Carentan

Carentan is a town in Normandy where the Taute and Douve rivers meet, surrounded by extensive marshlands that define its landscape. The flat terrain and waterways shape how the place looks and provide access to a regional nature reserve popular with bird watchers.

The town grew from a Gallo-Roman settlement called Carantomagos that served as a trading center. During World War II, it held strategic importance during the 1944 Normandy invasion and earned recognition for its role in the conflict.

The Notre-Dame church dominates the town center with its Gothic towers, drawing visitors interested in the region's religious architecture. It has shaped the town's identity since its reconstruction in the 15th century and remains where you can observe local spiritual traditions.

The harbor has berths for boats and serves as a good starting point for exploring the waterways. The train station connects to Paris and Cherbourg, making it easy to plan day trips or longer journeys.

The marshlands around the town serve as a vital stopping point for migratory birds and shelter rare species. This aspect makes the place notable for nature lovers, who can observe seasonal bird migrations firsthand.

Location: Manche

Location: arrondissement of Saint-Lô

Elevation above the sea: 9 m

Shares border with: Saint-Côme-du-Mont, Méautis, Saint-Georges-de-Bohon, Saint-Hilaire-Petitville

Website: http://ville-carentan.fr

GPS coordinates: 49.30333,-1.24833

Latest update: December 17, 2025 09:23