Manoir Cotentin allows you the opportunity to stay in a prestigious 17th century home in the Normandy countryside near the sea, close to wonderful beaches, World War II memorial sites and authentic restaurants serving moules straight from the English channel.
This 4-bedroom historic residence sleeps up to 8 guests in picturesque surroundings. Dating back to the time of Louis XIII, appreciate the manoir’s exquisite architecture and refined furnishings across its graceful rooms. Wood-beamed ceilings, luxurious curtains and an abundance of natural light add to the historic elegance of the living room, the kitchen is simply gorgeous (you can even catch a glimpse of the sea from the window) whilst the formal dining room is stunning with its classic décor and artwork. Each of the four pretty bedrooms has its own bathroom – the roll top bath in one of the doubles is especially romantic.
Imagine enjoying breakfast outside on summer mornings as the birds sing. The beautiful garden and grounds are shared with three other historic residences, a unique pigeonnier, Le Cormoran, the elegant La Marine and the former stables, Hippocampe, in the south-wing of the manoir. Alongside your neighbours, the estate is just perfect for an evening stroll or moments of quiet reflection by the lawns, summer roses and stone walls.
Grab a bike and cycle to the sea, only 3.5km away, dine out in a traditional Normandy restaurant or head straight to the sandy shore. Admire the colourful beach houses facing the sea and enjoy long walks by the coast, perhaps paddling in the waves at high tide. Drive 10km south to Utah Beach for sand-yachting and visit the fascinating WWII Utah Beach Landing Museum. Discover summer horse-riding along the beach, also within a short drive.
Further north, admire the granite houses of Saint-Vaast-la-Hougue, walk along the peninsula to the Vauban Tower (a UNESCO World Heritage site) and catch the boat with wheels across to Tatihou Island with its museum, beaches and botanical gardens (you could even walk there at low tide). Barfleur also awaits for moules-frites in one of its inviting harbourside restaurants.
Closer to home, the village of Sainte-Mère-Église, one of the first to be liberated by the Allied forces, awaits with its delicious biscuit shop and weekly market showcasing the best regional specialities, not only oysters and other sea-food but also calvados, cider, Isigny butter, cream and delicious cheeses – this part of Normandy is gastronomes’ paradise!
Photography by Pascal Othlinghaus & Eric Sanders
