Moments from the renovation that shaped the farmhouse you see today
There is so much to enjoy in the peaceful countryside surrounding Glatigny Farmhouse, making it an ideal base for a relaxed and memorable stay. Below you will find a few of our favourite local experiences and places to explore, all within easy reach of the farmhouse. For a broader selection of ideas across the region, you can also browse our general Normandy recommendations page.
Glatigny is a tiny, peaceful village just a couple of minutes from a beautiful, long, and often deserted sandy beach. Perfect for quiet walks, sea swims, or simply breathing in the fresh coastal air, it is one of the things we love most about living here.
La Haye du Puits and Portbail sit on either side of us, both offering excellent restaurants, welcoming cafés, and well-supported weekly markets. You will also find water sports such as SUP and jet ski, along with electric bike rental for exploring the lanes and coastline at your own pace.
Barneville-Carteret, a favourite summer escape for many Parisians, boasts a stunning beach lined with restaurants and cafés, as well as a surf school in Carteret. The Cotentin Tourist Train also departs from here, offering a charming 1930s train experience that winds through the countryside, complete with food stalls, outdoor games, and often live music at The Terminus station.
Horse riding along the beach is truly magical, available from both Portbail and Barneville-Carteret. We recommend Club Hippique “A Cheval” for its wonderful range of horses and ponies for all abilities, including unforgettable beach rides. Advance booking is recommended, and we are also happy to help facilitate private rides on request.
For more active days, Base de Loisirs offers archery, canoeing, climbing, and other outdoor pursuits. Mont Castre near La Haye du Puits is ideal for families and walkers, with scenic trails, some steeper climbs, a lake with summer paddle boat hire, and even medieval Gallo-Roman castle remains. Guests are also welcome to use the free village tennis courts behind the Mairie, with rackets and balls available at the farmhouse.
From June to early September, many nearby towns host traditional festivals and fêtes most weekends, filled with outdoor music and local food. Brocantes are also a highlight of the area, offering remarkable collections of antiques under one roof, particularly La Clé Des Temps in Coutances, while La Belle Epoque in Saint Sauveur Le Vicomte is slightly more upmarket and worth visiting, even for its lovely garden and a relaxed coffee in town.
For everyday essentials, La Haye du Puits provides three supermarkets: Intermarché on the road into town from the farmhouse, along with Carrefour and Aldi on the main street, making practical shopping easy during your stay.
Normandy is renowned for its food and drinks. From fresh seafood and rich local produce to relaxed cafés and long lunches by the sea. Below are some of our favourite places nearby, grouped by town, each offering something a little different in flavour, setting, or atmosphere.
Pom’Cannelle: Traditional yet inventive cuisine, slightly pricier by local standards but excellent value for the quality.
Le Commerce: A lively, local favourite serving generous Norman dishes, often cooked over an open fire, with exceptional value set menus.
L’Équinoxe: A relaxed bar known for its atmosphere and live jazz in July and August, ideal for drinks or coffee rather than food.
Les Pins Restaurant: Very close to Glatigny and near the beach, offering excellent food in a quality yet unpretentious setting.
Aux 13 Arches: A refined seafood restaurant, much of it locally caught, offering exceptional quality; booking recommended.
Au Rendez-vous des Pêcheurs: Overlooking the estuary and perfect at sunset, serving fresh fish in a relaxed setting.
Le Cotentin: A real crowd pleaser with varied dishes, including Mediterranean options and good vegetarian choices, all at great value.
Le Bac à Sable, Lindbergh Plage: A laid-back beach restaurant with a cool atmosphere and frequent live music; not always open, so booking ahead is advised.
Le Cap: A gem overlooking the estuary, perfect for a special lunch with beautiful views.
Hôtel de la Marine: A more indulgent, high-end dining option within a stylish hotel setting.
Hôtel des Isles: A beachfront boutique hotel with superb food, excellent wines, and both refined dining and relaxed lounge spaces.
Restaurant Les Ormes: Beachside and ideal for a relaxed lunch or coffee, serving fresh, high-quality dishes in a comfortable setting.
L’Escale: Right on the water in Carteret, a modern evening bar with a fantastic summer atmosphere.
La Potinière: Perfectly positioned on the sand at Carteret, ideal for returning to after a day at the beach.
Les Dunes, Gouville-sur-Mer: Set within the dunes overlooking the sea, with nearby bars and restaurants creating a lively holiday feel, often with live music.
La Cale, Blainville: Known for seafood and regular live music; simple food but brilliant atmosphere. Please note it is cash only.
Le Rideau Cramoisi, Saint Sauveur le Vicomte: A lively, pub-style spot with eclectic décor and frequent live music.
La Chenevière, Port-en-Bessin: A stunning manor house hotel offering exceptional food and service; more expensive but well worth it, especially the Sunday Jazz Brunch.
La Maison du Biscuit, Sortosville-en-Beaumont: A wonderfully unique place, almost whimsical in feel, selling biscuits, chocolates, sweets, honey, alcohol, and more. A fantastic café stop and ideal for beautifully presented gifts.
A final tip: in most restaurants you can order a Café Gourmand, a strong coffee served with a selection of miniature desserts, and one of our favourite little French indulgences.
Rich in history, culture and unforgettable landscapes, this corner of Normandy offers far more than first meets the eye. From powerful wartime stories to medieval treasures, island escapes and family adventures, there is something here for every kind of stay.
The region carries deep World War II history, particularly around Caen, with many significant D-Day sites nearby. Even La Haye du Puits bears its own wartime story, with a book in the farmhouse showing the damage once endured here. Mont Saint Michel is within easy reach and truly breathtaking, while the Bayeux Tapestry and its beautiful medieval town are must visits, also featured in our Medieval tour. Villedieu les Poêles, around an hour away, is famed for its artisanal metalwork and centuries old bell forging tradition. Do let us know if you’d like one of our personal D-Day tours.
Normandy’s cider, Calvados, Pommeau and wine producers offer wonderful tasting experiences, perfect for a relaxed afternoon. We also offer curated food and drink tours and wine tastings for those wishing to explore local flavours more deeply.
Granville makes a fascinating day trip, home to the Christian Dior Museum and gardens as well as the Museum of Modern Art of Richard Anacréon, all set within a beautiful coastal town. From nearby ports, you can also take boat trips to the Channel Islands of Jersey, Guernsey, Sark and Alderney, with Jersey even visible from Glatigny beach on clear days.
Parc Zoologique Cerza, home to over 1,500 animals across forests and valleys, is a brilliant family day out and conveniently en route if travelling via Dieppe, Le Havre or Calais. Motorsport enthusiasts may wish to visit the legendary Le Mans race circuit, just under three hours inland. For the more adventurous, there are numerous adventure parks and adrenaline activities nearby, and we are always happy to help design a personalised itinerary.
You will also find books and leaflets in the farmhouse with further recommendations, and if you would like to explore any of our guided tours or bespoke experiences, we would be delighted to help you plan your stay.
