Beaches in Normandy, France

Normandy has spectacular coasts but also dramatic cliffs in the north near Cherbourg.
 

The closest beaches to Chateau Neuilly are near to the pretty fishing port of Gandcamp Maisy. The wilder and less populated Utah Beach is about a 20 minute drive.

The magnificent Atlantic coast beach of Barneville/Carteret can be reached in 40 minute from the Chateau.
Channel Islands
Ferries to the Channel Islands leave from both Barneville/Carteret and Granville.
D Day
In June 1944 Normandy became the launching point for the liberation of German controlled Europe. The Allied invasion of Normandy (D Day) is one of the key events in world history. The French government has done justice to its importance with an extensive network of museums, historical attractions, war cemeteries, and tourist routes which cover the history of D Day and the subsequent events that lead up to the liberation of France.
As previously mentioned the American landing beaches of Omaha and Utah are nearby whilst the British and Canadian beaches of Gold, Sword and Juno can be reached in 45 minutes by car. Other nearby places of interest associated with D Day are:
• Allied and German Cemeteries
• Pointe du Hoc
• Ste Mere Eglise
• Pegasus Bridge
• Utah Beach Museum
• Bayeux Military Museum….

Bayeux: The cradle of the Dukes of Normandy, this old town suffered no damage during the war. Its key points of interest include the early Gothic cathedral and, of course, the Bayeux tapestry - an outstanding medieval “comic strip”

Isigny-sur-Mer: The nearest town to the chateau with shops for routine food purchases and some restaurants. It is also a centre for the Normandy dairy industry.

Mont St Michel: The original abbey dates back to the 8th century but by 1811 it had become a prison. Later in the 19th century it was declared a historic monument and is now a World Heritage Site. It has regained a small population of monks.
Swiss Normande: This unusual part of Normandy bears little resemblance to Switzerland inspite of its name. It is, however, a popular tourist area for walkers and canoeists.

Coutances: The old judicial centre for the region, the town is built on top of a hill with one of the finest early Gothic cathedrals in France. Of particular merit is its octagonal lantern tower.

Caen: Inspite of extensive damage during its liberation in 1944 the town has many sites of interest. These include the castle, its abbeys and the Caen Memorial to the Battle of Normandy.

Cite de la Mer, Cherbourg: Built on the site of the old transatlantic maritime terminal this complex comprises a submarine museum and an aquarium