Villedieu-les-Poêles is historically and intrinsically linked to craftsmanship. Since the Middle-Ages, the town is famous for working with copper, pewter and brass, and you can discover many sites, including The Copper Workshop (L’Atelier du Cuivre), The Pewter Workshop (L’Atelier de l’Etain), The Museum of Copper Pots and Pans (Le Musée de la Pœslerie) and The Bell Foundry (La Fonderie de Cloches).
Woodwork, cabinet-making and lacemaking have also played a major role in the fame surrounding the town. The Museum of Norman Furniture (Musée du Meuble Normand), as well as the Lace Museum (Musée de la Dentelle au Fuseau) show the luxury of these activities.The town of Villedieu-les-Poêles was labelled Ville et Métiers d’Art (Town and Craftsmanship) in 2002 and Pôle d’Excellence Rurale (Award of Excellence) in 2006.
Normandy was originally populated by Celts and later conquered by the Romans in 56 BC. The region is part of the Kingdom of Brittany until the 9th Century, during which it is taken over by the Norsemen and their longships (Drakkars), who settled here, eventually giving their name to the region.During monarchic times (before the French Revolution of 1789), La Manche was the scene of numerous wars and rebellions, especially during the Hundred Years’ War (1337-1453) and the French Wars of Religion (1562-1598) and the rivalries between France and England led, in the course of the 18th Century, to the construction of the military port of Cherbourg and the development of privateering in Granville.During the 19th Century, industrialisation underwent rapid expansion, but the area remains mainly rural. From 1940, the German army fortified the coast of Normandy, as part of the Atlantic Wall. In June 1944, the Battle of Normandy took place on the eastern coast of the Cotentin, at Utah Beach, and subsequently with the operation Cobra. 80% to 90% of towns were destroyed (such as Saint Lô, know as ‘the capital of ruins’). The 30 Glorieuses (The Glorious Thirty, a period of rapid economic growth following the end of WWII) are synonymous with the return of populations and rapid reconstruction.
Normandy draws from its history a fascinating architectural heritage, which you are invited to discover: the Mont Saint Michel, the Abbey in Hambye, not to mention the manor houses, the numerous and picturesque medieval streets and towns… in particular Villedieu-les-Poêles! As Normandy is a coastal region, it possesses a very impressive naval heritage: you will discover and admire Drakkars (Norman longships), traditional two- or three-mast fishing boats (bisquine), schooners and more…Finally, Normandy has also many museums and sites dedicated to the D-Day landings and the memory of those who died.
When one evokes Norman gastronomy, one instinctively thinks of dairy products, and of the almost-legendary locals’ aptitude to combine butter and crème fraîche in every dish… while at the same time eating a slice of camembert made with unpasteurised milk!!! And, it is true, dairy products do play an important role in Norman cuisine.But Normans are also meat lovers: smoked ham, Caen-style tripe, and, of course, andouille, are a few examples…We could also mention salt marsh lamb, which graze on the salty grass in the bay of the Mont Saint Michel. Their meat has a subtle and incomparable taste.Gastronomic pleasures in Normandy also come from the sea, shellfish or fish… Finally, apples obviously play a major role in traditional Norman cuisine, whether they are used for puddings, cider or calvados…
Hedged farmland, plains, dunes, cliffs, bays, beaches… this is what you’ll find when you visit Normandy… If you love a beautiful landscape, these protected and unspoiled areas will bring you pleasure and bliss.You are also free to take to the open sea on a sailing boat, a bisquine or a speedboat and make the most of the change of scenery which you can enjoy in the Channel Islands, Chausey or Tatihou..
La Manche, like its natural heritage, will offer a variety of sports and activities: whether you like your thrill or you prefer hiking and fishing, you will for sure find the activity that suits you best. The region will also charm golf fans, with its high quality golf courses.
Comme chaque année, notre restaurant traditionnel vous propose un menu dédié à la fête des amoureux... Voici donc ci-dessous notre menu s ...[Lire la suite]
Le 138ème Carnaval de Granville débarque du 17 au 21 Février 2012 dans les rues de la cité balnéaire... Le chiffre des 40 chars est attei ...[Lire la suite]
3 rue Jules Ferry - Place des Costils
50800 Villedieu-les-poêles - France
Tèl. : 02 33 90 51 00 - Fax : 02 33 90 51 01
