10 Things to do in Manche That You Shouldn't Miss

The Benedictine Abbey of Mont-Saint-Michel is one of the most remarkable examples of mediaeval religious and military architecture and was one of Christianity's most important pilgrimage sites from the 8th to the 18th century.The Abbey comprises a superb ensemble of clerical buildings including the abbey church, the cloister, the refectory, the monks' ambulatory and the gardens of what has been known as the ""Merveille"" (Marvel) since the 12th century. In summer, the Abbaye du Mont-Saint-Michel is best seen in all its splendour after sunset during the special “sons et lumières"" shows. Designated world heritage site by UNESCO. Open: > 2nd May to 31st August: from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. > 1st September to 30th April: from 9.30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Last admission 1 hr before closing time. Closed: > 1st January, 1st May and 25 December. Admission fees: Adults : 9€; Concessions (18 to 25) = 5,50 €; Free admission: minors under 18*; Free admission: 18-25 years old* (citizens of one of the 27 countries of the EU or are non-European permanent residents of France) * excluding school groups

The Airborne Museum, situated in the square of Sainte-Mere-Eglise, a few miles from D-Day landing beaches, facing the church where John Steele famously was caught, relates the heroic adventure of paratroopers of the 82nd and 101st Airborne Division. Through a spectacular museography, the Airborne Museum takes you through the D-Day alongside American paratroopers of the 82nd and 101st Airborne Division. From the invasion preparations in England through the battles for liberation, meet the Airborne troops and accompany them on their journey to Victory.

The villa "Les Rhumbs", a Christian Dior Granvillian childhood home, Belle Epoque style, is perched on a cliff ridge overlooking the sea. It is one of the only "Museum of France" dedicated to a couturier. Every year, he presents an exhibition of Haute Couture models designed by Christian Dior and his successors. The garden, built in English by Madeleine Dior, the couturier's mother, is today one of the few "artists' gardens" of the early 20th century still preserved.

Come and visit La Cité de la Mer in Cherbourg, a family attraction all about man’s adventures under the sea, and a must when you are in Normandy. You can spend the whole day here and go round “Titanic, return to Cherbourg”, an exhibition which has its like nowhere else in France. It is on the theme of the celebrated liner, but also on emigration. You will also be able to listen to the Captain of Le Redoutable telling you about his life on board the largest submarine open to the public in the world. Then you will gaze in awe at our 17 aquariums, including the magical, 11-metre-deep, Abyssal Aquarium.