What to do in Avranches
Our favourite spots to discover the town
Welcome to Avranches, a little town in the south of La Manche, with cobbled lanes, ramparts, gardens and picturesque squares. Head to the gorgeous Jardin des Plantes for a breathtaking view of the Bay of Mont Saint-Michel, laid out before you as if Avranches is protecting it. The town is a former bishopric, and has some important religious heritage, including sacred buildings and objects. It’s also home to the manuscripts from Mont Saint-Michel, which are kept in the Scriptorial. Places to visit, ideas for outings, restaurant recommendations: see our suggestions for a day out in Avranches.
Avranches: Must-see places
The Scriptorial
Museum of the Manuscripts of Mont Saint-MichelThe Scriptorial will take you on a surprising journey to discover its ancient manuscripts. From Egyptian papyrus to digital books, via hand-written and printed books, the museum guides you through the history of writing. As you walk around the 10 exhibition rooms, you’ll learn about how the authentic Mont Saint-Michel manuscripts were made. The interactive visit includes models, multimedia displays, texts, visual documents and films, and is suited to all ages.
Practical information: the Scriptorial is open all year round, except in January. Visits take around 1.5 to 2 hours.
The jardin des plantes
Avranches boasts a magnificent Jardin des Plantes. Situated on a hill, this park offers a superb view of the Bay of Mont Saint-Michel. The 12 different areas of the park are enchanting all year round, and include a camellia garden, a hydrangea garden, a cherry blossom meadow, an alley of lime trees, a copse of maples, and a gunnera pond.
Tip: take a picnic, sit down on one of the benches at the viewing point and admire Mont Saint-Michel in the distance!
Practical information: free admission, open all year round
Religious monuments in Avranches
With its eventful past, the former bishopric of Avranches has some remarkable religious heritage. Among the must-see buildings in the town, be sure to visit the Saint Gervais Basilica to see the treasure it holds: the relic of Saint Aubert.
Notre Dame des Champs church, with its two towers and two pipe organs, and Saint-Saturnin church are also worth a visit during your trip to Avranches.
Other suggestions for places to visit
What to do around Avranches?
Admire Mont Saint-Michel and the saltmarsh sheep
Just 10 minutes from the centre Of Avranches, Le Gué de l’Épine is a breathtaking natural site. On the banks of the Sélune estuary, the sheep graze freely on the saltmarshes, with the magical view of Mont Saint-Michel as a backdrop. During the spring tides, the sea covers the salt meadows and the landscapes are completely transformed.
Fly over Mont Saint-Michel
Not far from there, Avranches aerodrome is also subject to the tides, and the runways are sometimes submerged during the equinox tides.
Why not take the opportunity during your visit to try a pleasure flight, a microlight experience or a parachute jump? There are plenty of ways to discover the Bay of Mont Saint-Michel from above.
Watch the spring tides
Just a few kilometres from Avranches, La Pointe du Grouin du Sud, La Roche Torin and Le Gué de l’Épine are all unmissable spots to watch the spring tide and the famous Mascaret tidal bore. If you’re a keen surfer or kayaker, you could try riding this unique wave for an unforgettable experience.
Follow the Operation Cobra historical trail: the Avranches breakthrough
During the Second World War, several military operations took place here, including Operation Cobra. Under General Bradley, this was one of the key offensives of the Battle of Normandy, and began on 25 July 1944. Its goal was to break through the German defences to the west of Saint-Lô to enable General Patton’s tanks to advance to Avranches.
From Cherbourg to Avranches this trail takes you to follow the advance of the Allied tanks led by General Patton to the Avranches breakthrough. After the liberation of Avranches on 31 July, some of the troops under General Patton continued into Brittany, while others headed towards the Loire and the rest towards Le Mans and Alençon to the rear of the enemy. The battle changed shape and attrition warfare gave way to manoeuvre warfare.
In Avranches, an obelisk stands on Place Patton as a reminder of this decisive episode in the war. The art and history museum has several rooms dedicated to the Second World War and Operation Cobra.
Where to eat in Avranches?
Our favourites!Le Gué du Holme
Meat from the south of La Manche, lobster from Chausey, dairy products from Tessy-Bocage, vegetables from Huisnes-sur-Mer, cider apples from Ducey: the chef here serves up delicious dishes made with the finest local ingredients. Selected by the Michelin guide and awarded a Gault & Millau toque, this restaurant just 5 km from Avranches is well worth a visit.
Poké mi
Fancy a poké bowl that makes you travel? Welcome to Poké mi, tin pot street. Here the poké, wrap mi, acai, and other delicacies are prepared homemade with fresh and local products. To take away or to taste on site.
Le Grand café de l'Union
The go-to place in Avranches, this brasserie is one of the oldest in the town. The menu changes with the seasons, and everything is freshly made. Tuck into one of their delicious daily specials, either inside or outside on the big terrace.
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