Things to see and do: Local
Memorial de Montormel: Local monument to the Battle of Normandy. Moving photographs, stories and a “light & sound” show in the visitor centre. Outside, children can enjoy climbing over the tanks. Please see our "Useful Websites" page for a link to their website.
Chambois: local village approx 2 miles away. Pretty village to stroll around with a bridge over the River Dive. Has a very old “Keep” (“Donjon” in French), a typical French corner bar/café and essential food shops.
Argentan: 20 minutes away. Major town with excellent shopping and a Cathedral. Argentan also has an indoor and outdoor swimming pool.
Camembert: just off the Chambois to Vimoutier road (D16). Good for a quick stop off.
Vimoutier: Rebuilt after the war. Has a little museum on cheese that is worth a visit and is found in the Tourist Information Centre. Has a good selection of shops, bars and restaurants.
Livarot: Pretty town. Famous for it’s cheese and has another cheese museum. Follow the road to St Pierre sur Dives and you'll find "Deval Parc", a toboggan ride and children's play area - please see our "Useful Websites" page for a link to their website.
Orbec: Very attractive and typical Normandy town surrounded by beautiful countryside.
Falaise: Birthplace of William the Conqueror. There is a massive castle dominating an attractive town. Definitely worth a visit.
Chateau de Vendeuvre: near St Pierre sur Dives. This is a great place to visit with children. They have a maze and a superb water garden…be prepared to get “a bit” wet. There is also an exhibition 18th Century kitchen in the Chateau and superbly well manicured lawns and gardens. Good place to take a picnic.
Swimming Pools: Argentan has both an outdoor and indoor pool (which is great for kids). St Pierre sur Dives has a heated outdoor pool open during the weekend in June and daily (except on Thursday) in July and August. The numerous beautiful sandy beaches of Normandy are just 1 hour away.
Things to see and do: Further a field, but worth the trip
Lisieux: One of the world’s great pilgrimage centres, due to St Therese and the Basilica is one of the biggest churches of the 20th century. There is also an impressive 12th century Cathedral, market places and an excellent restaurant called “L’Auberge du Pecheur”.
Honfleur: Medieval harbour town and fishing port with cafes and art galleries galore. The half timbered buildings were an inspiration for Monet. Extremely picturesque.
Bayeaux: World famous tapestry which depicts the Battle of Hastings, a marvellous museum, with multi-lingual guided tours to the battles of William the Conqueror and the evolution of English history.
Normandy Landing Beaches: There are museums and war memorials on the coast, which, although commemorating more tragic times, allow an insight to the conflicts and demonstrate the respect and admiration which is given to those who fought in World War II.
For the more adventurous, Paris and Versailles are a 2 hour train journey from Argentan and Disneyland Paris is a 3 hour drive.