Nestled just inland from the coast of Normandy, Coutances is a historic town in northwestern France. Under Roman rule, it was known as “Constantia” and has been an episcopal see since the 5th century. The town was largely destroyed by the invading Normans in the 9th century and has reemerged as an important hub for the surrounding cattle and dairy farms.
Things to do in Coutances
Dominating the town skyline is the Coutances Cathedral, a magnificent Gothic landmark that incorporates the remains of an earlier Norman church. It is topped by twin spires that soar to 80 metres in height and a lantern tower designed to reflect Heaven, Earth and the Resurrection. Step inside to admire the monumental interior with its stained glass windows and medieval tiles.
A short walk from the cathedral is the Coutances Botanical Garden, which combines French, English and Italian landscaping styles. It was laid out in the 1850s, making it one of the oldest public gardens in Normandy. In addition to its sprawling lawns and seasonal floral displays, the garden is renowned for its Cedar of Lebanon.
Adjacent to the Coutances Botanical Garden is the Musee Quesnel-Moriniere, a celebrated art museum housed within a 17th-century townhouse. It hosts changing exhibitions of contemporary paintings, religious sculptures and graphic artworks, as well as traditional ceramics from the Cotentin Peninsula. Behind the garden is a wooded hiking trail that leads to a fishing pond, a children’s playground and a public swimming pool.
Getting around Coutances
Coutances is around 1.5 hours’ drive from Caen and Caen-Carpiquet Airport, which has flights to destinations across France. Paris and Charles de Gaulle Airport are around four hours away. Regular trains connect to the Coutances railway station and buses travel through the town. The centre of Coutances is compact enough to explore on foot.