About Normandy
Normandy regional description
Normandy and Brittany were once joined to the UK at Devon and Cornwall so you can expect to feel at home in this region. At Healey Fox we specialise in selling properties in Manche which is the department which sticks out into the Channel and enjoys coastline almost all around it. It’s ease of access, feeling of familiarity and beautiful coastline and countryside have long made it a popular destination for people from the U.K. looking for holiday homes or to make a full time move to France. The countryside of Manche is lush and green with rocky outcrops and the occasional waterfall. Most of the land is used for farming and inland Manche certainly has a rural feel. Apples orchards and grazing cows sum up the countryside of this department. It’s good to be able to wander inland and enjoy the countryside, especially in the summer months, when many French holidaymakers from the south of France flock to the beaches of Normandy to enjoy the cooler days. It’s easy to see why even the French choose to holiday in Normandy. Manche has more coastline than any other department in France and offers wild beaches backed by sand dunes, bustling harbours, modern marinas and pretty towns and villages.
Being active in Manche
With so much coastline it is not surprising that many activities focus on sea and sand. There is wind surfing, sailing, kite surfing, sand yachting and swimming to enjoy. For those not tempted by such activity there are rock pools to explore in the many little coves, fishing both at sea and in the rivers, cycle paths, walking and nature reserves to explore. Sightseeing is in abundance. A day spent at Mont St. Michel is a must, preferably during the quieter months. If you aim the time of your visit correctly you can take a guided walk across the sands to arrive at the monastery in the same way that the pilgrims used to. It’s a very special experience. Bayeux is an interesting town in its own right but spending time walking along the length of the tapestry and picking out all the bits of history one can remember from school, is a good way to spend an afternoon. It is impossible to be in Manche without visiting the D-day beaches, museums and memorials. History certainly comes to life in Manche and away from the sights you are often aware of it even when viewing houses for sale. There are many properties that have stories of the war attached to them, meeting the owners of these can be very interesting.
Life in Normandy
Life in Normandy has a gentle pace to it reflected in its climate which is much the same as that enjoyed in south-west England. There is little sign of industry and local crafts abound. Food and drink are highly valued. The Normans are rightly proud of their cheeses from Pont L’Eveque to Camembert. Apples are used for nearly all desserts, especially crepes and of course, for cider, calvados and pommeau (an aperitif of blended cider and apple brandy). In Manche, almost surrounded by sea, you can certainly get some of the best sea food imaginable. You will not go hungry in Normandy and you will certainly eat and drink well. Getting to Normandy from the UK couldn’t be simpler and the department of Manche will be your likely arrival point. Buying a house in Normandy is especially good for families who like to take their family pet on holiday, easy to get there and wonderful beaches and countryside for doggy walks.
