Today, Normandie Rando is back to share the most unusual places to visit in the Manche department (50)! Whether on a cycling trip in Normandy or just for the day, these offbeat spots are perfect for children and grown-ups alike.
Our pick of unusual places in the Manche
The Christian Dior Museum
To kick off our list, let’s treat the fashion-addict ramblers among us to a trip to Granville and the magnificent Christian Dior Museum. The museum is in fact a Belle Époque villa named “Les Rhumbs”, the house where the great French couturier grew up. If you love fashion, the exhibition is a chance to admire some truly stunning creations. 
The Caves of Jobourg | The Nez de Jobourg
Now let’s swap thimbles and needles for hiking boots and head to the caves of Jobourg. Closed since the 1960s after years of damage, they can be explored again thanks to the “À la découverte de la Hague” association. Experienced volunteers take the more adventurous among you on a remarkable, off-the-beaten-track five-hour hike. Along the way, drink in the breathtaking views from the rocky headland of the Nez de Jobourg, then enjoy a well-earned break. Down below, you’ll also find a lovely sand-and-shingle beach.
Mont-Saint-Michel
We hope you’re rested, because we’re back on the bike to discover one of the wonders of Normandy: the incredible Mont-Saint-Michel. With 2.5 million visitors a year, it is the second most visited monument in France after the Arc de Triomphe. Stopping here is a chance to take in architecture and scenery unlike anywhere else in the world. Wander the streets of this rocky islet, taste the famous Mère Poulard omelette in one of its many restaurants, and spend the night in a hotel high up on the Mount.
The Chausey Islands
Let’s keep our cycling trip rolling via the Chausey Islands. Reachable by boat from Dinard, Saint-Malo and Granville, the Chausey archipelago has 365 islets at low tide and 52 at high tide. These islands are the perfect playground for ramblers who love water sports. Walking, fishing, swimming, boating, paddleboarding — there’s something for everyone. And for the less sporty? Nature lays on an incredible array of wildlife and plants to enjoy on foot or by bike: watch for birds, seals and dolphins in their natural habitat. Visit in August and you can follow the famous Chausey regattas. 
The Waterfalls of Mortain
Let’s wrap up this cycling route at the waterfalls of Mortain. An hour from Mont-Saint-Michel, this little corner of Normandy deserves a full day. It is home to two unique waterfalls — fed by the Cance and the Cançon rivers — along with the White Abbey and the small Saint-Michel chapel. Tucked away in lush greenery, the site can be slippery and damp, so dress accordingly. If you love quiet, green places, this little slice of paradise — listed as a Natural Zone of Ecological, Wildlife and Botanical Interest — is made for you.
