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 an area of 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 became the capital again. The Manche department, which is numbered 50, includes the Cotentin Peninsula and the islands of Chausey. It is part of the region of Basse-Normandie (Lower Normandy) and is surrounded 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, such as the Mont-Saint-Michel, which is 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 used for construction and industrial use for centuries.
Climate and Weather Patterns
The climate is oceanic, with mild winters, temperatures rarely below freezing, and temperate summers, around 25°C. Precipitation is substantial but varies significantly by region, between 700 mm on the coast and 1300 mm in the open field land of the south.
The West coast benefits from the Gulf Stream’s influence, allowing the naturalisation of many Mediterranean and exotic plants (mimosas, palms, agaves…). There is often a sea breeze on the coast, which, combined with tides, contributes to quick temperature changes over a single day.
Tourism and Cultural Attractions
Manche is a popular tourist destination, with visitors coming to enjoy the region's beautiful landscape, incredible history, and delicious cuisine. Whether you're interested in exploring the great outdoors, soaking up the local culture, or simply relaxing on the beach, the department of Manche has something for everyone.
Accessibility and Connectivity
This area of Normandy is easy to access from the UK via the main ferry ports of Cherbourg, Ouistreham (Caen) and Saint Malo (at most 1.5 hours drive) and Le Havre (about 2.5 hours) with regular crossings provided by ferries.
Key Information about the Manche
- 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.
If you are looking for a property in the Manche, please get in touch to discuss your search criteria.
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