Manche, Department in Normandy, France
Manche is an administrative area on the Cotentin Peninsula in Normandy, stretching from the English Channel into the inland countryside. The coastline alternates between sandy beaches, cliffs, and small harbors, while the interior is marked by pastures and bocage landscapes.
This administrative area was formed on March 4, 1790, during the French Revolution from parts of the old province of Normandy. After the destruction of World War II, Saint-Lô was chosen as the new capital to coordinate reconstruction efforts.
The name of this administrative area comes from the English Channel, which separates the French coast from England. Local communities maintain a close connection to the sea through fishing, oyster farming, and sailing.
The region is well connected by car through several main roads linking the larger towns. Visitors find numerous smaller communities along the coast and inland that serve as starting points for exploration.
Mont-Saint-Michel, an island commune within this region, shifts between being an island at high tide and a peninsula accessible by bridge. The tides here are among the strongest in Europe and transform the landscape completely within a few hours.
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