Normandy is also famed for its abundance of glorious Chateaux, and there are many that can be visited locally. The town of Bayeux with its ancient tapestry, Cathedral, market and eclectic selection of fascinating shops ( in common with so many towns here!) can be reached in an hour or so. Add to this the many peaceful parks and gardens to wander round, the quiet countryside to ramble in, and you begin to see that Normandy has something for everyone. Sports enthusiasts too, are well-catered for in the region. Available nearby, there are facilities for diving, horse-riding, fishing and cycling. Bird-watchers and other lovers of the natural world, will find much to interest them in the Manche, with boat-trips around the marshlands, and guided walks.

Guests who may wish to indulge in less energetic pursuits will also discover places to visit. Cider and Calvados have long been part of the Norman tradition, and the Cider Trail can provide fun days out for those who might like to see how the products are produced on the farms, and follow the experience with a little sampling and perhaps the odd purchase!

Museum & shop at Dead Mans Corner and the Liberation Museum

For History buffs and anyone interested in the D-Day History,  Utah Beach Museum is well worth visiting and is only a five minute walk from the house. A short drive away is Brecourt Manor (where Lt. Winters and some of Easy Company 506th destroyed four German howitzerson D-Day) and the memorial where Lt.Meehan's C47 crashed (made famous by Band of Brothers), Ste.Marie du Mont, Ste Mere Eglise and Carentan are only ten minutes drive away. In Ste Mere Eglise is the Airborne Museum (highly recommended) and Church which was made famous in the film, "The Longest Day". For those interested in Band of Brothers and the 101st  Airborne Division the (101st) Drop Zones are only minutes away from Ivy House, a must for reenactors and collectors is the new Museum and Shop at "Dead Man's Corner", the house was a former German outpost on the hill overlooking Carentan and was bitterly fought over in June 1944, the interior has been made to look like it was in 1944 and is complete with many uniforms, weapons and artifacts from the battles there. Recently a new Museum has opened in Ste Marie du Mont, the Musee de Liberation which is situated just next to the Townhall behind the church. All of the artefacts have been found locally and are part of a private collection, we highly recommend a visit.

In our local town of Ste Marie du Mont we recommend the Creperie and La Estaminet, both are very reasonable and popular local Restaurants, they speak English and serve excellent food.

If you would like to travel further you can reach Portbail in about 40 minutes by car if you wish to get the Ferry and visit Jersey for a day. Carentan Rail Station is close by and there are 8 trains a each day that run to Paris, it is possible to catch the 8am train and be back at Utah Beach for 8pm for dinner after a day in Paris! Every Monday is the Market in Carentan which is very popular with Locals and Tourists alike, this Market travels and can be seen in other local towns throughout the week.

In addition to all of this, there are restaurants serving delicious food – where sea-food is a speciality. Be sure to try the delicious Mussels (Moules), harvested daily & cooked in a ‘Marinere' or Normande sauce. And we cannot forget the huge variety of Cheeses, another great tradition and source of pride here – amongst the most popular are Brie, Roquefort & Camembert. Be tempted by the Brocantes (antique centres), & the weekly markets held in all of the towns, and visit the many local events, such as country fairs. And of course, enjoy the breathtaking beaches, quaint little harbours – and friendly welcoming people.

Monument at Utah Beach and Utah Beach Museum