The 10 things to do on the Côte des Havres

Would you like to discover the region of the Channel and visit the Côte des Havres? Then follow the west coast of the Cotentin and appreciate what nature has made more surprising.

The Channel is a beautiful region, a real well of surprises, natural as cultural and even historical. However, what interests you today is the western part of the coastline of the Cotentin : you wish to visit the Côte des Havres and you are right. It extends between Granville, south, and Barneville-Carteret, north. Beyond what characterizes her as a coastline, we are talking here about havens, natural withdrawals full of wealth. On the coast as in the land, the Channel has many advantages... in its handle. And we selected some for you.

1. The famous “havres” of the Côte des Havres

A haven is not defined only with the peace that usually accompanies it according to the expression. Indeed, above all, it is a retreat from the coast to the land with specificities. For example, in addition to being beaches that are sinked to the rest of the coast, the harbours are mainly the gates of light-flow rivers.

The Côte's harbours are eight: Carteret, Portbail, Surville, Saint-Germain-sur-Ay, Geffosses, Blainville, Regnéville, and Vanlée. Each of them is unique, by its form, its topological characteristics, or its environment. We advise you to try to see at least three or four of them in order to give you a clear idea of what a haven is. Indeed, the more you will see different harbours, the more you will realize the beauty of these natural sites.

2. Granville

Granville, like the Pointe du Grouin in Cancale, Brittany, bordering the Baie du Mont-Saint-Michel . Visiting the Côte des Havres requires a discovery of Granville. Known for its Roc that sinks into the sea, it is also a city of culture and heritage. Indeed, a question of heritage, the city is not yet, with its impressive religious buildings, including the church of Notre-Dame du Cap Lihou dating from the 17th century. That said, be careful, it is closed to the public for its internal state.

Do not miss the rest of the granvillais heritage, whether it is architectural (the Château de la Crête, the covered market, etc.) or natural (Plage du Plat-Gousset, view on the Chausey Islands). On the cultural side, Granville obviously houses museums such as the Christian Dior House or the Roc des Harmonies Aquarium (Roc des Curitiques).

Christian Dior Museum

Reviews to the amateurs and amateurs of the great couturier! This granvillaise pink house houses the Christian Dior Museum, in tribute to the hard work of this real artist. Around the villa of the Rhumbs, a beautiful English garden, carefully maintained, and a breathtaking view of the sea.

Inside, discover the life of the couturier who has contributed so much to his environment. Hundreds of pieces and various objects await you in an optimized journey. Each summer, you will also find a temporary exhibition that will be added to the museum’s permanent collection.

3. Portbail

Almost closed, the Havre de Portbail is a beautiful sandy to low tide area. The village of Portbail is in the background and amazes by the direct environment. It is separated from its port by a road that passes through the harbour, and that can be surprising when the tide goes up. It is a nice little village to visit, especially for its coastline and beach.

In truth, nothing very impressive in the streets, but you come to visit the Côte des Havres also to see the havens, right?

4. The Castle Fort of Pirou

The Channel has experienced a fairly important History and some remains testify to it today. For example, the castles still standing, not necessarily whole, but there to preserve the memory of the past. This is the case of the Château fort du Pirou, located in Pirou. It was built from the 12th century, with a dungeon (which no longer exists), ramparts and a chapel. Meanwhile, the castle has lived a lot of things.

At the time, it is established to monitor the west coast of the Channel. But over time, from the 17th century, it is hardly considered more than a farm. Today you can visit these impressive vestiges when it comes to thinking about what these stones have lived.

5. Coutrements

Located in the land relative to the Havre de Regnéville, the city of Coutances is rather important. Lived since the Gallo-Roman era, she saw several peoples fighting for her. During the Second World War, it was hard hit by the bombings that hurt its urban landscape. However, as a divine sign, Notre-Dame de Coutances Cathedral will be spared.

Immense religious building with remarkable Gothic style, it is established in Coutances as its treasure. But don’t miss the Garden of Plants of the city, a pleasant place to rest a few moments away from the tumult, surrounded by flowers and trees. And to learn more about the city, go to the Musée Quesnel-Morinière, the Musée des beaux-art et d’archéologie. Located in a beautiful building with a courtyard, the museum allows you to discover a lot of things about the city. Some of whom you would never imagine.

6. The Chausey Islands

Here is another way to visit the Côte des Havres. Less than 20 kilometers from the coast, almost opposite Granville, the Chausey Islands archipelago looks pretty. The granite archipelago has 365 islets with low tide and high tide, only 52 are left! This is the place where the tides are the most important throughout Europe, sometimes up to 14 meters!

In the midst of a large number of animal and plant species, it is also a protected area that needs to be taken care of. If you are looking for a refreshing getaway, you are served, especially as you can stay there. Indeed, Grande-Île offers accommodation adapted to tourism.

7. Gouville-sur-Mer and his cabins

A real postcard landscape, Gouville's cabins symbolically the region. Their white façade and colourful roof enlivens the coast on which they are located. Sprinkled between the small hills of the coast, they amaze many passers-by and tourists who rush to photograph them.

But beyond these pretty wooden cabins, don't miss the small town of Gouville-sur-Mer. It doesn’t really have a historic centre but it’s good to stop there to enjoy a good meal of Norman specialities.

8. The beach of the Potinière

The beach of La Potinière is a beach of Barneville-Carteret which is very known around. Made of fine sand and rocks, it allows to visit the Côte des Havres at a glance. Indeed, its situation in the north of the coast offers the opportunity, on days of good weather, to see the other harbours on the horizon. But also, don’t miss the Carteret Lighthouse that separates it from the Dunes d’Hattainville.

Very popular, it has been frequented for centuries and was the subject of numerous postcards to the old. Note that it benefits from the Blue Flag of Europe label. This is a distinction that rewards community efforts in environmental conservation.

9. The Pont de la Roque

Situated at the bottom of the Regneville harbour, where Siena becomes a real river, the Pont de la Roque is required. Previously, that is, in the 19th century, he had 11 arches that allowed him to cross his own. But it was also the fierce bombings during the Second World War.

In the end, 3 arches will be destroyed, significantly slowing down German troops. Today you can watch the bridge and enjoy the picnic area that has been installed not far.

10. The Submersible Route of Le Havre de la Vanlée

His name says a lot about this road. At the time of the rising tides, it is submerged by water. At low tide, it is nothing more than a road that allows you to cross a haven. But when the water goes up, little by little, with its thick crust as well as the dust found on the way, it becomes much more interesting.

The best thing is to try to get there at the Great Tides where you guarantee a blocked passage. Otherwise, you might be disappointed. Indeed, all tides are not worth themselves, and sometimes there is only very little water.

Around the Côte des Havres

• The Cape of the Hague with the Nez de Jobourgwell known in the Cotentin;
• ♪ Anglo-Norman Islands, includingisland of Jerseyright in front;
• The Parc Régional des Marais du Bessin et du Cotentin, which occupies part of the coast at the level of Saint-Germain-sur-Ay ;
• Northeast of the Côte des Havres, discover **Cherbourg**the unmissable city of the Cotentin;
• The “field fairs” very old, perpetuated for several millennia, like the Foire de Saint-Luc de Gavray or Lessay Fair ;
• The Mont-Saint-Michel, south of the coast, and its bay that could have been almost a haven, in the end, because of its topological aspect and the Selune that penetrates the land.

How to get to the Côte des Havres?

As the Côte des Havres is an extended area, there is not only one road, one train station or one airport that can bring you closer. Indeed, it will first depend on your place of departure.

By car

Indeed, nearby regions such as Brittany, the rest of Normandy or the north of the Pays de la Loire are widely favoured. For example, Rennes and Gouville-sur-Mer are only 1h40 away by car. From Caen , join Granville in just 1:30. Finally, from the capital, Paris, the journey to the Côte des Havres lasts about 4 hours, which you arrived south or north of the coast.

By train

By train, the stations of Cherbourg and Caen are best served at the national level, making access to the Côte des Havres very easy. You can rent a car or take a bus to the city of your choice.

By plane

Finally, you can consider a plane trip to the Côte des Havres. Choose from the airports of Caen or Rennes. Just like the train, you will then have to opt for it car rental or a car ticket that will carry you wherever you wish. Do not hesitate to contact an online flight comparison as Skyscanner . You will find good offers for the majority of the time at your schedule and budget!

Where to stay on the Côte des Havres?

The best to visit the Côte des Havres as it should be is of course to sleep near one of them. De Granville To Barneville-Carteret, passing through Portbail or Coutances, tell you that there is something to find his ideal accommodation. Of course, it also depends on your way to travel. You may prefer small-care hotels, AirBnB and their autonomy, or more unpredictable campsites. One. Compare online will meet your requirements and find you the accommodation you need on the Côte des Havres.

Also, for those who love originality, do not miss the Camping du Havre de Regnéville . If it is actually a campsite, it is not less unusual with its tents or caravans and their views of the harbour. In the first or last lights of the day, we'd almost believe on another planet...