Les Vikings: near the camping

9 good reasons to visit our region

1. The pretty seaside resort of Barneville-Carteret

This is a superb spot! The Carteret cape is one of the big Cotentin capes, with the island of Jersey and the isles of Ecrehou opposite. A marina and departure point for the ferries to the Channel Islands, Barneville-Carteret is also one of the oldest French seaside resorts. Cliffs, the lighthouse, dunes covered with russet-coloured ferns and long golden beaches to the south: the stage is set for the perfect holiday.

Further information : www.barneville-carteret.fr

2. Jersey, Guernsey and the Channel Islands

A little corner of England just a few cable-lengths away from Normandy! Follow in the footsteps of Victor Hugo and come and explore the Channel Islands: Jersey, Guernsey, Sark, Herm or Alderney; they are a world apart and a change of scene. These islands benefit from a great deal of autonomy, so don't forget that you can always do your duty-free shopping here.

And for the thrill seekers among you, at the Jersey Aero Club you can take the controls of a Piper Cherokee and fly to the coast as part of an introductory lesson.

3. The island of Tatihou

Get out your wellies and be prepared for a lovely crossing at low tide! In the middle of the bay of Saint Vaast la Hougue, the 28-hectare island of Tatihou is a natural area that becomes a peninsula at low tide. Tatihou gets its name from the Vikings who frequented the coasts of Normandy in the 9th century. A favourite spot of marine birds, you can visit a maritime museum as well as a Vauban tower and its fortifications, and enjoy the shows during the festival.

And don't forget to look up while you're there, as the schist roofs and granite walls make up some of this island's best buildings.

4. The port of Cherbourg and the Cité de la mer

The port of Cherbourg is 30 minutes from the campsite. Not only does it receive the ferries from the Channel Islands but it is also a fishing port and marina. With the biggest harbour in the world, it's simply inviting you to take to the sea. Not to be missed: the Cité de la Mer! Come and discover the fantastic adventure of the conquest of the ocean depths. With its incredibly deep 11m aquarium and its submarine, Le Retoutable. All aboard!

Further information : www.citedelamer.com

5. The Mont Saint Michel

Come and admire the monument most loved by the French! With its 1,300 years of history, Mont Saint-Michel is a compelling place to visit - while keeping a wary eye on the tide times.

www.ot-montsaintmichel.com/horaires.htm.

6. The Normandy Landing Beaches

An hour from the campsite, Utah, Omaha, Sword or Juno Beach take you on a trip down 20th-century history. The D-Day beaches urge us to reflect, with commemorative theme trails, museums and monuments. The village of Sainte Mère l'Eglise is 40 km away.

Come and explore the Pointe du Hoc in Cricqueville en Bessin, which is a small outcrop on the Normandy coast overlooked by a 25 to 30 metre high cliff. This is an exceptional place to visit, and is where you can see various blockhouse remains and bomb craters. There is also a pebble beach there, so you can enjoy a walk with family or friends.

7. The Ludiver planetarium

For anyone curious or passionate about the sky, the Ludiver planetarium is not far from Cherbourg. Guided tours, theme workshops, and astronomical observations are a must, especially during the summer season. You'll end up star struck, without a doubt.

Further information : www.ludiver.com

8. Alligator Bay

Not far from the Yelloh! Village Les Vikings, next to Mont Saint Michel, is Alligator Bay, where young and old alike can see more than 200 alligators and crocodiles living in a reconstructed natural environment. Enjoy some family adventures, crossing chain bridges and wobbly pontoons, and visiting enigmatic trappers' huts. Alligator Bay is also has a wealth of different animals, including boas, iguanas, chameleons and monitor lizards. You can even get up close and stroke the tortoises there from the Seychelles and Africa.

9. Normandy gourmet delights

And what about taking your children to a biscuit factory? If it makes your mouth water just to read the words Petits Fours Financiers, Palets Normands, Cakes aux Raisins, Galettes Normandes, Langues de Chat, and Palets Fin aux Amandes, then it's high time to go and visit the Maison du Biscuit. And if you'd like to see how they make the sweet Normandy cider, visit the cider factories and their orchards, where the producers will gladly share their expertise with you. And then, from crème fraiche to Livarot and Camembert, you'll be captivated by our specialities from Normandy.