Page 96 - (DK Eyewitness) Back Roads Travel Guide - France

94 BACK ROADS FRANCE

w Granville e Champeaux
Manche, Basse-Normandie; 50406 Manche, Basse-Normandie; 50530
Founded as a fortress in the Hundred The coast road south enters the bay
Years’ War (1337–1453), Granville’s old of Mont-St-Michel on top of massive
town or haute ville is an atmospheric cliffs at Champeaux, from where, like
knot of cobbled streets on a head- medieval pilgrims, visi tors can get their
land with superb sea views. The town first glimpse of the mount. There are
has unusual museums, notably the more fine views as the road heads to
Musée d’Art Moderne Richard St-Jean-le-Thomas. From there, follow
Anacréon (closed Jan) for contempo- signs for the plage, then turn left for
rary art, and the Musée Christian Genêts. This village was once the
Dior (open May–Sep), the fashion main departure point for pil grims
designer’s child hood summer home. walking across to Mont-St-Michel.
ª Take the road nearest the water- ª From Genêts village follow signs to
front out of Granville onto the D911 St-Léonard, but at the D41 turn right
coast road through St-Pair-sur-Mer. for Le Grand-Port, and follow this road
Climb up to the cliffs at Champeaux. to the Maison de la Baie de Vains.

r Grouin du Sud
Manche, Basse-Normandie; 50300
Top Road signs along the walk around the The silhouette of Mont-St-Michel, seen across the flat sands and
Grouin du Sud Above Path along the beach in channels, is one of its most extraordinary features. A walk along the
Grouin du Sud bay allows visitors to absorb the rare calm of this place.
A 90-minute walking tour right of the Maison de la Baie to
Park by the Maison de la Baie de meet the coastal footpath and
Vains 1. Take a look around the continue along this path beyond the
exhibition housed in this restored last houses, with the flat marshes and
farm that also serves as an informa- sandbanks to the right and lush cattle
tion centre and offers an introduc- pastures to the left. A short distance
tion to the complex ecology of the ahead, the path meets a gate and
place. Walk down the path to the climbs a little. After a second gate,
WHERE TO STAY
GRANVILLE Prieuré
St-Léonard
Hôtel L’Arivée moderate
A reasonably-priced hotel just two
minutes’ walk from the beach.
110 Avenue Libération, 50400; 02 33 La Chaussée
50 03 00; www.hotelarrivee.com
AROUND MONTSTMICHEL
Le Moulin inexpensive
The old granite water mill, 25 km Maison de la
(15 miles) north of Mont-St-Michel, Baie de Vains Chemin des Moines
hosts four traditionally-styled rooms.
93 Grande Rue, Genêts, 50530; 02 33 70
83 78; www.gites-de-france.com
Le Jardin Secret moderate
This bed-and-breakfast is housed in
a lovely 19th-century house, 20 km
(12 miles) northeast of Mont-St-Michel. Baie du
42 route de Granville, Marcey-les Mont-St-Michel
Grèves, 50300; 02 33 51 92 47
Manoir de la Roche Torin moderate
One of the classic hotels for Mont-St- Picnic Area
Michel visitors, this very comfortable,
traditionally-styled manor, 10 km 0 metres 300
(6 miles) east of the shrine, has a Grouin
du Sud
marvel lous setting by the bay’s edge. 0 yards 300
La Roche Torin, Courtils, 50220; 02 33
70 96 55; www.manoir-rochetorin.com
Where to Stay: inexpensive, under €70; moderate, €70–€150; expensive, over €150