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Anne Denis: Nature Getaways at Saint-germain-de-varreville

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Dive into the rich natural and cultural heritage surrounding Saint-germain-de-varreville in the Manche department of Basse-Normandie. This beautiful region is ideal for outdoor enthusiasts, offering numerous hiking and walking trails through picturesque landscapes. Explore the D-Day beaches that pay homage to the poignant history of World War II, such as Utah Beach, just a few kilometers away. Adm...See more

Walking around ANNE DENIS

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Family walks around ANNE DENIS.
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Autour d'Utah Beach
2.7 km

Autour d'Utah Beach

Presentation : In the footsteps of the U.S. Army.. Like the 135,000 men of the allied forces who landed in June 44, set off from the dunes to cross the flowering marshes and discover the Norman architectural heritage. Return to the Second World War by returning to the beach marked out by blockhouses up to the Leclerc monument. Remarkable points on the circuit 0- The Leclerc monument was erected in memory of General Leclerc de Hauteclocque, who was in charge of the famous 2nd D.B. of the American army and who landed on August 1st, 44 at Utah Beach before going to liberate Paris, then Strasbourg. 1 - Cross marshes lined with colorful flowers, along a pond, in a landscape of hunting huts. 2 - The church of Saint-Martin-de-Varreville with its 11th and 12th century modillions, has a pointed bell tower unlike its neighbours which have brackets. Magnificent Romanesque portal. One of the most beautiful oak lecterns in the Cotentin region. 3 - The Château de Vaugoubert dates back to the 19th century and houses a pond that welcomes swans and ducks. Nothing remains of the old buildings. In the park, a dovecote has been rebuilt on an old framework. It belonged during the Revolution to François Darot, squire, former gendarme of the king's guards. 4 - In Foucarville, a little off the path on the D14, a stele marks the site of the German prison camp "Continental Central Enclosure n°19". 5 - Back towards the dunes and the seaside, cross "le Grand Marais". 6 - An old blockhouse recalls the massive construction by the German army on the Normandy coast of these buried casemates. 7 - If the tide is low, continue on the beach towards the Leclerc monument, otherwise follow the road if you don't want to get your feet wet Remarkable points in the vicinity Utah Beach Landing Museum 50480 Sainte Marie du Mont - Tel : 02 33 71 53 35 History of the landing of 6 June 1944 and its human and technical prowess. Sainte-Marie-du-Mont: La Réserve Naturelle du domaine de Beauguillot - Located in the Baie des Veys, it is an important stopover and wintering place for more than 20,000 migratory birds, which can be discovered from two observatories well hidden in the dikes. Church of Saint-Gilles, Ravenoville. Cruciform church, with walls decorated with modillions from the 11th and 12th centuries. It is under the name of Notre-Dame and the Blanchelande abbey has the patronage of it. At the entrance to the choir presides over the Arch of Glory. A monumental stove (curiosity to be seen). Farm-Manor House of Surville, Ravenoville. Built in the 16th and 19th centuries. A beautiful double door, still with its knocker and a beautiful square tower. Open to visitors. Les Ponts d'Ouve: 100 hectares of ornithological reserve and bird discovery area in the territory of the Parc naturel régional des marais du Cotentin et du Bessin. Access path to the large observatory overlooking a lake.

3 h
13 km
Medium
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GR®223 - Utah Beach - Sainte-Mère-Eglise
5.6 km

GR®223 - Utah Beach - Sainte-Mère-Eglise

A 15 km stage with sandy paths, earth tracks and asphalt roads on the way to the famous town of Sainte-Mère-Église. Starting at the Musée du Débarquement, follow the departmental road along the sea, then head off towards the dunes. A stop at the shop “Aux Viviers d’Utah Beach” is a must, to try or take away some of the special Utah Beach oysters. Farmed on the foreshore, they have a delicious characteristic flavour. The company also farms bouchot mussels, which you can see on the stakes in the bay. After this tasting session, head back to the coastal path; from there you have a striking view of the first beach stormed by the Allies on 6 June 1944. Today, this 5 km long beach is a top spot for sand yachting. If you fancy having a go at this exhilarating activity, contact Utah Mer Loisirs. Once you get to the Leclerc monument, it’s time to head away from the coast and follow more stable paths through wetland landscapes. This monument commemorates the Allied landings of 6 June, but also the landing of the French 2nd Armoured Division commanded by General Leclerc on 1 August 1944. You can see a Sherman tank, a light armoured vehicle, a half track and the n°1 marker of the Route of the 2nd Armoured Division. Next, leave the memorial behind you as you head towards Saint-Martin-de-Varreville then Turqueville. The spire of the church in Sainte-Mère-Église can be seen in the distance, meaning your destination is close by. To finish this day of walking, head to the brewery in Sainte-Mère-Église and choose from blonde, brown, red, white, or IPA ales, as you sit comfortably in the pub and watch the brewers at work behind the window.

4 h
16 km
Medium
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GR®223 - Sainte-Mère-Eglise - Fontenay-sur-Mer
6.1 km

GR®223 - Sainte-Mère-Eglise - Fontenay-sur-Mer

Before setting off on this 14 km stage, take the opportunity to explore Sainte-Mère-Église. During the night of 5 to 6 June 1944, 15 000 soldiers were dropped over the village and its surroundings. Carried by their parachutes, some of them got stuck in the trees: private John Steele was even left hanging from the church spire for two hours before being saved! The next morning, Sainte-Mère-Église became the first French town to be liberated by air. Right next to the church, the Airborne Museum presents the history of the parachute drops. Don’t miss a visit to the Sainte-Mère biscuit factory to stock up on treats before you start the 14 km hike to Fontenay-sur-Mer. In Sainte-Mère-Église you can also see the 0 marker of Liberation Road. From the Normandy beaches to Belgium, 1 200 markers commemorate the route taken by the Allies and the French army to liberate France. As you leave the town, you need to take the Chasse du Monet. This path goes through Le Plain, a bocage region of the Cotentin Peninsula. It’s also the birthplace of Norman cattle and horse breeds; prize-winning trotters and saddle horses are born here. After Pont Percé, the path takes you to the small village of Azeville, famous for its German battery. Built in 1942, it marks the beginning of the German presence on the coast of La Manche. Your hike continues along dirt tracks (also known as “Chasses”) to Saint-Marcouf, where you’ll find a restored 13th century church, a crypt and a fountain said to have miraculous waters. Out to sea are the islands of the same name, with a bird reserve on the Ile de Terre and a military fort that is currently being restored on the Ile du Large. Leave the road behind and follow the path to the battery in Crisbecq. Go through Dangueville on your way to Fontenay-sur-Mer, your finish for the day.

5 h
14 km
Medium
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GR®223 - Fontenay-sur-Mer - Saint-Vaast-la-Hougue
6.9 km

GR®223 - Fontenay-sur-Mer - Saint-Vaast-la-Hougue

Before you start your day’s walk, why not enjoy a round of golf? At the Golf de la Presqu’Île du Cotentin, you’ll find a nine-hole course by the sea with an amazing view of the Bay of Saint-Vaast-la-Hougue and a nine-hole course in the Norman bocage landscape. Stretching over 50 hectares between dunes and marshes, this golf course offers a real challenge, but also a lovely walk in a protected natural environment. This 19 km stage takes you along the coast runs next to the beach for several kilometres. You’ll have a wonderful view of the Saint-Marcouf islands and the Vauban towers all the way to your destination. The route goes through Quinéville, a picturesque village with some interesting heritage: Notre Dame Church with its two spires, the Grande Cheminée, the Château de Quinéville, the World War II Museum, and for foodies, the Quinéville biscuit factory. To get back to the coastal path, you need to go around La Sinope harbour, go over the bridge and take the track along the sea to the Morsalines redoubt. Then you’ll leave the coast for a few kilometres as you head through the hamlets of Morsalines and Le Rivage. Go along Rue du Buissonnet and you’re on the coastal path again, with La Hougue peninsula stretching before you. Your arrival in Saint-Vaast-la-Hougue marks the end of today’s walk. Enjoy a nice evening as you try oysters farmed in the bay and admire the fishing boats coming and going in the harbour. Stroll around the town of Saint-Vaast-la-Hougue and visit the Vauban tower, a UNESCO world Heritage site, along with its twin on Tatihou Island. Cross over to visit the island a paradise for birds stretching over 20 hectares, that you can get to on the amphibious vehicle.

5 h
18 km
Medium
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GRAND GÎTE LE BOCAGE, 1-8 PERS
112 km

GRAND GÎTE LE BOCAGE, 1-8 PERS

Exceptional gîte in the prestigious town of Pontmain. Exceptional for its size: 150 m² with ceiling heights of over 2.5 m, for its modern, comfortable accommodation and for the warm, professional welcome from the Relais du Bocage team. You have access to the Relais' services: restaurant for lunch and dinner (booking required), fitness room and games room (billiards - table football), museum. This gîte is located at the end of the east wing of the Relais, in a peaceful, unoverlooked setting. It has its own private enclosed garden, with a breathtaking view of the Pontmain Basilica. The 12 hectares of wooded parkland are directly accessible from the gîte. The 3 spacious bedrooms can accommodate up to 8 people, with the addition of a hotel-quality 90x190 folding bed in one of the bedrooms. For your outings, as well as visiting the emblematic sites of Pontmain, you can discover the medieval fortress of Fougères (15 min), and Mont Saint-Michel (30 min). Leisure centres with swimming, canoeing, tree climbing, etc. at the Base de loisirs du Chênedet (10km) or the Base de la Colmont in Gorron (20km). Aquatis aquatic complex in Fougères (15km). All shops and services within walking distance. Numerous hiking trails. Possibility of arriving from Fougères station (15km, David taxi), Laval station (55km, taxis or BipBip Voyage for you and your bikes), or Rennes station (65km, numerous taxis). To be booked in advance. Gîte also available for 4 people under the name "Gîte le Bocage H53G020862". Long-stay special offer: 14 to 25 nights -20% and 25 to 30 nights -25%. 1-2 night stays: arrival 4pm - departure 4pm From 3 nights: arrival 4pm - departure 10am

2 Rue de Mausson 53220 PONTMAIN
Book from 310 €Book
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GÎTE LE BOCAGE, 1-4 PERS
112 km

GÎTE LE BOCAGE, 1-4 PERS

Exceptional gîte in the prestigious town of Pontmain. Exceptional for its size: 110 m² with a ceiling height of over 2.5 m, for its modern, comfortable accommodation and for the warm, professional welcome from the Relais du Bocage team. You have access to the Relais' services: restaurant for lunch and dinner (booking required), fitness room and games room (billiards - table football), museum. This gîte is located at the end of the east wing of the Relais, in a peaceful, unoverlooked setting. It has its own private enclosed garden, with a breathtaking view of the Pontmain Basilica. You'll love the 12 hectares of wooded parkland directly accessible from the gîte. You can sleep up to 4 people - 2 adults and 2 children up to the age of 15 - by adding 1 hotel-quality folding bed or a sofa-bed, either in the large 40m² bedroom or in the 30m² lounge. For your outings, as well as visiting the emblematic sites of Pontmain, you can discover the medieval fortress of Fougères (15 min), and Mont Saint-Michel (30 min). Leisure centres with swimming, canoeing, tree climbing, etc. at the Base de loisirs du Chênedet (10km) or the Base de la Colmont in Gorron (20km). Aquatis aquatic complex in Fougères (15km). All shops and services within walking distance. Numerous hiking trails. Possibility of arriving from Fougères station (15km, David taxi), Laval station (55km, taxis or BipBip Voyage for you and your bikes), or Rennes station (65km, numerous taxis). Please book in advance. Gîte also available for 8 people under the name "Grand gîte le Bocage H53G023371". Long-stay special offer: 14 to 25 nights -20% and 25 to 30 nights -25%. 1-2 night stays: arrival 4pm - departure 4pm From 3 nights: arrival 4pm - departure 10am

2 Rue de Mausson Le Relais du Bocage 53220 PONTMAIN
Book from 180 €Book
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Gîte Le Moulin de la Quentinière
112 km

Gîte Le Moulin de la Quentinière

The spacious Moulin de la Quentinière will surprise you with the quality of its facilities. It features 5 large, modern bedrooms with a seating area and TV with Freeview, radio channels and free wireless internet. Each room has a king-size bed - with a memory foam mattress - and a double sofa bed. You will also find complimentary tea, coffee and biscuits supplied with the hot drinks machines. There are three bedrooms: "The Clouds" on the 1st floor, "The Sky" and "The Stars" on the 2nd floor and "The Sun" and "The Moon" on the 3rd floor. Each of the bedrooms has a bathroom with a double washbasin - the bedroom on the first floor has a single washbasin - shower and bath. A 6th bedroom, on the ground floor, is used as a relaxation/TV room and has a toilet with washbasin. The bedroom on the first floor comfortably sleeps 2 adults; the bedrooms on the 2nd and 3rd floors sleep 4 adults with the capacity to comfortably sleep up to 6. The spacious lounge, with projector and screen, incorporates the fireplace with sofas and armchairs. The lounge has comfortable seating, books, board games, CDs, DVDs, a 50-inch LCD TV and DVD player. The fully equipped kitchen has a separate Rayburn induction cooker and convection oven. Dining area with table and chairs. Games room with pool table, table tennis and table football. The leisure complex includes a 13 m indoor swimming pool, a gym and a games area with Xbox and Wii consoles to be shared with another gîte, La Petite Maison. The mill also has a washing machine, tumble dryer, iron, ironing board and hairdryer. At the end of a long courtyard, the entrance is secured by private, locked gates. The courtyard can accommodate more than 20 cars. Large garden. Minimum stay 2 nights. Compulsory final cleaning charge €150

8 La Quentinière 53190 DESERTINES
Book from 480 €Book
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Plaque Gardes-Côtes
5.5 km

Plaque Gardes-Côtes

The commemorative plaque pays tribute to the members of the United States Coast Guard (USCG), who served alongside the Allied forces during the Normandy landings and throughout the Second World War. Established in 1790, the US Coast Guard is one of America?s oldest armed forces. In wartime, it can be placed under the authority of the US Navy, as was the case in 1941, in anticipation of a massive worldwide engagement. During the Second World War, the Coast Guard played a fundamental role in naval logistics and amphibious operations. Their versatility made them indispensable for carrying out landing missions, piloting transport ships, managing maritime safety and rescue operations at sea. During Operation Overlord on June 6, 1944, the US Coast Guard was mobilized in a major way. Its men took command of : 10 Landing Ship Tank (LST): ships capable of transporting heavy vehicles, tanks and troops directly to the beaches. 24 Landing Craft Infantry (LCI): boats specially designed for landing infantry. Several dozen Attack Transport Ships, essential for transporting soldiers from England to the Normandy coast. But their most emblematic mission was that of Rescue Flotilla One, a rescue flotilla set up to recover soldiers who had fallen overboard. Placed under the command of Coast Guard Reserve Commander Alexander Stewart, this unit was made up of 60 speedboats assigned to the surveillance of landing zones. Equally divided between the American and Anglo-Canadian sectors, the flotilla rescued around 400 soldiers on D-Day. The plaque was installed in Sainte-Marie-du-Mont on June 6, 1994, to mark the fiftieth anniversary of the D-Day landings. It bears the motto of the US Coast Guard: "Semper Paratus? Always ready, as well as their official emblem, recalling the founding of the USCG in 1790. GPS coordinates: Latitude: 49.416375 | Longitude: -1.175551

La Madeleine Utah Beach 50480 SAINTE-MARIE-DU-MONT
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Caution!
We have no information on the difficulty of this circuit. You may encounter some surprises along the way. Before you go, please feel free to inquire more and take all necessary precautions. Have a good trip! 🌳🥾