EXCEPTIONAL NATURAL SITES
THE BAY OF MONT SAINT-MICHEL
Classified by UNESCO, the bay is famous for its highest tides heights of Europe which can go up to 15 meters in height and which encircle the Mont. Advice : do not park your cars during this period, you will not be able to leave!
ETRETAT CLIFFS
These impressive limestone cliffs are part of the 130 square kilometers long Alabaster Coast with a stunning coastline between fine sandy beaches and rocky paths. Advice : come early in the morning or late in the evening to take advantage of the places before they become too crowded and limit your waste if you want to picnic there!
LANDING BEACHES (D-DAY)
The beaches of Utah to Sword Beach bordered by the English Channel were chosen by the allies (Americans, British and Canadians) to land military fleets on June 6 th 1944, in order to liberate France under the control of Nazi enemies. Advice : avoid the rubbish if you want to picnic there and if you dig up shells or explosives, don't touch it!
HARAS DU PIN
The 'Versailles du Cheval' is the oldest of the French stud farms founded between 1715 and 1736 by Louis XIV. Today classified by the Institute French for Horses and Horse Riding (IFCE), it hosts many horse riding competitions and produces a very popular breed of horse : the Percheronne! A tip : book your tickets for the activities in advance on their website : haras-national-du-pin.com/fr/preparer-venue/dates- schedules-principals.html
BIRD HILL
This fine landscape with children's play areas, picnic and animal park in the heart of the city of Caen will appeal to lovers of green tourism. Advice : dogs are forbidden there and be respectful of the place by throwing your waste in the trash!
GIVERNY GARDENS
Monet lived for 43 years in this house annexed to a garden divided into 2 parts :
Le Clos Normand of 1 hectare with its flowerbeds such as tulips, roses, poppies etc. and its orchards.
The Japanese garden crossed by a river where he built a bridge decorated with wisteria. You can find bamboo, tree peonies from Japan, weeping willows and the famous water lilies that he painted in 1897. Advice : animals and picnics are prohibited here. However, you can take pictures in the aisles. To book tickets in advance : giverny.org/gardens/fcm/visitfr.htm#visit
NORMAN SWITZERLAND
This breathtaking nature offers you granite cliffs, plains, mountains culminating at more than 300 meters such as Mont Pinçon with 365 meters of altitude and forests green areas resembling Switzerland, hence its nickname! Advice : we have prepared a circuit on our section Circuits > Nature or you can click here.
GRANVILLE AND THE ISLAND OF CHAUSEY
Granville : the city has a unique beach of its kind : Plat Gousset beach where you can swim at low tide with fortifications and selfish harbour.
Chausey : the archipelago is recognized for: the transparent water, the sand fine and you can swim with dolphins and seals. Its lighthouse has been classified as a Historic Monument since 2009. The elephant rock is a must see! Advice : the island is only accessible via the harbour of Granville.