Nature walks and discovery in Basse Normandie

Farm-museum of Cotentin

In an authentic and green setting, this old farm-manor plunges you a century back to discover the daily life of a grassy farm. Visit the common room at the time of the vigil, the dairy where the butter is made, the press which still smells good the apples crushed … Discover mowers, tedders and other hay rakes in the space of machines and men. Take part in family hands-on workshops: preparing butter, old-fashioned bread, discovering bees and their hives …

Cité de la Mer

Embark on a journey to the depths of the ocean at the Cité de la Mer. Housed in the former transatlantic railway station of Cherbourg, this museum tells you the adventure of the man in the deep with the highlight, the visit of a real submarine, the Redoutable.

Cotentin and Bessin Marshes Park

An area of more than 145,000 hectares, including 30,000 wet grasslands, rich in spaces dominated by abundant flora and fauna. The Maison du Parc organise numerous guided tours, exhibitions and workshops to better understand this natural world.

River ride on the Douve

Hop aboard the Barbey d’Aurevilly II for a river ride on the Douve in the Parc des Marais du Cotentin. Sail quietly on the river that flows through fields and will make you discover the Norman bocage, its fauna and flora. A bucolic landscape animated by the captain of the boat, native of the country, who knows these places by heart. You will know all about the history of the marsh, its use and especially its rich wildlife.

Beauguillot National Nature Reserve

Located in the Baie des Veys, this preserved area of 500 ha presents a great wealth of fauna and flora. Along a 1 km trail you will be able to observe its protected species, the flora of the salt meadows and numerous waterfowl during stopover or wintering (teal, duck whistle, duck pilet, goose ash, goose cravant…).

Parc du château de Courcy

Visit the gardens of this romantic 17th century castle, listed as a historic monument. Several gardens are to be explored inside the property, one of them is a traditional French garden, a former vegetable garden converted partly into a rose garden, a superb dovecote that once housed more than 1,000 pigeons.

Bellenau Castle Garden

A true paradise piece, the castle park consists of a Japanese garden surrounded by caves, a small lake and a permaculture garden. Magical place in which is organized many workshops for children, educational guided tours, temporary exhibitions and shows of sound and light.

Saint Martin Animal Park

In the heart of the Cotentin, the animal park Saint Martin welcomes you on its 15 hectares of wooded space with its numerous ponds. The park is home to animals from 5 continents: lemurs, wolves, monkeys, zebras, etc. An ideal outing to do with children who will also enjoy pony rides.