The region of Cotentin
La Hague
Land of hiking and nature, nicknamed “little Ireland”. La Hague is a space between moors and sea, ideal for walks marked by simplicity and serenity. La Hague is famous for the variety and contrasts of its landscapes: you will find nature there which offers a spectacle of shadows and lights, between Goury, an unmissable place located at Cap de la Hague and Landemer and its cliffs.
The landings of the 2nd World War
Sainte-Mère-Église is the ideal starting point for discovering the landing beaches in Normandy. On the night of June 5 to 6, 1944, the first American paratroopers (the Pathfinders, scouts) of the 101st and 82nd Airborne Divisions jumped from C-47 planes on Utah Beach and Sainte-Mère-Église. They are the first soldiers to touch French soil.
The ports of Barfleur and St. Vaast La Hougue
Anchored on the eastern flank of the Cotentin, at its north-eastern extremity, Barfleur, this charming fishing port is undoubtedly one of the most picturesque in the Channel. You will love its authenticity.
The Gatteville lighthouse, a grandiose work, built between 1829 and 1834, to guide navigators through the dangerous passage of the Raz de Barfleur, is made up of 11,000 cut granite stones. It measures 75 m high, it is the 2nd lighthouse in France and Europe. A magnificent panoramic view of the Channel Sea awaits you.
The two Vauban towers of Saint-Vaast-La-Hougue, listed as UNESCO World Heritage, adorn the horizon with their recognizable silhouettes. You can visit the sailors' chapel, walk towards the fort at the end of the pier or to the La Hougue peninsula. The oyster beds as far as the eye can see, visible at low tide, also bear witness to the intense oyster farming activity of Saint-Vaast-la-Hougue. About a kilometer from the coast, the island of Tatihou is part of the commune. It is accessible on foot at low tide and an amphibious boat provides a regular connection with the port.
Around Carteret
The so-called Potinière beach is still bordered today by a row of picturesque white and blue bathing cabins. From this beach, a coastal path takes walkers to the Carteret Lighthouse which has guided sailors since 1839.
On arrival at the semaphore, a new spectacle presents itself to the eye: the massive dune of Hatainville which rises 80 meters above the sea. Between cape and dunes also: the ruins of a old church dedicated to Saint-Germain-le-Scot who evangelized Cotentin in the 5th century. Very beautiful views of the Channel Islands all along the customs trail.
