Natura 2000

The Natura 2000 network is the centrepiece of the European Union's nature conservation policy. This ambitious European system aims to protect endangered species and conserve habitats, taking into account human activities and practices.

The following sites are close to our holiday farm:

Airou river catchment area
This area aims to protect the Airou river, which is located in the catchment area of the Sienne in the centre of the Manche. It follows its main bed for 27km, from the A84 motorway in Rouffigny to its confluence with the Sienne in Ver. The site has been declared a Natura 2000 site as it is a habitat for four species: Atlantic salmon, bullhead, brook lamprey and pearl mussel.

Western coastline of the Cotentin between Bréhal and Pirou
The site comprises five remarkable natural units, which form part of an exceptional context of low coasts with dunes regularly interrupted by the mouths of small coastal rivers (Havres), including the Havre de la Vanlée and the Havre de Sienne. The tides, with a large tidal range, and the extensive sandy beach form an essential dynamic link in terms of sedimentology and nutrition. In addition to their original scenic quality, the Havres or salt marshes of Lower Normandy are among the most biodiverse on the entire European Atlantic coast.
The Havre de la Vanlée estuary has been protected since 1988. It is located in the communes of Lingreville and Bricqueville-sur-Mer. Salty pastures, rich grass and salt marshes, accessible by a road that is flooded at high tide. It covers 10 hectares and is home to many species of flora and fauna. About 150 species of birds have been counted here. There are also sheep and countless hares in the dunes, as well as many plant species.
The Havre de Sienne in Reigneville is an estuary formed by the two rivers Sienne and Soulles. The estuary is separated from the sea by the Pointe d'Agon nature reserve. This area has been protected since 1989 and is also a Special Protection Area due to its high ornithological value and was declared a Site of Community Importance in 2004.

Archipelago of the Chausey Islands north-east of Granville
The granite islands of Chausey are the largest archipelago in Europe. They are sheltered from storms in the Norman-Breton Gulf and have a very mild climate. The landscape changes daily to the rhythm of the sea. The marine area has a great diversity of marine habitats that make up its ecological importance.

The Bay of Mont-Saint-Michel
is an area of international importance that regularly harbours more than 20,000 water birds. The Atlantic salt marshes are of international value due to the diversity of their species. The Bay of Mont Saint-Michel is a large ecocomplex of high landscape value, covering tens of thousands of hectares of sand flats, mudflats and sandbanks at low tide.

Marais du Cotentin et du Bessin - Baie des Veys
Grazed or mown meadows, criss-crossed by ditches and dotted with peat bogs characterise this wetland, which opens out onto the sea on both sides of the Cotentin. Fauna, flora, landscapes, flooded meadows in winter (in winter they are called white) and architecture are remarkable here. The Baie des Veys and the wetlands of the Cotentin are areas of international importance, regularly home to more than 20,000 water birds. The Maison du Parc nature park centre near Carentan is also worth a visit.