Activities and places of interest to visit::
There is plenty to see and do in the local area: Safe, sandy beaches all along the coast line. * Oyster beds at Blainville, where low-tide fishing in the rock pools for shellfish is a local passion.
* Montmartin sur Mer: (5 km) Shops, supermarket, restaurants.
* Agon-Coutainville: (8 km) Horse riding, tennis, bike hire, water sports, casino, restaurants, sandy beach with promenade and golf facilities. * Coutances: (8 km) Gothic cathedral city with ice skating rink, bowling alley, swimming pool, botanical gardens, restaurants, theatre, cinema, art museum, shops, hypermarket. * Granville: (20 km) Harbour, marina, casino, promenade, beach, sea food restaurants, Christian Dior museum, shops. Day trips by ferry to Iles de Chausey and Channel Islands.
* Many chateaux * Interesting local circuits along the quiet roads surrounding house for walking and cycling * WWII D Day landing beaches (40 km) * Bayeux: (50 km) Famous tapestry * Larger towns of Rennes and Caen for shopping.
Annual Events:
MAY: Annual International Jazz Festival in Coutances takes place this year from 16 - 23 May 2009. “Jazz sous les Pommiers” brings together a wide selection of Jazz musicians for a magical week of musical entertainment. From recognised Jazz artists, young budding musicians and well known European and international performers, the range of acts promises to be a time to remember. This music festival has seen an ever growing and dedicated audience, and the smaller acts playing in the streets give the town a real festive feel for this week of live music.****
****JULY: Bayeux : Medieval festival: A joyful weekend in this charming medieval town : jugglers, craftsmanship, dances, music around the gothic cathedral. One of the biggest festivals of its kind in France. Visit the famous Bayeux Tapestry which has just been added to the list of UNESCO protected world heritage.****
****MAY - SEPTEMBER 2009: Mont St Michel: Different events will be held to mark the 13th centenary.
Indoor activities for children:
We suggest the following ideas for fun days out:
Ouga Ouga - Large Indoor activity centre at Caen (1 hour from house). 1200m² of bouncy castles, slides, trampolines, climbing frames, mini-golf, karting etc. There is also a snack bar with hot and cold food and drinks. Wi-fi access available too if you have a laptop. For children from 1 - 12 years.
CAEN - Porte de Bretagne / périphérique sud - Exit 9 /périphérique Nord - Exit 9 bis
Address: 15 avenue de la voie au coq, 14760 Bretteville sur Odon
Situated between LASER GAME and IBIS Hotel
****** Swimming pools at Coutances, St-Lô and Granville
Golf:
The house is about a 10 minute drive to Coutainville golf club, situated on the coast. A very friendly club with regular competitions most weekends. All handicaps welcome. The club has a bar and good restaurant open to the public. There are many lovely golf courses in the area and we are well placed for both Normandy and Brittany. Some examples: Bréville sur Mer golf club, near Granville, Golf de Omaha Beach- 27 holes - spectacular course. Golf de Saint Malo, Golf Club des Ormes and many more.
Other Activities:
Ice skating, bungee jumping, quadbiking, canoeing, bowling, karting, sand yachting
