Coutances Attractions

The old episcopal city of Coutances (pop. 9,628), which has given its name to the Cotentin peninsula, lies on a long hill above the surrounding plain. In the beautiful public park is the Musée Municipal (works by local artists).

Cathedral of Notre-Dame

The central feature of the town is the Cathedral of Notre-Dame, built in 1251-1274 on the site of an earlier Romanesque church which was destroyed by fire. With its two towers flanking the west front it is one of the most magnificent churches in Normandy. Over the crossing is an octagonal tower from the top of which there are extensive views, extending to Jersey and St-Malo. Within the church the tower forms an impressive dome over the crossing.

Hours

	Mon	Tue	Wed	Thu	Fri	Sat	Sun
Open	9:00	9:00	9:00	9:00	9:00	9:00	9:00
Close	19:00	19:00	19:00	19:00	19:00	19:00	19:00

Typical Visit

1 hour 30 minutes

St Pierre

The massive Gothic church of St-Pierre (begun 1494) has a bell-tower of 1550 and a tower over the crossing, which, as in the cathedral, forms a dome in the interior.