Workshops at Anim'Ose Farm
Interactive learning activities for children to discover farm life and animal care at the friendly Anim'Ose farm.
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Saint-James
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City
ℹ️Practical info — Saint-James
▾
🌤 Weather — 5 days
📍 Nearby
Sights nearby
💡 Tips
- Book a guided tour in advance at the famous Saint-James knitwear factory to see their traditional looming techniques.
- The Brittany American Cemetery is located here; it is a solemn, immaculately kept site that is best visited in the quiet of early morning.
- With Mont-Saint-Michel just a short drive away, staying here gives a quieter, more budget-friendly base.
- Try to time your visit to coincide with the local market day to experience the best of regional Norman produce.
🍽 Food
🍽
Norman Cider
Enjoy a glass of crisp local cider, often served in a traditional ceramic bowl (bolée) at local crêperies.
🍽
Camembert and Pont-l'Évêque
Pick up these classic Norman cheeses from a local fromagerie.
🍽
Galettes
Due to the proximity to Brittany, savory buckwheat crêpes are a staple in local eateries.
🛍 Shopping · 🧘 Quiet spots
🛍
Saint-James Striped Shirts
Buy an authentic nautical "marinière" shirt directly from the factory store.
🛍
Calvados and Cider
Local epiceries stock excellent regional apple brandies and ciders to take home as gifts.
🛍
Salted Caramel
Look for jars of rich salted butter caramel in artisan shops along the main streets.
🧘
Brittany American Cemetery
A profoundly peaceful and beautifully maintained memorial ground well-suited for quiet reflection.
🧘
Bocage Trails
Walk the traditional hedgerow paths around the town for a tranquil escape into the Norman countryside.
Water temperature…
Highlights of 2026
3
Saint-James is a historic town in the Manche department of lower Normandy, strategically located near the border with Brittany. Founded in 1067 by William the Conqueror as a frontier fortress, it has played a pivotal role in regional defense for centuries. In modern times, the town's name has become synonymous with high-quality French fashion through the 'Saint-James' apparel company, which has produced its famous nautical striped shirts here since the 19th century. The town is also home to the Brittany American Cemetery and Memorial, a solemn site honoring over 4,400 American soldiers who fell during the Normandy and Brittany campaigns of WWII. Architecturally, Saint-James features robust granite structures typical of the region. Its location just 20 kilometers from Mont-Saint-Michel makes it a prime stop for travelers. The local economy thrives on textile manufacturing, agriculture, and tourism, while its spirited markets offer authentic Norman products like cider, butter, and regional pastries.
- Location: Normandie, France
- Top sights: Brittany American Cemetery · Saint-Jacques Church · Saint-Benoît Polissoir
- Nearby: Maen Roch (13 km)
- Population: ~5.122
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 5 | 5 | 7 | 10 | 13 | 16 | 18 | 18 | 15 | 12 | 8 | 5 |
| Rain mm | 71 | 58 | 58 | 44 | 59 | 51 | 53 | 53 | 45 | 75 | 79 | 83 |
Geography
Facts
- Current population: 5,122.
- Established: 1067 by William the Conqueror.
- Economic hub: World HQ of Saint-James knitwear.
- WWII History: 4,410 graves in the American cemetery.
- Proximity: 20 km from Mont-Saint-Michel.
- Department: Manche (50).
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
A day in the city
Pick weather + travel mode, get a concrete day plan.
09:00→16:002.7 km walk5 places0/5
Day budget: ≈ 19–25 €Entries 22€ · Transport 0€
Start your morning exploring the famous Saint-James Knitwear Factory, then stroll over to the serene Saint-Jacques Church. Midday, admire the historic architecture of Château de la Paluelle before enjoying a leisurely lunch in town. The afternoon is dedicated to the moving Brittany American Cemetery, respectfully honoring the fallen soldiers. Evening invites a quiet reflection at the cemetery's beautiful and solemn granite chapel.
← swipe for more places →
📍
09:10 · 45'
Saint-James Knitwear Factory
Discover the heritage of the iconic striped sweater in this active factory; book your guided tour well in advance as spots fill up very fast.
🚶 12'0.43 km
⛪
10:07 · 50'
Saint-Jacques Church
Admire the beautiful Romanesque arches of this historic church, and take a moment to notice the intricately carved wooden details near the altar.
🚶 15'0.58 km
📍
11:12 · 90'
Château de la Paluelle
Marvel at the elegant 17th-century architecture of this private estate; while the interior is restricted, the surrounding public paths offer great photos.
🚶 31'1.42 km
🏛️
13:13 · 80'
Brittany American Cemetery
Walk among the perfectly aligned white crosses honoring 4,410 WWII soldiers, and remember to check in at the visitor center for a map of the grounds.
🚶 7'0.22 km
⛪
14:40 · 50'
Chapelle du cimetière militaire américain
Find a moment of profound silence inside this solemn granite chapel; the impressive stained glass windows perfectly capture the afternoon light.
09:00→16:002.7 km walk5 places0/5
Day budget: ≈ 19–25 €Entries 22€ · Transport 0€
Start your day dry inside the factory. Midday, take an umbrella to the church and the castle grounds. By afternoon, the open cemetery can be quite wet, but the chapel offers excellent shelter. Spend your evening warming up indoors.
← swipe for more places →
📍
09:10 · 45'
Saint-James Knitwear Factory
Enjoy the fascinating indoor tour, great for rainy days. Pick up a famous woolen sweater if you feel damp or chilly.
🚶 12'0.43 km
⛪
10:07 · 50'
Saint-Jacques Church
Find excellent shelter from the showers here while quietly admiring the impressive stained glass windows inside.
🚶 15'0.58 km
📍
11:12 · 90'
Château de la Paluelle
Walk the grounds with a sturdy umbrella; the unpaved paths in the park can become quite muddy during heavy downpours.
🚶 31'1.42 km
🏛️
13:13 · 80'
Brittany American Cemetery
The open fields are completely exposed to the weather; ensure you wear a good rain jacket and waterproof footwear.
🚶 7'0.22 km
⛪
14:40 · 50'
Chapelle du cimetière militaire américain
Dry off inside this solemn, covered memorial space, providing a peaceful end to a wet and rainy day out.
09:00→16:002.7 km walk5 places0/5
Day budget: ≈ 19–25 €Entries 22€ · Transport 0€
The frosty morning starts warmly inside the factory. Midday visits to the church and castle require thick layers. Afternoon brings icy winds at the cemetery. Finish at the chapel before the early sunset around 17:00.
← swipe for more places →
📍
09:10 · 45'
Saint-James Knitwear Factory
A great, warm start to your winter day; pick up a cozy thermal sweater to keep you warm for the rest of the tour.
🚶 12'0.43 km
⛪
10:07 · 50'
Saint-Jacques Church
The stone interior can be chilly, but it has great protection from the biting winter wind. Keep your coat zipped.
🚶 15'0.58 km
📍
11:12 · 90'
Château de la Paluelle
The frost on the estate looks beautiful, but be absolutely sure to dress warmly for your outdoor walk here.
🚶 31'1.42 km
🏛️
13:13 · 80'
Brittany American Cemetery
The cold wind sweeps unhindered across the vast lawns; a warm hat and gloves are absolutely essential here.
🚶 7'0.22 km
⛪
14:40 · 50'
Chapelle du cimetière militaire américain
A heated, quiet place for reflection, ideally reached just before the early winter darkness sets in completely.
09:00→18:118 km ride7 places0/7
Day budget: ≈ 34–46 €Entries 28€ · Transport 12€
Kick off your cycling tour at Saint-Jacques Church, followed by a visit to the iconic knitwear factory in the heart of town. Midday takes you past the elegant Château de la Paluelle and out to the ancient Saint-Benoît Polissoir for a rustic pause. Spend the afternoon gently pedaling to the quaint Église Saint-Martin before heading out to the historic American Cemetery. Conclude the day with a peaceful and solemn visit to the memorial chapel as the evening sun casts long shadows.
← swipe for more places →
⛪
09:10 · 50'
Saint-Jacques Church
Admire the beautiful Romanesque arches of this historic church, and take a moment to notice the intricately carved wooden details near the altar.
🚲 6'0.43 km
📍
10:06 · 45'
Saint-James Knitwear Factory
Discover the heritage of the iconic striped sweater in this active factory; book your guided tour well in advance as spots fill up very fast.
🚲 9'1 km
📍
11:00 · 90'
Château de la Paluelle
Marvel at the elegant 17th-century architecture of this private estate; while the interior is restricted, the surrounding public paths offer great photos.
🚲 9'1.06 km
🏛️
12:39 · 80'
Saint-Benoît Polissoir
Step back into the Neolithic era at this fascinating megalithic polishing stone, but be sure to wear sturdy shoes as the surrounding field can be muddy.
🚲 22'3.13 km
⛪
14:21 · 50'
Église Saint-Martin
Explore this characterful countryside parish featuring authentic local masonry; parking is very limited outside, so walking from the main road is advised.
🚲 16'2.15 km
🏛️
15:27 · 80'
Brittany American Cemetery
Walk among the perfectly aligned white crosses honoring 4,410 WWII soldiers, and remember to check in at the visitor center for a map of the grounds.
🚲 4'0.22 km
⛪
16:51 · 50'
Chapelle du cimetière militaire américain
Find a moment of profound silence inside this solemn granite chapel; the memorable stained glass windows perfectly capture the afternoon light.
09:00→18:118 km ride7 places0/7
Day budget: ≈ 34–46 €Entries 28€ · Transport 12€
Rain makes cycling challenging. Morning keeps you dry at the church and factory. Midday requires caution on slippery paths to the castle. Afternoon means fighting wet gusts at the cemetery, rewarding yourself in the dry chapel.
← swipe for more places →
⛪
09:10 · 50'
Saint-Jacques Church
Park your wet bike outside and use the church as your first dry refuge on this rainy morning.
🚲 6'0.43 km
📍
10:06 · 45'
Saint-James Knitwear Factory
An excellent indoor stop to take cover from the heaviest showers during your cycling trip.
🚲 9'1 km
📍
11:00 · 90'
Château de la Paluelle
Brake carefully; wet leaves and cobblestones around the castle grounds can be extremely slippery for cyclists.
🚲 9'1.06 km
🏛️
12:39 · 80'
Saint-Benoît Polissoir
The stone gets slick when wet. Park your bike safely and walk up to it wearing shoes with good grip.
🚲 22'3.13 km
⛪
14:21 · 50'
Église Saint-Martin
Another covered stop on your route, well-suited for quickly wiping down your glasses and rain jacket.
🚲 16'2.15 km
🏛️
15:27 · 80'
Brittany American Cemetery
The approach is highly exposed; ensure your rain jacket is fully zipped before entering this open terrain.
🚲 4'0.22 km
⛪
16:51 · 50'
Chapelle du cimetière militaire américain
A dry sanctuary at the end of a wet and challenging bike ride, where you can finally catch your breath.
09:00→18:118 km ride7 places0/7
Day budget: ≈ 34–46 €Entries 28€ · Transport 12€
A brisk winter ride. Warm your hands at the church and factory mornings. Midday route to the castle is frosty, requiring you to keep moving. Reach the cemetery in the icy afternoon breeze, finishing before 17:00.
← swipe for more places →
⛪
09:10 · 50'
Saint-Jacques Church
The morning air on the bike is freezing; step inside quickly to warm up your numb fingers.
🚲 6'0.43 km
📍
10:06 · 45'
Saint-James Knitwear Factory
The comforting heat of the working factory is a wonderful relief for frozen cyclists on cold days.
🚲 9'1 km
📍
11:00 · 90'
Château de la Paluelle
Watch out for hidden patches of ice on the shaded, wooded paths around the castle grounds.
🚲 9'1.06 km
🏛️
12:39 · 80'
Saint-Benoît Polissoir
The megalith looks stark in winter; keep your pause here short so you don't freeze on the bike.
🚲 22'3.13 km
⛪
14:21 · 50'
Église Saint-Martin
Use the interior to briefly escape the freezing headwind and warm yourself up mentally before riding on.
🚲 16'2.15 km
🏛️
15:27 · 80'
Brittany American Cemetery
This open terrain has zero windbreak; absolutely make sure to keep your thick gloves on.
🚲 4'0.22 km
⛪
16:51 · 50'
Chapelle du cimetière militaire américain
Arrive safely before the 17:00 sunset, just before the temperatures drop drastically for cycling.
09:00→17:478.6 km drive7 places0/7
Day budget: ≈ 28–38 €Entries 31€ · Transport 2€
Drive out to the Mairie déléguée de Carnet to start your day, then head into town to conveniently explore the renowned factory and local church. Stop midday to admire the magnificent grounds of Château de la Paluelle and the historic polishing stone of Saint-Benoît. In the afternoon, drive out to respectfully pay your homage at the vast and moving Brittany American Cemetery complex. The evening wraps up gracefully at the solemn chapel on site, offering a final moment of deep peace and reflection.
← swipe for more places →
📍
09:10 · 45'
Mairie déléguée de Carnet
Observe the traditional civic architecture of this former local town hall, which provides a quiet glimpse into the rural administrative life of the region.
🚗 16'3.94 km
📍
10:11 · 45'
Saint-James Knitwear Factory
Discover the heritage of the iconic striped sweater in this active factory; book your guided tour well in advance as spots fill up very fast.
🚗 4'0.43 km
⛪
11:00 · 50'
Saint-Jacques Church
Admire the beautiful Romanesque arches of this historic church, and take a moment to notice the intricately carved wooden details near the altar.
🚗 5'0.58 km
📍
11:55 · 90'
Château de la Paluelle
Marvel at the elegant 17th-century architecture of this private estate; while the interior is restricted, the surrounding public paths offer great photos.
🚗 7'1.06 km
🏛️
13:32 · 80'
Saint-Benoît Polissoir
Step back into the Neolithic era at this fascinating megalithic polishing stone, but be sure to wear sturdy shoes as the surrounding field can be muddy.
🚗 11'2.36 km
🏛️
15:03 · 80'
Brittany American Cemetery
Walk among the perfectly aligned white crosses honoring 4,410 WWII soldiers, and remember to check in at the visitor center for a map of the grounds.
🚗 4'0.22 km
⛪
16:27 · 50'
Chapelle du cimetière militaire américain
Find a moment of profound silence inside this solemn granite chapel; the memorable stained glass windows perfectly capture the afternoon light.
09:00→17:478.6 km drive7 places0/7
Day budget: ≈ 28–38 €Entries 31€ · Transport 2€
The car keeps you comfortably dry. Morning features short dashes to the Mairie and factory. Midday, park close to the church and castle. Afternoon brings a rainy cemetery, but your car and the chapel provide dry comfort.
← swipe for more places →
📍
09:10 · 45'
Mairie déléguée de Carnet
Park extremely close to the entrance to avoid the rain; a quick photo stop is more than enough here.
🚗 16'3.94 km
📍
10:11 · 45'
Saint-James Knitwear Factory
Stay completely dry and comfortable during this fascinating indoor textile tour while it pours outside.
🚗 4'0.43 km
⛪
11:00 · 50'
Saint-Jacques Church
Keep an umbrella handy for the very short walk from the parking lot into the dry church nave.
🚗 5'0.58 km
📍
11:55 · 90'
Château de la Paluelle
Enjoy the dramatic grey skies over the expansive estate comfortably and dryly from your car window.
🚗 7'1.06 km
🏛️
13:32 · 80'
Saint-Benoît Polissoir
Only a short but muddy walk from the road; be absolutely sure to wear sturdy waterproof shoes.
🚗 11'2.36 km
🏛️
15:03 · 80'
Brittany American Cemetery
If it is pouring rain, you can respectfully view much of the solemn layout from your parked car.
🚗 4'0.22 km
⛪
16:27 · 50'
Chapelle du cimetière militaire américain
Run quickly from the car inside for a dry, peaceful reflection at the end of your rainy driving tour.
09:00→17:478.6 km drive7 places0/7
Day budget: ≈ 28–38 €Entries 31€ · Transport 2€
The car heater is your best friend today. Frosty mornings at the Mairie and factory. Midday, drive warmly to the church and castle. Reach the cemetery by 14:00 to ensure good daylight before the early 17:00 sunset.
← swipe for more places →
📍
09:10 · 45'
Mairie déléguée de Carnet
A very quick stop; consider leaving the engine running briefly to keep the cabin nice and warm.
🚗 16'3.94 km
📍
10:11 · 45'
Saint-James Knitwear Factory
A cozy, warm visit indoors; buy a woolen scarf here for the freezing outdoor stops later on.
🚗 4'0.43 km
⛪
11:00 · 50'
Saint-Jacques Church
Despite the short walk from the car, the stone interior is quite chilly; keep your heavy winter coat on.
🚗 5'0.58 km
📍
11:55 · 90'
Château de la Paluelle
The frost-covered gardens are striking; park as close as possible to minimize your walk in the freezing cold.
🚗 7'1.06 km
🏛️
13:32 · 80'
Saint-Benoît Polissoir
The ground may be frozen rock hard. Step carefully around the stone and return swiftly to your warm car.
🚗 11'2.36 km
🏛️
15:03 · 80'
Brittany American Cemetery
The biting wind is fierce and relentless here; bundle up securely before leaving the heater of your car.
🚗 4'0.22 km
⛪
16:27 · 50'
Chapelle du cimetière militaire américain
A quiet, enclosed space to finish your trip peacefully, right as the early winter night quickly falls.
Sights in the town Saint-James (7)
Frequently asked questions
What is Saint-James known for worldwide?
For the famous striped Breton wool sweaters of the Saint James brand.
Can you visit the factory?
Yes, there are guided tours of the Saint James knitwear factory.
Is there an important monument?
The Brittany American Cemetery and Memorial is located here.
How far is it to Mont Saint-Michel?
The famous abbey is only about 20 km away.
When is market day?
The weekly market takes place every Monday morning.
Saint-James: where is it located?
Saint-James is located in Normandie, France.
Saint-James: what is there to see?
Highlights include Brittany American Cemetery, Saint-Jacques Church, Saint-Benoît Polissoir.
Saint-James: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
Saint-James: why is it worth visiting?
Saint-James is a historic town in the Manche department of lower Normandy, strategically located near the border with Brittany.
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