Property Normandy - Manche, Basse-Normandie

Manche, Basse-Normandie, France

The Basse-Normandie (or Lower Normandy) region is part of the ancient duchy of Normandy. The regions is made up of three departments (Fr. départements) Orne, Calvados, and Manche

The Manche - Department 50:

Manche is a French department in the region of Basse-Normandy and is named after La Manche ("the sleeve"), which is the French name for the English Channel. The department includes the Cotentin Peninsula and the islands of Chausey. It is surrounded on three sides by the English Channel, with 350km of coastline, and on the other by the departments of Calvados, Orne, Mayenne, and Ille-et-Vilaine.

The department of Manche covers the western strip of Normandy, stretching from Cherbourg in the north to Mont-St-Michel in the south. The northern half is called the Cotentin Peninsula, although in English it is referred to as the Cherbourg Peninsula.

Main Towns

Saint-Lo

Capital of the Manche department. In the past called Briovere (meaning "Bridge on the Vire River" in Gaulish), the city is built on, and around ramparts. The name "Saint-Lo" originates from Saint Laud, bishop of Coutances in the 6th century. Due to the city being a strategic crossroad, Saint-Lo was almost totally destroyed during the Battle of Normandy in World War II. It is now a centre for French gastronomy, focusing on the production of award winning chopped liver.

Cherbourg

This port town played an important role during World War II. The Musee de la Guerre et de la Liberation is a great place to learn more about its past. Cherbourg is not the prettiest town in France, but its easy access and authentic Norman feel make it a popular destination nevertheless.

Places of Interest

Mont Saint-Michel

A stunning town and the chief visitor magnet for Normandy. A breathtaking tidal islet, listed in 1979 as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it has long been dubbed 'a marvel of the western world'. Connected by a causeway with the mainland, the town rises majestically above the flat plains below, with its medieval architecture pointing upwards. At the very top sits the gothic Benedictine Abbey of St Michel, an extraordinary work of architecture built high upon the rocks of this mountain island.

Coutances

On the Cotentin Peninsular and one of the prettiest towns in Normandy. Its centrepiece is an incredible 11th to 13th century cathedral. The town has a very relaxed atmosphere with safe streets and well kept gardens.

Granville

South of Coutances and on this coast, Granville is a popular summer resort. A favourite since the 19 th century, the town is still an important fishing centre despite it relying mostly on tourism. Its garanite fortifications are imposing.

Carteret and Barneville

On the western coast of the peninsular, the twin resorts of Carteret and Barneville share three fine sandy beaches and dunes. Protected by the Channel Islands, the resorts also benefit from the warmth of the Gulf Steam, and are popular with families.

Access to Manche, Basse-Normandie

Direct flights from the UK to Normandy include flybe into Cherbourg and Skysouth which flies from Shoreham Airport (Brighton) to Caen and Le Havre.

There are ferries to Cherbourg, Ouistrehem (Caen), Le Havre in Upper Normandy and St Malo in Brittany.

Gites, Hotels and Tourist Accommodation in Manche, Normandy

This increase in tourism, especially since it is fuelled to some degree by the increase in low cost air fares, opens opportunities for those wishing to start or run a business in France.

Many people find converting an old barn or outhouse to a gite enables them to earn a useful supplementary income from those looking for a French gite holiday. Rural gite holidays are increasingly popular and a 'gite to rent' or 'gite louer' could be how you enjoy life without working in the rat race.

House & Property Prices in Manche, Basse-Normandie

The average price of a 4 bedroom property for sale in Manche costs between 180,0000 euros and 220,000 euros while a 2 bedroom apartment will cost between 130,000 euros and 150,000 euros which are both considerably less than the national average.

The abundance of cheap properties and the easy access from the UK make it ideal for buyers here. The Contentin Peninsula primarily offers resorts for French families, while the South is more popular for the British.

Needless to say, the most expensive properties are to be found in Mont-St-Michel.

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