Lodge du Mont-Saint-Michel

Staying at the Lodge du Mont-Saint-Michel gives you ample opportunities to explore the scenic Manche region of Normandy. There’s no better place to start your adventures than at Hambye (10 minutes’ walk), where there’s a semi-ruined abbey dating from the 12th century to have a nose around. The site is also springboard to walks and bike rides in the Sienne river valley. It’s a doddle to get to the west-coast beaches of the Cotentin Peninsula; just half an hour’s drive takes you to Plage de Donville-les-Bains for dinghy sailing and kayaking, while the oft-deserted Plage du Fourneau (35 minutes’ drive) is the spot for rock pooling and watching spectacular sunsets. You can up the adrenalin rush during sand-yachting sessions, or enjoy the quieter pursuit of sea walking (longe-côte) when tides permit. You’ll also need to check the tides to visit mystical Mont-Saint-Michel (50 minutes); you can cross the bay on foot at certain times. Once there, tour the massive abbey and its crypt, walk the medieval ramparts or browse souvenir shops selling galettes shortbreads and Norman cider along the steep and winding Grande Rue.