Another area in which we sell houses in and around is a town called Tinchebray. It is situated in the Orne region of Normandy (61) and is linked with 6 other surrounding communes collectively known as Tinchebray-Bocage.
It is ideally situated approximately a 20 minutes drive from the thriving town of Vire, of which we have spoken about here and the even bigger town of Flers.
Tinchebray has everything you would expect to see from a large town with all the local amenities nearby. It has schools, a cinema with films often shown in their original version, a concert hall, restaurants and it even has a boxing club!
Not only that, there is also a outdoor swimming pool that is open in the summer months, approximately a 5 minute drive away at Montsecret.
Annually, it hosts one of the largest Vide Greniers/Brocantes in the region and is usually in the middle of October (this year, 2023, it is on the 15th). There are hundreds of stalls for you to browse and street food to be purchased. It really is a must if you are looking for some quirky, typically quintessentially French wares, to take home with you or indeed for onward sale.
You can also pay a visit to the local prison! This prison is explained on the communes website in which is says..
“The cells, still in their original state, are unique in the region. During the Revolution, many people were imprisoned here, including the Norman Chouan leader Michelot MOULIN. Graffiti from the late 18th century can be seen here.
The Chapel
The dungeon or “basse fosse”.
The jailer’s dwelling.
The museum also houses a range of objects made at the beginning of the last century in Tinchebray, demonstrating a wealth of expertise in the field of metalworking.”
At only 4 euros a visit – it is a steal (excuse the pun) and a great way of getting a glimpse into the life of prisoners during the French Revolution. It is aptly situated on rue de la prison. As you leave, you may well find yourself smelling the sweet smell of chocolate! Just up the road is the local chocolate factory which is home to the Cémoi brand.
If you have children, there is a wonderful play park within the town and further afield you will find a beautiful park (think National Trust) called Cerisy-belle-étoile which is great for walks. It has a mini playground, designated walks within the forest, the old chateau ruins and includes a tower you can go right to the top of and see for miles around. You are welcome to bring a picnic or treat yourself in the café. There are recently refurbished toilets and even mini golf! A thoroughly enjoyable day out for all the family.
There are many pretty and charming villages that surround Tinchebray including Chanu which has a stunning church and statue, as is often the case, commemorating the fallen French soldiers.
Finally, it that wasn’t enough to keep you entertained, you can go and visit the beautiful village of Clécy. It is approximately a 30 minute drive from Tinchebray. It is great for kayaking, canoeing, pedalos, luge, archery, walks and more picnics. It also has restaurants along the riverside where you can watch the world go by, if this is all a bit too active for you. We have provided a link to all the wonderful activities you can partake in at Clécy.
We hope you enjoyed this insight into the many things to see and do in the town of Tinchebray and its surrounding area.
Tinchebray Royal Prison Website
Outdoor Pool Website Montsecret
