La Manche is a small cove at Avalon's eastcoast, some 60 kms south of St Johns.

 

In the 16th century French sailors use the inlet as a hideout against the English and called it La Manche, french for sleeve.

 

In the 19th century a little fishing hamlet sprung up here and in 1949 the local population peaked at 54 people.

 

On January 25 1966 a heavy winterstorm pushed giant waves into the inlet and boats, houses and the suspension bridge were swept away. No lives were lost but the village La Manche was finished.

All that rests today are some concrete foundations, stairs and walls.

 

In 1999 a new suspension bridge was constructed for the East Coast Trail.

 

La Manche and the suspension bridge can be reached via a short hike that starts just outside La Manche Provisional Park.

 

We did this hike in September 2017 and enjoyed the fantastic panorama at the cove and walked the suspension bridge. A very worthwhile hike indeed.