on Monday, with very nice products of the area and fresh vegetables for low prices. Also Gosselin, a shop in the harbour town of St Vaast La Hougue is worth visiting, an expensive shop with beautiful wines and other souvenirs.
• Cherbourg, Casino.
• Medieval festivals.
• Abbeys and cathedrals; fine examples in the historic Normandy towns of Coutances and Bayeux.
• Botanic gardens and châteaux.
• Sea fishing and freshwater fishing (carp and trout).
• Visit the Mont Saint Michel

L a Manche has 200 miles of cliffs, bays and beautiful beaches. This dramatic coastline has yet to be discovered by mass tourism and still retains its natural and wonderful charm

Here you will find superb bathing beaches, high cliffs, unspoilt nature, beautiful bays and pretty harbours where bright coloured fishing boats lie on the sand at low tide. .

Traffic congestion and paid parking is something we are not familiar with here; only peace and beauty. The landscape is dressed with forest, green hills and valleys, twisting rivers and coastal footpaths with beautiful views over the ocean. The footpaths were well chosen for their vantage points and formerly used by customs to control smugglers to and from the Channel islands. Camera’s are essential!

Normandy - La Manche

On arrival you will find a map with information on all the places of interest in the area and with personal recommendations.

Off course we are here to answer any and all the questions you may have!!