Villedieu les Poêles ~ 10 minutes from us
On Tuesday mornings, take a trip to Villedieu market which is about 7 kms away from us.
For visitors to the area, whilst there is plenty of parking, we do suggest that you get there early as the main road through the town has restricted access until after lunch.
It is a slightly bigger market offering an array of local produce, fresh fish, vegetables, honey, charcuterie, cheese, flowers, clothes and table wares.
The Cornille-Havard Bell Foundry The workshop, which has retained its former charm, continues to manufacture bells for cathedrals, churches, ships, public buildings and private commissions throughout the world and innumerable works of art in bronze such as commemorative plaques, statues and medals. In the company of foundry-men, you will be shown round the kilns, the moulds (built out of an ovenproof material made up of clay, goat hair and horse dung!) and the pits out of which the bells emerge after casting. | 
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If you want to stay longer, then perhaps take a visit to the many enticing copper shops or a tour around the famous Bell Foundry, or perhaps visit L'Atelier du Cuivre at 54 rue General Huard where you can enjoy an informative guided tour (in French and English) of the workshop and see the copper pots in the making! It's worth a visit to understand the craftsmanship involved, with traditional methods of work going hand in hand with modern technology. For an insight into this fascinating world have a look at their website at www.atelierducuivre.com
After browsing, stop and have coffee or lunch in one of the many welcoming bars and restaurants that can be found on either the main street, or tucked away in the cobbled courtyards that run alongside.
Coutances Gardens
Enjoy the beautifully maintained "themed" public gardens in Coutances. You can wander around and admire the handiwork of the creators of these floral works of art. Free entry and a lovely little coffee shop with delicious pastries just before the main entrance.
Dahlia Exhibition at the Lycee Agricultural college - in Autumn every year a bit different......
To see more of Coutances gardens please follow the link below to the Coutances website.
