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Motorhoming in Manche
One of the three departments of Basse Normandie, Manche reaches out into the channel and is a land of departures and arrivals. From Cherbourg in the North to Avranches in the South, everything is orientated towards the sea. With its 350kms of coastline, Manche which means ‘sleeve’ is translated in this case as ‘the arm of the sea’. All of the West and North coasts and a quarter of the East coast are surrounded by the Channel. Find out how to cross the channel if you’re hiring a motorhome in England and make the most of this department which has lots to offer for those wanting to do some motorhome travel in France.
Cherbourg, with its many ports and strategic position has been exploited since the dawn of time and has a full history, not least for its battles. Its 11th century château and fortress where amongst the most important of the times and the 18th century saw the debut of the construction of the world’s biggest artificial harbour which was modified and enlarged up until 1944. Apart from its historical and architectural heritage, Cherbourg also has a rich, active culture with plenty to see and do.
Avranches is linked to Mont Saint Michel by its history and was a Gallo-Roman capital. The history of the town was shaped by English occupation, by the religious wars, the Hundred Years War and also the Revolution. From the hilltop in the town there is a superb view of Mont Saint Michel. Have a wander around its paved streets and visit the Saturday morning market before visiting the Mont.
The Sanctuary of the Archangel of Saint Michel was built on a rocky granite island off the coast of Manche at the mouth of the River Couesnon in 709. Today, Mont Saint Michel and the Bay of Mont Saint Michel are an enormous tourist attraction. There is a superb medieval village at the foot of the Abby through which you can wander and you can also visit the Abby. If you’re hiring a motorhome in France, join the millions of tourists who visit every year. That many people can’t be wrong.
Fortified by the English in the 15th century, the coastal town of Granville closes the Bay of Mont Saint Michel. The ‘high’ town is characterised by its beautiful architecture and granite built houses. The ‘lower’ town developed in the 19th century as seaside towns became popular. Have a wander around the town and visit the Christian Dior Gardens from where there is a superb panorama out to sea where at high tide you will see 52 of the 365 little Islands of Chausey visible at low tide. There is also a nice sandy beach for the children amongst other activities.
While travelling around the department you can use the Aires de Service in Manche for your overnight stays before adventuring on to go motorhoming in Ille et Vilaine, motorhoming in Calvados, motorhoming in Mayenne or motorhoming in Orne.
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