Do you want to swap the grey city for the blue sea and sound of car horns for the ocean waves? How about moving to Manche? Switch down a gear and take a deep breath of fresh air. Enjoy the real France, the simple life and modern flair here.
Live the good life
Top 5 reasons to move and live in Manche
01
Seaside lifestyle
The sea is everywhere here and part of everyday life for locals. Soak up the sandy beaches and fresh sea air every day if you feel like it.
02
Nature a train ride away
Experience an unspoilt place to live and untamed nature without feeling cut off from the world. There are 14 stations connected to the national railway network in Manche.
03
Make life easier for yourself
There are fewer traffic jams and less pollution here. Everyday life is simple and thriving here with local facilities, an exciting cultural scene and leisure activities galore.
04
Own your own home
Where can you buy a place by the sea? In Manche! The average price per square metre here is still very affordable.
05
A larger-than-life playground
Water sports, hiking, horse riding, cycling and paragliding: it’s heaven for outdoor sports.
Open a new chapter without a care in the world
Are you planning a new life in Manche? Local figures are here to help you settle in every step of the way.
Attitude Manche hospitality service. For anyone who wants to move here.
Financial support for healthcare workers moving here. Financial support and services for healthcare workers.
What not to miss in Manche
World-famous sites, untamed nature and unique views: Manche plays host to breathtaking landscapes.
Cap de Carteret
Unobstructed views of the dunes, Côte des Havres and Channel Islands. The Barneville-Carteret sea resort and La Potinière beach below are ripe for exploring.
Marais du Cotentin
Walk, cycle or canoe through the regional nature park. You may even spot seals lolling about on the sand on Baie des Veys.
Cherbourg-en-Cotentin
Its harbour, transatlantic ferry port and townhouses feel like a film set.
Granville
The uptown ramparts, cobbled streets, fishing port and beaches stand out in this sea resort where life is good all year round.
Saint-Lô
The town is famous for its stone ramparts and national stud farm. It has set the scene for an exciting past and major horse riding events today.
Work in Manche and ride its business wave
Are you looking for a new career journey? Unemployment in the département is among the lowest in France (approx. 5%). Major groups and SMEs all over the area make it a hotbed for employment. Manche businesses plan to hire over 22,000 people in 2023.
The top sectors and companies recruiting
Farming
The sector still has a huge presence with 11,800 jobs and 1.4 billion in annual turnover. With breeding, fruit/vegetable growing and fish farming, the sector covers almost every base and hires farm workers, fishermen, seasonal workers etc.
Manufacturing
The sector covers countless areas including automobile (Chéreau, Lecapitaine), naval (CMN, Allures Yachting, Marine Concept) and submarine (Naval Group). It accounts for over 5000 jobs with fantastic opportunities for welders, boilermakers and engineers.
Tourism
A key sector: it accounts for 6300 jobs (annual average) and 21.5 million overnight stays per year. Naturally, most of the jobs are in coastal areas and major historical sites. Chefs and waiting staff are in high demand.
Healthcare and domestic care
With 30,000 jobs in healthcare and domestic care, the sector accounts for 17% of the local workforce. Manche provides several opportunities for healthcare workers (doctors, dentists, nurses) such as financial support to help them settle in.
Study in Manche and enjoy its amazing lifestyle
Where can students get a wide range of courses, very affordable accommodation and unique leisure activities? In Manche of course! Cherbourg-Octeville and Saint-Lô are the département’s two biggest student areas.
What’s on in Manche
February
The 5-day event is listed as UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage and attracts 150,000 visitors every year. Floats, performances, confetti and dances: a classic carnival.
May
8 days of music, 60-odd concerts and over 35,000 festivalgoers. Coutances stages an exciting and eclectic line-up of jazz stars and up-and-coming musicians.
August
This “music off the coast” festival tailors its concerts to suit the tide times. Its quality and originality have made it famous outside Normandy.
May
Papillons de Nuit calls itself “the biggest festival in the smallest place.” Why? Because 90,000 festivalgoers flock to Saint-Laurent-de-Cuves, a village with a population of 500. The place for social butterflies!
Where to settle in Manche, Normandy ?
News
International riders flock to Normandy, the land of horses
