Over Donato

On the western side of the Cotentin peninsula, Creances is an ideal base from which to visit Mont Saint-Michel, Caen, Bayeux, the D-Day landing beaches and the Norman Switzerland, all within easy reach. Situated 59 km south of Cherbourg, on the edge of the Natural Regional park of the Cotentin Marshes, the village itself offers many country walks and interest for the nature lover with an amazing variety of birds. The long sandy beach stretches past Creances Plage, Armanville and Pirou Plage, and boasts splendid views of Jersey. It is used by both surfers and sand yachts, and the area is renowned for the quality of its oysters and mussels.
Environment : In a small, quiet road running away from the sea, lined with sand dunes. The sandy beaches are at 800m and run for more than 30 km. Perfect for long evening walks along the seafront and for gathering mussels and other shellfish delights.

PLACES TO VISIT:
Coutances. 25 km. Old hill town overlooked by its stunning half-gothic half-Norman cathedral. No to miss on Summer evenings when a sound and light show makes the most of this dramatic building.
Ste Mère Eglise. 40 km. First town to be liberated after the D-Day landings hosting the Airborne Troops Museum with memorabilia of the time.
Valognes. 45 km. Market town at the heart of the Cotentin Peninsula with Gallo-Romain ruins, 11th-18th Century churches and 18th Century private mansions when Valognes was the Versailles of Normandy.
Granville. 50 km. Port and lively seaside resort with pleasant long beach and fortified old centre looking out towards the Channel islands. Ferries to the Channel islands and Iles Chausey.

THINGS TO DO:
Chateau de Pirou. 7 km. Beautiful little castle, thought to be the oldest in Normandy, dating back to the earliest Viking raids.
Golf Club de Countainville, Agon Coutainville. 20 km. Golf course. 18 holes Par 68 - 5022m. Challenging, well designed and maintained links course with water hazards, between sea and countryside.
Forest Adventure en Cotentin, St Sauveur le Vicomte. 25 km. Tree top adventure park. At the heart of the forest, in the Marais du Cotentin and Bessin National Park, trails offering adventures from tree to tree, with zip lines, nets, walkways and bridges. Different courses, tailored to the levels and tastes of all, for both adults and children.
Zoo de Champrepus, Villedieu les Poëles. 55 km. Animal park. 50 species in an exotic environment. Safeguard of rare species in process of disappearance, 7 hectares of grounds with monkey bars, educational and fun courses. Also miniature farm, ideal for small kids with interactive activities and a game park.

FURTHER AFIELD:
Cherbourg. 60 km. Lively city with many shops, restaurants and bars. Not to miss, the Cité de la Mer showing the many facets of underwater exploration with human adventure as its main theme. It includes the Redoutable, a former French Navy submarine, now a museum and the largest submarine in the world open to the public.
Tatihou Island. 60 km. Just off the coast from the little port of Saint-Vaast-la-Hougue, an inhabited and fortified island with maritime museum. Also a paradise for nature lovers and in particular birdwatchers.
St Vaast la Hougue. 60 km. Fishing harbour renowned for its oyster production and popular seaside resort with marina.
Mont St Michel. 100 km. Stunning monastery built on a small rocky island linked to the mainland by a causeway. Second most popular tourist attraction in France, it is a real delight to wander the narrow street with shops, hotels and restaurants leading to the abbey, or stroll in the gardens. Guided tour of the abbey itself.

HOW TO GET THERE:
Low cost flights from UK to Rennes (2 hrs), Dinard (2 hrs).
Ferries to Cherbourg (70mn) and Caen (1 hr 40mn).