AVRANCHES, an arrondissement in the department of Manche, in France, containing 9 cantons and 123 communes. Area 243,292 acres. Pop. in 1851, 117,032. The chief town, Avranches (Abrinca), was in the time of the Romans an important military station, and has in more modern times sustained several sieges. It stands on a wooded hill, commanding a fine view of the bay and rock of St Michel, about three miles distant. At the foot of the hill flows the River Seez, which at high tide is navigable from the sea. The principal trade is in corn, cider, and salt. Avranches was formerly a bishop's see; and its cathedral, destroyed in the time of the first French Revolution, was the finest in Normandy. Its site is now occupied by an open place, called after the celebrated Huet, Bishop of Avranches. The agreeable situation and climate of this town make it a favourite residence of English families. Pop. 8580.