St Michel De Montjoie, Normandy

Sightseeing

We are within easy reach of a host of sightseeing activities for all the family. These include horse-riding, sailing, fishing, golf, cycling and walking. With an abundance of theme parks, there is something for everybody.

St Sever - St Michel de Montjoie rests on the border of the beautiful Forest and lakes. Here you can enjoy relaxing walks, picnics or cycling in complete tranquillity, whilst experiencing the sights and sounds of the forest. These include local deer, badgers, woodpeckers, cuckoos and various birds of prey. Wild primroses and orchids decorate the roadsides, and the occasional horse-trekking party passes by along one of the many marked routes through the forest. (The walks are colour-coded, according to the distance and time you wish to take.)

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 Le Mont St Michel - One of the most spectacular sights in France, this wonderful landmark can be viewed from our local Church on a clear day. The original site dates back to around the year 500 A.D. A granite pyramid with its winding cobbled streets leads you to the village, Abbey and Church; described as "one of the most fabulous constructions of the Middle Ages". Sample one of the fine restaurants and bars, with breathtaking views across the bay. Music festivals, concerts and laser-shows celebrating Saint Michel .

Avranches - Stands majestically between the bocage and the bay of Le Mont St Michel. Visitors will find a variety of attractions in this modern town, including mini-golf with terrace-bar, museum and public gardens. You will be reminded of its strategic position during the 2nd World War, not least by the sight of one of General Patton's tanks sitting proudly on a roundabout in the town! Arromanches - Head north to the "Mother-of-Pearl Coast". Although traditionally renowned for its locally produced oysters, it is probably more widely known for its involvement in "Operation Overlord". Here remains one of the man-made docks, constructed to provide a landing for the thousands of vehicles and hardware during the D-Day Landings of World War II. The strategic "Mulberry Harbour" has since become a historic landmark. There are several museums in the area, all providing poignant reminders of events of June 1944. In addition, you can visit the heroic sites of the Beaches, including Omaha & Utah, or ponder at the American Cemetery at Colleville-St-Laurent.

Bayeux - A charming town which hosts the famous 11th century Tapestry. Study for yourself Queen Mathilde's embroidered depiction of the famous "Battle of Hastings", whilst she awaited her husband, William-the-Conqueror's return. Take in the sights of the impressive Gothic Cathedral, or the museum dedicated to "The Battle of Normandy".

Balleroy - Not far from Bayeux, you will find this wonderful chateau; which is the best example of Louis XIV architecture in Normandy. Occasionally you will find the surrounding skies graced with a colourful array of hot-air balloons from one of the rallies held nearby. Several other well-preserved chateaux can be found in the region, including Combourg near Le Mont St Michel. Built between the 12th & 15th centuries, it is still owned and occupied by a descendant of the famous Romantic writer, Chateaubriand. Coutances - Apart from its annual Jazz Festival, there are many attractions; public gardens, shops and restaurants. Enjoy a leisurely aperitif or sample the traditional local cuisine, whilst admiring the majestic twin towers of the13th Century Notre-Dame Cathedral.

Villedieu - Medieval town with several tourist attractions. It has a modern indoor swimming-pool with slides and toddlers' pool, and a number of popular creperies. Since the first small foundry was established, dating back to the son of William-the-Conqueror, the town has become a worldwide exporter of its famous copperware and brass bells.

Mortain - Children and adults alike will enjoy exploring the pretty "Cascades". Amongst an abundance of greenery, the Grande Cascade reaches a height of 20 mtrs, whilst the Petite Cascade leads to a deep gorge. Visit the ancient 12th century "Abbaye Blanche", which is still inhabited, or the 13th Century Gothic Church. Domfront - Once the "romantic capital" of Alienor of Aquitaine and Henri II Plantaganet. At the Romanesque granite chapel of Notre-Dame-sur-L'Eau, Thomas Beckett is said to have taken mass on Christmas Day 1166. Your journey will take you through the rolling hillsides, valleys, and cider-apple orchards of the region, where you can unwind with a taste of the locally produced cider or "calvados" .

Bagnoles-de-l'Orne - Situated in the Andaines Forest, this spa town is said to have once housed the Knights of the Round Table. A beautiful setting, with a small lake nestling among the pine forests of the Normandy/Maine Regional Natural Park.

Vire - The term "vaudeville" arose as a result of the "Vaux de Vire" regularly being mentioned in various drinking songs. Architectural sights include the Clock Tower and the Church of Notre-Dame. The 9-hole golf-course is just outside the town, and only a few minutes from our village. It overlooks the beautiful countryside on the edge of " Lac de la Dathee".

To contact John & Karen Lindsay via e-mail click here

Tel : 0033 (0)233 598870