Coast/ Beach.

The historic D-Day landing beaches and museums are just North of Caen, approximately an hour away and the coast road can be followed to all the beaches to the pretty town of Arromanches and onto the harbour town of Barfleur—the perfect stop for moules and frites! Granville is approximately one hour away and perfect for the seafood lover.

Local Attractions

Golf. A short drive away is the Golf de Vire providing a 9 hole course. (to be extended to 18 holes in 2008) A driving putting and practice range is also provided

 

 

   La Chardière               Chambre D'Hote         B&B Normandy

 

Le Mont St. Michel is approximately 60 kilometres away from our house.  Once an island, it is now easily accessible through a  permanent roadway. A superb and magnificent 8th century Abbey and the gothic buildings are still home to a monastery including the resident monks and nuns. This was founded after an appearance of the archangel St. Michael, according to local legend. There is a gilded statue of St. Michael on the central spire.  The narrow and many stepped streets lead you  up to the abbey where a wonderful view of the surrounding countryside can be enjoyed.  Many  restaurants and souvenir shops are there to browse as you descend towards the car park. Parking is four euros per car and we recommend an early start to your visit as the attraction can get very busy.

 The medieval town of Domfront

The unique drain covers of Domfront

ACTIVITIES

The area around Gathemo is ideal walking country. The lanes known as bocages weave through the lush countryside offering many kilometres of walking tracks both for the experienced walker and the novice. (Bocages are high-sided footpaths well known to the allied troops following the D Day landings as they found it virtually impossible to see the enemy over the tops of the banks.) Thankfully life here is a lot more peaceful today and the banks and paths are very well signposted. All manner of flora and fauna, view points and different species of birds and butterflies can be spotted.


Local to the area there are horse riding or cycling opportunities. For those who require a little more excitement why not visit the nearby four wheel drive circuit or the Viaduct de la Souleuvre, where you can take part in bungee jumping or even experience abseiling. Nearby there are places to enjoy swimming, golf, pony trekking, and at the local lake they offer canoeing, fishing and sailing.

In Jurques there is a very good zoological park and Le Village Enchante at Bellefontaine a truly magical place, perfect for younger children and grannies alike.

Vire itself boasts many bars and restaurants offering good meals at very reasonable prices. During the summer months there are regular fireworks displays and street activities.

 

About 35 kilometres away is Coutances a large busy town, offering extensive shopping facilities and Christ Church Coutances provide weekly Anglican services.  A very friendly and welcoming English speaking community.  

Next to the golf course is Lac de la Dathee where there is a sailing school, wind-surfing and fishing. Walks around the lake are perfect for picnics and summer relaxation

Le Mont St Michel

Vire,
Capital of the "Bocage Normand"

This popular and busy market town is 12 kilometres away and the extensive market offers clothing, plants, vegetables and household goods every Friday from 8 a.m. until 12 noon.  There is a selection of bars and restaurants in the town and many local independent shops


The town was constructed on a rocky buttress, outlined by the River Vire.  From this strategic position, the town held an advantage point. In 1944, Vire fell under the bombing of the Allies. During the 50's, after its reconstruction, an important sector was set up within dairies and its derivatives. The producers of "andouilles" (smoked pork chitterling sausage) made Vire internationally renowned.

Vire was almost entirely rebuilt after WWII, and is often described as stark. However a few architectural features remain including the clocktower built over a 13th century gateway and the Eglise Notre Dame from the same period.

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