10 reasons to visit Cotentin and Bessin Marshes Regional Natural Park

In Normandy, straddling the departments of Manche and Calvados, this Regional Natural Park extends over 110 municipalities and boasts marshes, bocage and internationally recognised fauna and flora. Here are just ten of the many reasons you should visit. 

1. Reconnect with nature 

This regional park is the perfect place to enjoy wide open spaces and peace and quiet. Take the time to recharge your batteries at the water’s edge, on the marshes or by the sea, in the woods or along the towpath. 

2. Exceptional landscapes 

With 30,000 hectares of wetlands, this is one of the best preserved bocages (a terrain of woodland and pasture) in France. Explore the moors, the dunes, the beaches and the mountains in the way that you love best, whether that’s on foot, by bike or by canoe. Located in Carentan-les-Marais, the Maison du Parc is the ideal starting point for your trip.

3. Les marais blancs 

This is a must-see if you come to visit the Cotentin and Bessin marshes in winter. When the rains are abundant in autumn and winter, the rivers burst their banks and the rising waters transform the summer green of the meadows into a huge body of water. The marsh is then said to be ‘white’. Only isolated trees, barriers and fences remain visible as the marsh becomes a playground for ducks and other winter migratory birds. 

4. A birdwatcher’s paradise 

Bluethroat, white stork, marsh harrier… All year round you can walk through this magical landscape and discover thousands of birds in their natural environment. In winter, ducks, geese and waders can be seen on the water and in the flooded meadows. In spring, many birds come here before heading further north or settling down to nest. Bird lovers will want to check out these two observation sites: l’Espace naturel sensible des Ponts d’Ouve and the Réserve Naturelle Nationale du Domaine de Beauguillot.

5. Hiking & biking 

Breathe deep, don your walking shoes and discover dramatic and breathtaking landscapes. There are more than 1,500km of paths, hikes and walks, accessible to all, crisscrossing the extraordinary terrain of the Cotentin and Bessin Marshes. If you prefer two wheels to two feet, there are plenty of cycling and mountain biking trails to follow too.

6. The coastline 

This is a regional park sandwiched between two coastlines. If you want to go for a walk, a swim or simply sit and gaze out at the sea, check out one of the many beaches on the park’s territory. From Morsalines to Utah Beach on the east coast and from Saint-Germain-sur-Ay to Pirou on the west coast, you’ll be spoilt for choice if you’re after some sea air. 

7. Centuries of history 

From the Middle Ages to the Second World War, the area is riddled with buildings, monuments and other vestiges of history. From the 12th-century Château de Pirou to the fairy-tale 14th-century Château de Colombières and from the D-Day landing beaches to the many museums, you’ll be able to retrace some of the most famous moments in French history as you travel through the territory. 

8. Gastronomy 

Who hasn’t heard of Isigny’s famously rich butter and crème fraîche? The area is full of great places to discover finely crafted cider, beers, cheeses and other dairy products. And of course, with the sea on two sides of the park, there’s ample opportunity to indulge in the bountiful seafood too.

9. Traditional cob houses 

The Regional Natural Park of the Cotentin and Bessin Marshes is distinguished by several thousand traditional constructions, built using the cob technique. Whether walking or cycling, you can’t miss these traditional houses built of raw earth in the heart of the marshes. 

10. Discover the marshes by boat 

One of the best ways to discover the marshes is by travelling through them on the water. Aboard the Rosée du Soleil (70 seats) or aboard an electric boat (4 to 8 seats), the Marsh Boatmen will help you discover the history, fauna and flora of this extraordinary landscape.

www.parc-cotentin-bessin.fr