Guide to Manche and Properties in Department 50

Manche is one of the 83 original departments created during the French Revolution on March 4th, 1790, and it is located in the northwest of France. The department was formed from a part of the province of Normandy, and it covers an area of approximately 5,938 square kilometres. At first, Coutances was the capital of the department, 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.

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.

Geologically, the department is connected to the Massif Amoricain, which is 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 purposes for centuries.

The climate is oceanic, with mild winters, temperatures rarely reaching below freezing, and temperate summers, around 25°C. Precipitation is substantial, but varies greatly by region, between 700 mm on the coast and 1300 mm in the openfield land of the south.

The west coast benefits from the Gulf stream’s influence, allowing the naturalization 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.

Manche is a popular tourist destination, with visitors coming to enjoy the region's natural beauty, rich history, and delicious cuisine. Whether you're interested in exploring the great outdoors, soaking up the local culture, or simply relaxing on the beach, Manche has something for everyone.

The area 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 Brittany Ferries.

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