The Region and its History
Normandy is comprised of four regions and Jonville is located within Cotentin, the northern most area of Lower Normandy. This is an area awash with history. Looking across the bay from the Beach House you will see the Island of Tatihou. This ancient fortification has two towers and was designed in the 17th century by the famous French military Architect, Vauban, to protect the French fleet from further British naval attacks.
An hour’s drive will take you to the medieval town of Bayeux, home to the famous tapestry. Less than an hour’s drive will take you to the D-Day landing beaches and museums. The whole region is infused with memories of World War II and it’s not unusual to see abandoned German gun posts and bunkers along the beaches. Closer to home and a ten minute drive will take you to Barfleur, where William The Conquerors’ boat The Mora, was launched in 1066.
Significant investment by the French Government makes all these attractions readily accessible for visiting tourists.
Children and teenagers will be happily occupied by visits to more modern attractions, such as the local Citi de La Mer in Cherbourg. Similarly, Hobie Cats and sailing dinghies can all be hired along the beach, plus an array of sporting activities from Horse Riding to Golf are also available.
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Historical Sites
Bayeux
This is a quaint, cathedral town complete with medieval stone courtyards and winding streets. The town was actually captured by the Allies on June 7th 1944, one day after the great invasion but luckily no serious fighting occurred here, leaving most of the original architecture intact. The Cathedral was consecrated in 1077, around the same time that Bishop Odo commissioned the Bayeux Tapestry. The Cathedral and town itself are well worth the visit. Bayeux is approximately an hour’s drive from The Beach House.
The Bayeux Tapestry
The famous tapestry depicting the events leading up to and the battle of 1066 itself is housed in the Centre Guillaume-le-Conquerant, a former seminary. This Norman work of art has recently been added to the UNESCO “Memory of the World” Register. You should allow at least two hours for a visit as the museum provides an extensive exhibition on the historical background of the tapestry, including a film. The presentation is imaginatively done and an excellent audio guide takes you through the tapestry scene by scene. The gift shop is also a must.
Opening times vary according to season, so check before leaving. Under 10’s go free. Last admission 45 minutes before closing.
Tel: +33(0)231 512 550
Barfleur
A charming fishing port, 10 minutes drive from the Beach House, with a rich historical heritage. 900 years ago it was one of the busiest harbours in Europe. In 1066 it was the port William the Conqueror used to launch his Barfleur-built ship, the Mora, to cross the sea to Hastings. It was at the time William’s principal port for communications with England. Some years later, just off the Barfleur coast, The White Ship disaster occurred in 1120, leaving the succession to the English throne in a shambles. Richard the Lionheart also passed through here in 1194 on his journey back to reclaim his throne after the Third Crusade. Historical significance aside, there are some really great restaurants and café’s.