Things to Do and Places to Visit

The outdoors

The area has much to offer those who enjoy outdoor activites.

Fishing is a popular pastime, due to the many lakes and rivers in the region. Walking and cycling are pleasant ways of seeing the local countryside and nearby forest.

The famous spa town of Bagnoles de l’Orne offers a wide variety of sporting facilities, including golf, tennis and swimming.

Horseriding and canoeing are also available locally.

   Local Culture

If you are interested in the local history and culture, you should visit the mediaeval town of Domfront about 8km north, with its narrow streets and castle ruins. Lassay-les-Chateaux,a little further south west, has a castle dating from 15th Century and visits are possible during the summer. Both have busy weekly markets, Domfront on Fridays, Lassay on Wednesdays.                     

Other local towns of interest to visitors include the following:

The village of St. Fraimbault is literally covered in flowers from spring to late summer. The annual show in August is a great day out for all age groups. The road through the village is shut and stalls are set up selling locally produced food and crafts; there are displays of agricultural equipment as well as demonstrations of farming techniques through the ages.

La Ferte-Mace caters for all the family. Here there is a par 3 ‘swin’ golf course, requiring just one three-sided club; a lake with artificial beach and swimming area and a large hypermarket.         

Day trips 

Some of the more famous Normandy tourist attractions can easily be visited in a day :

Bayeux, which is famous for its tapestry recounting the Battle of Hastings

The D Day Landing Beaches on the North coast.

 Further Afield:

 Le Mans for those interested in motor racing; the Loire Valley famous for its many chateaux and white wines; Paris, which can be reached by train from Laval ; Monet’s garden near Giverney.   

                           Kids’ days out

Normandy has plenty of attractions to suit youngsters of all ages. Here are a few of the popular destinations:

       ·        Espace Aquatique at Conde-sur Noireau : 3 pools, giant slide, play equipment.

·        Jurques Zoo Park at Jurques, between Caen and Vire : More than 500 animals in 15 hectares of grounds. Play park for children, shows, restaurant, safari animalsand rare species.

·        L’Ange Michel Leisure Parc at St Martin-de-Landelles :  Aquasplash, mini train, sleds, bumper boats and a heated outdoor pool.

·        Parc Festyland at Bretteville sur Odon : Viking ship roller coasters, aqua park, jousting. A Viking battle is held daily in July and August.

·        Mont St. Michel Maze at Route de Pontorson, Mont St. Michel : giant crop maze with picnic area and other entertainment for children.

 Regional Food

Specialities - moules marinières, boudin blanc, salade Cauchoise (potato salad with ham), porc Normande, pâté de foie de porc, croquettes de Camembert, marmite Dieppois (fish stew with spices), filet de sole Normande, sauce Normande (cider and cream sauce), brioche, sablé biscuits, bourdelots.

Popular foods : fish and shellfish, pork, cheese, cream, butter, omelettes, potatoes, crème fraîche, apples. 

Cheeses - Camembert, Pont l'Eveque, Livarot, Neufchâtel, Chateaubriand.

Drinks - cider, calvados (cider brandy), benedictine liqueur.