La Planche Colette 2 Bedroom Cottage (NM001536)

Eating Out

'Au Bouquet de Cosqueville'
"We are waiting to come here without the children in order to try this reputedly wonderful restaurant, which specialises in local, absolutely fresh, seafood. It is the clear favourite and is the recommendation of very good (local) friends - who ought to know! Not overly cheap, but hey, it's a holiday, isn't it, and what price quality?"

'Au Moyne de Saire'
"In nearby Reville, and changing hands in early 2008 although the 2 award-winning chefs are staying on. Many people cite this as their favourite food, though the ambience is hardly raucous. Notable because Claude, our caretaker, supplies the potatoes for the restaurant from his garden!"

'Bar Les Moulins (La Brioche du Vast)'
"Only do omelettes and frites - with or without ham - but what omelettes! Have the cider too, and enjoy the collection of (over 100?) coffee mills and grinders on display. The proprietor is a medal-winning boulanger."

'Cafe de France'
"Might just top the visitors' poll of favourites! Right on the harbour edge in pretty Barfleur, and very reasonable fayre. Worth booking in summertime, as it is popular."

'Cafe de La Pernelle'
"Our local - 5 mins walk. Nicole is a lovely hostess, but book for lunch at 12 noon (it is a favourite of the local workmen who otherwise fill it without fail every day). 4-course plat du jour meal about €10 per head, and is great for the indecisive as you have what you are given! And you can walk back to La Planche Colette after sampling the Normandy cider!"

'Le Debarcadere'
"If you have children, or if you enjoy a convivial atmosphere, just go there. The pizzas are, in our view, absolutely to die for, and they do a fabulous warm duck and lardons salad. Not everyone approves of the 'pub-like' character, but we love it."

'Le Marina'
"At the harbour entrance, near the 'Capitainerie', and overlooking the yachts and boats in the marina. Highlights must be the 'entrecote de boeuf' which melts in the mouth, the whole crab, and the crepes loaded with rich, dark chocolate sauce... if that gives you an idea!"

'Le Panoramique'
"A favourite, and a brisk walk up the hill behind our house. Worth it, as the views down the peninsula and across the bay are quite renowned and spectacular. Arnauld, the proprietor, is a young and talented chef who has already won many culinary awards."

Local Area and Activities

'Barfleur'
"Ancient town on the point of the peninsula, famed for providing the boat and the captain for William the Conqueror's voyage in 1066. Try visiting the lifeboat museum, or climbing the 365 steps of the nearby lighthouse at Gatteville-le-Phare. You will be rewarded with some stunning views of the Cotentin coastline, and may just about be able to see La Planche Colette in the distance!"

'Bayeux'
"Historic and picturesque town, with visits to cathedral and famous tapestry."

'Cap de La Hague'
"North west corner of the Cotentin Peninsula - great walking and cliff-top views of the Channel Islands. Particularly the cliffs at Nez-de-Joburg, and Goury (port, lifeboat station and lighthouse). Ludiver - observatory and planetarium. "

'D-Day Beaches and Museums'
"Several to choose from, including * Utah Beach (Ste Marie du Mont) American landing site, with small, but excellent museum and documentary film * Airborne Museum (Sainte- Mere-Eglise). Commemorates the US and British Para drops from planes and gliders - museum and film. Location for 'The Longest Day' * Arromanches (near Bayeux). Site of the famous British 'Mulberry Harbour' bridgehead - the focal point of the D-Day operations * Bayeux Memorial Museum (Bayeux) * Caen Memorial (Caen) * German Military Cemeteries (Various). Several striking and moving military cemeteries, especially Mont-de-Huisnes "

'La Pernelle Grotto and Panorama'
"A short stroll up the hill behind La Planche Colette, with a good restaurant and stunning views from the Vista when you get there. The Grotto is dedicated to Our Lady of Lourdes, and is the destination for an annual pilgrimage in August. Restored Church on the site of a significant WWII position. Boasts what is renowned to be the smallest Mairie (Town Hall) in France!"

'Mont St Michel'
"Landmark site linked by tidal causeway. Guided tours of the abbey, and narrow medieval lanes. Popular tourist venue."

'St Vaast la Hougue'
"Renowned fishing and pleasure port, only 6km away. Lots of good eateries, and walks nearby including a seaside stroll around one half of the harbour fortifications La Hougue. La Hougue is on the end of an isthmus that has a fun keep-fit course running along its length. Famous for its oysters, cultivated on its shores, and delicious with a crisp, chilled Muscadet... "

'Tatihou Island'
"Wildlife reserve, and home to a marine research centre, as well as the other half of the harbour fortifications. Transport to and from the island by amphibious boat, which wends its way through the oyster beds at low tide, or by sea. Has its own restaurant, specialising in seafood. Tickets from the Tatihou office on the harbour front."

'Val de Saire'
"Picturesque area following the River Saire through pasture and small estuary. Walks, pretty villages, and lots to discover with map in hand."

Markets and Shopping

'Markets'
"There is a market nearby on every day except Sunday: * Monday - Briquebec; * Tuesday - Quettehou; * Wednesday - St Pierre Eglise; * Thursday - Cherbourg; * Friday - Valognes; * Saturday - St Vaast, Barfleur. "

'St Vaast la Hougue'
"An absolute delight to wander the streets and browse - too many jewels to mention! Visit the famous Maison Gosselin epicerie and wine cellar with its old-fashioned ambience and quality goods. "

'Supermarkets etc'
"The Intermarche hypermarket is only 3km away on the near edge of Quettehou, and sells almost everything from bed linen to beachcasters, champagne to cassoulet. Opening hours vary according to season (particularly in respect of lunchtimes) - there is a board with times displayed in the front window."