The history of Coutances, France extends as far back as the year 298 AD, when the town was first named after the reigning Roman emperor. Today, the town has become the most populated on the Cotentin peninsula, and is situated 65kms south of Cherbourg and just 12kms from France's northwest coastline. An 80m tall Gothic cathedral with twin towers has dominated the town's landscape since the first cathedral was constructed on the site during the 5th century. The present day cathedral has remained relatively unchanged since 1274, and suffered virtually no damage during WWII bombings. A light and sound show occurs at the cathedral, which can be seen from the distant island of Jersey as well as from all Coutances hotels during summer evenings. Other notable Coutances churches include St Nicholas, which has become a museum, and the 14th century church of St Peter. The local botanical gardens have been equally renowned since they were first established in the 17th century, but ruins from a 13th century aqueduct also remain here.

other spellings: coutanceshotels, coutamces otel, coutancse hotell, coutanecs hote, coutacnes hotle