Sustainable tourism development in La Manche

Responsible tourism for the future

La Manche is an unspoilt territory where nature is predominant, with two regional nature parks, six nature reserves and 4 000 hectares of land classified as sensitive natural areas.

In the face of climate change and to preserve the quality of life in the territory, La Manche is actively addressing tourism issues. Beyond just words, concrete steps are being taken to anticipate the tourism of the future. Our local operators are thus mobilising and supporting us in the development of responsible and sustainable tourism activities. Here are some of the actions implemented to manage tourism in La Manche. We also tell you about some of the local products and crafts that contribute to preserving the heritage and the spirit of La Manche.

Environmental initiatives and labels

Labels awarded across the territory

The territory’s commitment to its environment is recognised through the different labels awarded. The Station Verte and Green Destination labels reflect involvement in protecting resources and communities. The Pavillon Bleu label is awarded to ports and beaches that are committed to sustainable tourism and have implemented development policies that are environment- and human-friendly. In La Manche, ten beaches and five ports received this label in 2024.

In La Manche, nine municipalities have been awarded the Station Verte label, and the Granville Terre et Mer destination has achieved gold status in the Green Destination certification.

The Equinoxe initiative in La Manche

In 2024, Attitude Manche, in partnership with the tourist offices, launched the “Equinoxe” initiative. This goal of this project, offered to all tourism professionals in La Manche, is to transmit and leave a positive impact. The main aim is to ensure a virtuous tourism model and to do the maximum to protect the territory while making it more attractive. Many tourism professionals are now joining up and have chosen to participate in this initiative.

Three main commitments have been identified:

Preserving balance and biodiversity
Learning from one another
Being attentive and responsible

The Marais du Cotentin et du Bessin

Located in the heart of the department, the Marais du Cotentin et du Bessin regional nature park covers several hundred square kilometres. The site is home to a rich and abundant variety of wildlife and plant life, which changes with the seasons.

To explore this remarkable natural area and its unique features, the Maison du Parc offers various walking trails, observation tours and temporary exhibitions for individuals or groups.

For a more original experience, the Bateliers des Marais organise guided outings through the marshes aboard small electric boats, as well as river cruises. These services can be included in a travel package or a day trip.

The marais du Cotentin et du Bessin

Other nature reserves in the territory:

The Mathon peatland
The Cerisy state-owned forest
The Vauville wetlands
The Beauguillot national reserve
The Sangsurière and Adriennerie marshes

Eco-responsible tourist services

Local operators have developed services that “sustainably” enhance group tours in La Manche. The organisations involved include:

La maison du littoral et de l'environnement

Located just a short distance from the sea, at the Collignon outdoor activity centre (Cherbourg-en-Cotentin), this site offers nature outings, guided walks and other environmental awareness activities.

Birding Mont Saint Michel

The association organises group outings to watch birds and marine wildlife in the Bay of Mont Saint-Michel. This area is home to over 250 species, including groups of bottlenose dolphins and seals. The guide, an ornithologist and naturalist, offers short or full-day outings and stays.

Le CPIE du Cotentin

With the Centre Permanent d'Initiatives pour l'Environnement du Cotentin (Centre for Environmental Initiatives in the Cotentin), you can explore the different natural environments (intertidal zones, dunes, inlets, bocage landscapes, forests, wetlands, rivers, marshes, moors, and peatlands), and find out about living things (trees, birds, amphibians, animal tracks, etc.) as well as eco-citizenship in everyday life (water as a source of life, indoor air, etc.) through the different outings on offer.

L’association Avril

For 40 years, the association has offered outings on different topics and worked to promote the preservation of aquatic ecosystems and the improvement of water quality. The visits available include: discovering shellfish and crustaceans, birds of the Régneville tidal inlet, crossing the Sienne inlet, frog frequency, fascinating dragonflies, edible wild plants, bat night, and more.

OUR SELECTION OF NATURE OUTINGS

Local products and crafts

Treasures of La Manche

Developing sustainable tourism also means preserving the traditional crafts and products for which the territory is renowned. In La Manche, there are many different local products that are recognised for their high quality. Local craftspeople have succeeded in combining authenticity with modern technology, for which they deserve praise, as their craftsmanship is now a source of pride for La Manche, reaching far beyond its borders.

Local products

Here, local delicacies can be enjoyed throughout the year. The destination offers a wide range of seafood products: shellfish, fish and crustaceans. La Manche, renowned for its livestock and market gardens, brings a variety of delicious, high-quality products to your table. Whether meats, fruits, vegetables or the region's famous dairy products and cider, local producers cater to every taste. Butter, cream, Camembert, cider, Calvados: many of the exceptional products have won awards for their outstanding flavours.

There are many flavour creators in the region, supplying local markets, shops and restaurants. With short supply chains, the focus is on fresh, high-quality ingredients.

Crafts and technical visits

The artisans of La Manche have successfully preserved their traditions while incorporating innovative techniques. This has led to products of outstanding quality that are recognised globally.

Some of these companies open their doors to visitors, providing an opportunity to discover the “Entreprise du Patrimoine Vivant” (Living Heritage Company) label. Companies with this label include: