Barfleur
Distance from the house 23 miles
The village of Barfleur has a long and impressive history and is proud to be listed among the “most beautiful villages of France”. Until now it is the only village in the Manche department having obtained this label, Famous for its wild mussels, the particular mussels known as ‘Barfleur blondes’ have been distinguished for some years now by the quality. There’s no better place to taste them than in one of the port-side restaurant.
Cherbourg
Distance from the house 26 miles
Cherbourg is one of France’s great Channel ports, is closely linked to French naval history, and to transatlantic adventures – the Titanic even made its final stop here on its fateful journey, as recalled at the Cité de la Mer, one of the port’s main tourist attractions. It is set in the spacious former Art Deco Gare Maritime building where ocean liner passengers embarked and disembarked. It offers a wide variety of themed areas. There are parts dedicated to underwater exploration and marine creatures, and of course there’s a section devoted to the Titanic.. The highlight for many visitors is boarding the disused French nuclear submarine, Le Redoutable.
Bayeux
Distance from the house 37 miles
A visit to the Bayeux is the highlight for most tourists to Normandy. Bayeux’s tapestry dominates notions of the place, but as you arrive here, it’s the splendid cathedral that dominates the scene and signals that you’re entering a glorious historic city. The grand bishop’s palace beside the cathedral has been turned into a museum. Spectacular historic houses nearby have been converted into fine restaurants and boutiques.
The Cider Route
Start of the route at Cambremer is 76 miles from the house
The Cider Route, to the east of Caen, is a 40km (25-mile) marked tourist trail throughout the picturesque area of the Pays d’Auge. The route is clearly marked so no chances of getting lost.
A genuine picture postcard of Normandy, the Cider Route takes you to the heart of the Pays d’Auge to discover cider, calvados and pommeau producers in a setting ladened with apple orchards and half-timbered houses.
Within the area, the Cider Route joins twenty producers around the town of Cambremer. Distilleries and cidermakers are identified by the “Cru de Cambremer” sign. Cider and calvados producers will be delighted to welcome you, to offer you a taste of their produce and an insight into their skills. a great chance to see how the cider is made, taste as many samples as you wish, driver excluded of course and take home some really good local cider from the region.
Falaise
Distance from the house 79 miles
A tremendously imposing medieval castle still dominates the town of Falaise. It acts as a reminder that this was the birthplace of the fearsome William the Conqueror. Discover the castle in virtual reality with the aid of a touch screen tablet. Falaise Castle is a solid stone fortress dating from around 1000.
Mont Saint Michel
Distance from the house 90 miles
A magical island topped by a medieval monastery, the Mont-Saint-Michel counts among France’s most stunning and most visited sights. For centuries one of Europe’s major pilgrimage destinations, this holy mount is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, as is its breathtaking bay. La Mère Poulard is an integral part of the history of Mont-Saint-Michel, the restaurant is a must do during your visit for one of the famous omelettes it is now renowned for.
