DK Travel : Normandy : Southern Normandy

From the astonishing sight of mont-st-michel , appearing like some fabulous mirage out of the pancake-flat landscape which surrounds it, to the equine elegance of the national stud at Haras du Pin or the human elegance of romantic Château d’O, this region, which consists of the département of Orne and the southern part of Manche, is crammed with history and variety. The scenery is just as varied: there’s the rugged beauty of the Pays d’Alençon in the Parc Régional de Normandie-Maine, where bands of thick forest cover the high ridges; the wooded Mortainais, with its steep valleys and exhilarating waterfalls; the gently rolling pastureland of the Perche, interrupted by cool, deep, green forests; the narrow lanes and pretty, flower-filled villages of the Pays du Bocage Ornais; and those flat salt marshes of the Baie de Mont-St-Michel.

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La Ferme du Cheval de Trait, Juvigny-sous-Andaine

See horse-drawn agricultural equipment, a miniature farm, a forge, and displays by Percheron draughthorses on this farm.
La Fête de la Pentecôte, La Perrière

Art dealers and connoisseurs flock to this village, which for two days turns into one big gallery exhibiting works by both unknown and established artists.
La Maison du Camembert, Camembert

Dedicated to Normandy’s famous cheese, with a reconstruction of an old production plant.
La Palais de la Miniature, Verneuil-sur-Arve

In Claude Alexandre’s fascinating world of miniature soldiers, each figure is hand-crafted.
Le Grand Turc, Bellou-en-Houlme

The social centre of the village, serving fresh local produce, this hotel-restaurant can cope with requests from a cup of coffee to a reception for 200.
Le Gué du Holme, St-Quentin-sur-le-Homme

An immaculate restaurant offering fresh fish, local farm produce and game.
Le Perche

Still relatively unknown, this area is famous for its powerful Percheron horses and its manors. Perche manors are quite different from typical cosy, half-timbered Norman farmhouses; they are much more defensive buildings of stone, embellished with turrets and towers. The surrounding countryside is gentle, with undulating hills, dense forest and lush valleys. Grazing Percherons add an air of serenity. Chief among its seductive villages and small towns are Mortagne and Bellême (see Mortagne-au-Perche).
Le Pont de Caen, La Haute-Chapelle

Quintessentially French, it matches local expectations of price and quality perfectly.
Le Relais d’Yvrandes, Yvrandes

A classic bar-restaurant offering quick delivery of unfussy regional dishes – but with touches of real style and sophistication.
Les Médiévales de Domfront

Troupes of actors and musicians recreate a medieval festival, with games and a market.

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Restaurant price categories

For a three course meal for one with half a bottle of wine (or equivalent meal), taxes and extra charges.
- under €30
- €30–€40
- €40–€50
- €50–€60
- over €60