LegendiaLocal area
Beaches, D-Day history, islands, seafood and wild countryside, all within easy reach of both lakes. Something for every member of the group, anglers or not.
Both estates sit on the Cotentin peninsula, the northern tip of Normandy, about twenty minutes apart. Each has its own corner of the region on the doorstep.
Asgard
East side, facing the Channel
Asgard is minutes from the beach at Quinéville and close to the landing beaches, Sainte-Mère-Église and the harbour villages of Saint-Vaast and Barfleur. The best base for history, the east-coast beaches and island trips.
Albart
In the heart of the peninsula
Albart sits in the green heart of the Cotentin, next to the medieval town of Saint-Sauveur-le-Vicomte, its forest and its river. The wide sandy beaches and dunes of the west coast are fifteen minutes away.
Asgard and Albart are about 20 minutes apart by car.
Both lakes are among the closest carp venues in France to the Channel ports. Cherbourg is the quickest way in.
| From | To Asgard | To Albart |
|---|---|---|
| Cherbourg ferry portFrom Portsmouth, Poole or Rosslare | c. 40 min | c. 40 min |
| Caen-Ouistreham ferry portFrom Portsmouth | c. 1 h 20 | c. 1 h 30 |
| Saint-Malo ferry portFrom Portsmouth or Poole | c. 2 h | c. 1 h 50 |
| Le Havre ferry portFrom Portsmouth | c. 2 h 15 | c. 2 h 20 |
| Calais / EurotunnelVia Rouen and Caen | c. 4 h 30 | c. 4 h 40 |
Approximate driving times in normal traffic. Check your ferry operator for current routes and timetables.
Before you even get in the car, both estates have plenty to keep children, and the young at heart, busy while the rods are out.
At Asgard
A little adventure park hidden in the trees, a few steps from the lodge. Zip line, ninja course, monkey bridge, swings and a wooden Robinson hut: hours of fun in the heart of nature.
At Albart
A private games room next to the lodge, outdoor games and a football pitch. Beyond them, more than 500 metres of river wind through the estate: a chance to discover another kind of fishing, spot deer and herons, and explore nature left just as it should be.
Our pick of the best the Cotentin has to offer. Choose who it's for, and see at a glance which lake is closest.
Closest from Asgard Approximate driving times
Museum, Sainte-Mère-Église
The story of the paratroopers of 6 June 1944, with a real C-47 and glider. Look up at the church: a parachutist still hangs from the bell tower.
Beach and museum, Sainte-Marie-du-Mont
Walk the landing beach, then visit the Utah Beach Landing Museum, built on the very spot where American troops came ashore.
Immersive experience, Saint-Côme-du-Mont
Sit in a simulated C-47 for a night flight over Normandy, then explore the Dead Man's Corner museum next door.
Island, Saint-Vaast-la-Hougue
Cross to the island in an amphibious boat, or on foot at low tide. Climb the UNESCO-listed Vauban tower, then wander the gardens and maritime museum.
Ocean museum, Cherbourg
Go aboard a real nuclear submarine, meet sharks in the aquariums, and follow the Titanic's last port of call. A rainy-day favourite.
Animal park, Montaigu-la-Brisette
Fifteen hectares around ponds, with around 45 species from five continents, from wolves and zebras to lemurs. Pony rides for the little ones.
Farm museum, Sainte-Mère-Église
A traditional Normandy farm with local breeds: Cotentin donkeys, Norman cows, rabbits and hens, plus beehives and old farm life.
Tree-top park, Saint-Sauveur-le-Vicomte
Zip lines, nets and rope bridges from tree to tree in the abbey forest, with courses for children and adults. Five minutes from Albart.
Leisure base, Saint-Sauveur-le-Vicomte
The only freshwater kayaking in the Cotentin, open from age 8, plus archery and climbing in summer. A gentle paddle through the countryside.
Medieval town, Saint-Sauveur-le-Vicomte
The largest medieval castle in the Cotentin, and the literary museum of Barbey d'Aurevilly. Guided visits and treasure hunts for families in summer.
Seaside resort, west coast
Long sandy beaches, the Cap de Carteret lighthouse and the coastal path above the cliffs, with Jersey on the horizon. Ideal for kites, sandcastles and sunsets.
Nature, west coast
Some of the highest dunes in Europe, rolling down to a wild, empty beach. A walk that feels miles from anywhere.
Beach, east coast
The nearest beach to Asgard: a wide stretch of sand for an afternoon swim, a walk at low tide or a picnic between two sessions.
Harbour village, Barfleur
One of the most beautiful villages in France, famous for its mussels. Nearby, climb the 365 steps of the Gatteville lighthouse for a view over the sea.
Oysters and fine food, Saint-Vaast-la-Hougue
A charming fishing port known for its oysters, with the famous Maison Gosselin delicatessen, a market feel and the UNESCO-listed fort.
Garden, La Hague
A sheltered garden of southern-hemisphere plants by the sea, thriving in the mild Cotentin climate. Peaceful and unexpected.
Planetarium, La Hague
A planetarium and observatory where children can explore the stars and planets. Perfect for a cloudy afternoon.
Town, Bayeux
The thousand-year-old embroidered story of the Norman conquest of England, in a beautiful medieval town. Combine it with Omaha Beach and the American Cemetery.
D-Day sites, Calvados coast
The clifftop battlefield scaled by the US Rangers, and the American Cemetery at Colleville overlooking Omaha Beach. Moving and unforgettable.
UNESCO World Heritage
The abbey on its rock in the bay, one of the wonders of France. Go early or late in the day, and check the tide times for the most spectacular view.
A night off cooking? A few good tables near each lake, from a village auberge to sea views and fresh seafood.
Saint-Sauveur-le-Vicomte
A traditional auberge facing the medieval castle, with cooking rooted in the local terroir. Easy and welcoming, just down the road.
Barneville-Carteret
Listed in the Michelin Guide: modern cooking built around Normandy produce and local seafood, with panoramic views over the harbour and the sea. The special-occasion choice.
Sainte-Mère-Église
Homemade regional food in a former post house from 1730, with stone walls, beams and an open fire, next to the famous church.
Saint-Vaast-la-Hougue
Recognised by Gault&Millau, in the heart of the oyster village. Pair it with a stroll around the harbour.
Opening days vary through the year: we recommend booking ahead, especially in summer.
Whenever you come, there's something happening around the lakes.
Spring
The gardens bloom, Tatihou reopens for the season and the beaches are quiet. Perfect for long coastal walks.
Early June
Parachute drops, parades, concerts and fireworks around Sainte-Mère-Église and Utah Beach, a few minutes from Asgard.
Summer
Swimming, kayaking, tree-top courses and village markets. Long evenings, and the pool waiting back at the lodge.
Autumn and winter
Apple harvest and cider time, the deer rut echoing in the woods, and oysters at their very best.
The D-Day coast
The realm of giants, minutes from the beaches and the landing sites.
Explore Asgard
Marshes and west coast
The lodge is your bivvy, in the green heart of the Cotentin.
Discover Albart