Guide to Manche & Property for Sale in Department 50
Manche is one of the 83 original departments created during the French Revolution on March 4th, 1790, located in northwest France. The department was formed from a part of the province of Normandy, covering approximately 5,938 square kilometres. At first, Coutances was the department's capital, but in 1796, Saint-Lô replaced it. However, after the D-Day invasion of Normandy during World War II, Saint-Lô was almost destroyed, and Coutances resumed its role as the capital. When Saint-Lô was rebuilt, it regained its status as the regional capital. The Manche department, number 50, includes…
Manche is one of the 83 original departments created during the French Revolution on March 4th, 1790, located in northwest France. The department was formed from a part of the province of Normandy, covering approximately 5,938 square kilometres. At first, Coutances was the department's capital, but in 1796, Saint-Lô replaced it. However, after the D-Day invasion of Normandy during World War II, Saint-Lô was almost destroyed, and Coutances resumed its role as the capital. When Saint-Lô was rebuilt, it regained its status as the regional capital. The Manche department, number 50, includes the Cotentin Peninsula and the islands of Chausey. It is part of the Basse-Normandie (Lower Normandy) region and is bordered on three sides by the English Channel, with 350km of coastline. On the other side, it is bordered by the departments of Calvados, Orne, Mayenne, and Ille-et-Vilaine.
Beautiful Scenic Landscapes
The department is known for its stunning landscapes, including long sandy beaches, high cliffs, and rolling hills. The region is also home to several historic landmarks, including the Mont-Saint-Michel, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Additionally, Manche is famous for its fresh seafood, including oysters, mussels, and scallops.
Geological Features & Natural Resources
Geologically, the department is connected to the Massif Armoricain, a mountain range in western France. The region is rich in natural resources, including iron ore, granite, and limestone, which have been utilised for construction and industrial purposes for centuries.
Climate and Weather Patterns
The climate is oceanic, marked by mild winters where temperatures rarely go below freezing, and warm summers averaging around 25°C. Precipitation levels are high but vary widely depending on the region, from 700 mm on the coast to 1300 mm in the southern open fields.
Thanks to the Gulf Stream’s influence, the West Coast supports the growth of many Mediterranean and exotic plants like mimosas, palms, and agaves. Coastal areas often experience a sea breeze, which, along with the tides, leads to rapid temperature fluctuations within a single day.
Tourism and Cultural Attractions
Manche is a well-known tourist destination that attracts visitors eager to experience its breathtaking scenery, historical heritage, and delicious food. Whether you want to enjoy outdoor activities, immerse yourself in local culture, or just unwind on the beach, Manche offers a variety of options for every traveller.
Accessibility and Connectivity
This area of Normandy is easily accessible from the UK via the main ferry ports of Cherbourg, Ouistreham (near Caen), Saint-Malo (a 1.5-hour drive), and Le Havre (a 2.5-hour drive), with regular ferry crossings available.
Key Information about the Manche (50)
- Main City/Prefecture: Saint-Lô
- Nearest Ferry Port: Cherbourg
- Population: Around 499,000 (as of the latest census)
- Area: 5,938 sq. kilometres and 2,293 sq. miles
- Landmark: Mont-Saint-Michel, a stunning medieval abbey and UNESCO World Heritage Site on a tidal island.
- Number of Tourists/Year: Approx. 3 million, captivated by Mont-St-Michel, WWII history and rugged coastal landscapes.
Types of Properties for Sale in the Manche
The Manche department offers a diverse range of properties, from charming traditional homes to contemporary residences, ideal for those seeking an authentic French lifestyle.Most Common House Styles
- Stone & Flint Houses: Coastal and village homes made from local stone and flint.
- Half-Timbered Houses & Cottages: Norman homes, some with thatched roofs.
- Longères & Farmhouses: Rural properties, often renovated, with outbuildings and land.
- Country Houses & Period Properties: Mansions and historic estates with character.
- Contemporary Houses: Modern homes with open-plan living in towns and villages.
- Townhouses & Apartments: Historic and modern homes in urban centres like Cherbourg or Saint-Lô.
- Seaside Homes: Coastal properties for views and durability.
- Châteaux: Historic castles and grand estates, ideal for living or investment.
Property Prices & Trends in Manche in 2026
- Houses: the average price per sq. metre: €1,905 (April 2026)
- Apartments: the average price per sq. metre: €3,426 (April 2026)
- Price trends: +10% over the last 12 months, +65% over the last 5 years (Le Figaro - April 2026)
House Prices in the Main Towns in Manche in 2026
- Average House Price in Cherbourg-en-Cotentin: €2,177 per sq. metre (April 2026)
- Average House Price in Saint-Lô: €1,737 per sq. metre (April 2026)
If you are looking for a property in the Manche, please get in touch to discuss your search criteria.
French Property Search
In the town of Meyzieu, located in a quiet cul-de-sac, this house built in 2021 on a 526sqm plot with a swimming pool offers 200sqm of living space plus a 100sqm finished basement. From the entrance,…
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Situated in one of Mèze’s most sought-after areas, this flawlessly maintained two-storey villa offers move-in readiness. Designed for easy living, the home features three bedrooms, including a ground-floor…
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EXCLUSIVITY - Spacious renovated 5 bedroom family home with heated pool, poolhouse, basement with playroom, laundry room, garage, carport, boules court and land of nearly 5000m2. This fabulous property…
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Between JONZAC and BARBEZIEUX, close to Baignes in a quiet area - Old house with approximately 290 m2 of living space in the heart of a garden of approximately 8600 m2.The imposing entrance hall sets…
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€171,200 incl. fees
Countryside house for Sale in Nouvelle Aquitaine
Mainzac, Charente
Located in MAINZAC (16380). This is the former castle farm. It is composed on the ground floor of a kitchen and two storerooms, one of which has access to an old underground passage.Upstairs, landing,…
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At only 5 minutes walk from the charming village of Mons, discover this spacious 260m² villa with panoramic sea and mountain views. Quality built in 1965, it offers: an entrance hall, a large, bright…
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Beautiful stone house + gîte in stunning setting for sale in Normandy in the Sée Valley with views over the river.This property really is in a stunning position, ideal for those seeking complete peace…
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Superb family home in Normandy with 2 gîtes and just under 3 acresThis delightful Farmhouse is believed to date back to the 1700's. It stands in a small rural hamlet in a private position. There is…
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Substantial detached family house with large barns with potential annexe near the Normandy/Brittany border.The property has been renovated to a high standard which includes double glazing, chestnut flooring…
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Behind a charming facade, this building sits on a 980 sqm plot, completely renovated in 2022, tastefully combining noble materials, volumes, and high-end services. From the entrance, the tone is set:…
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Equestrian property with stabling for 4 horses and 5 acresThis property offers family accommodation with room to extend in to the adjoining double garage and loft over, or to create a gîte (subject to…
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Country House with nearly 5 hectares, partially dating back to the 14th CenturyThis country house will make a stunning property. It has a new roof (2022) and all the window and door openings have been…
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Country house to modernise with no neighbours, set within over 10 hectaresThis property is in a bucholic setting surrounded by its own undulating land of nearly 27 acres with no neighbours. There is…
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Fully Renovated Home and Income Opportunity with 3 GîtesThis property is an excellent opportunity for a home and income or several families buying together. The buildings have all been renovated and…
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Pretty 4 bedroom house with garaging for several carsThe property is believed to have been built in 1980-1981 and has been considerably improved recently. The roof was replaced in 2019, double glazed…
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Magnificent seaside town with its pretty port, all shops and local markets, located 15 minutes from Marseillan, 30 minutes from Beziers Cap d'Agde airport and 10 minutes from the A9 motorway !Luxury renovation…
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Well appointed detached house with 3/4 acre garden and double garageThe property has been completely modernised and improved over the last few years. The house was re-wired in March 2020 (except the…
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Attractive detached stone house with heated swimming pool in just over an acre of gardensThis property offers spacious family accommodation with a large farmhouse kitchen, living room, 3 bedrooms (+ sleeping…
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This brand new, turnkey property in the Normandy countryside is an exceptional opportunity for those seeking a high-quality home with no further work required—all at an amazing value of €158,600. Built…
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€306,000 incl. fees
Countryside house for Sale in Normandy
Saint-Hilaire-du-Harcouët, Manche
Stunning detached house at the end of a no through road with no neighboursThis fabulous house is in a lovely quiet location and is surrounded by open fields. It is beautifully presented throughout with…
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Huge stone property to renovate built around an open courtyard with 3/4 acreThis authentic property has been used for World War II re-enactments and much of it remains in its original condition. One…
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Successfully run bar and restaurant with bed and breakfast rooms and separate apartmentThis property is a ready made business for someone wishing to take over. It is being sold with a Category IV License…
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Pretty 3 bedroom detached house in a rural hamlet. Excellent area for horse riding, walking and cycling near the forest of Saint Sever. There are 2 lakes in close proximity and plenty of walking routes.The…
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Substantial detached house with basement and just under an acreThis individual house was built in 2005/6 by the present owners and offers spacious family accommodation. There is the possibility of using…
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