Visit the Channel: our must-sees and things to do.

The Cotentin and Bessin marshes are located on the border between La Manche and Calvados. Just a few kilometers from Utah Beach, one of the most famous D-Day beaches, these marshes are a true paradise for flora and fauna. The White Marshes make this place completely unique. This natural phenomenon occurs in the autumn with abundant rain and the river water rises so high that it covers the surrounding meadows.

We explored part of the Cotentin and Bessin marshes, stopping at Pointe de Brévands. Located south of the Bay of Veys, the luckiest visitors might spot grey seals. That wasn't our case, but it didn't stop us from enjoying the surrounding landscape.

Featured among the most beautiful villages in France, Barfleur is an authentic small fishing village. We strolled for half a day through the flower-filled alleys and typical houses of this seaside village.

For us, the most beautiful view of Barfleur is at the entrance to the port. It offers a panorama of the grey stone houses along the sea and the bay that welcomes the small and large boats of the port.

We had the chance to visit the SNSM of Barfleur, which was open that day. In their hangar, located on the tip of the village behind the church, we discovered one of their old boats as well as all sorts of objects, papers, and suits that document their sea rescues over the years. A local activity to learn more about this unusual seafaring profession that passionate volunteers will be happy to share with you.

The Gatteville Lighthouse is a must-see in the Manche region, located on the Barfleur headland, a few kilometers from one of France's most beautiful villages. With its 75 meters in height, it overlooks the surrounding area and makes it the second tallest lighthouse in Europe.

We allow ourselves to be tempted by the visit of the Gatteville Lighthouse and climb the 365 steps to reach the top and discover the breathtaking, somewhat dizzying panorama. On one side, the sea as far as the eye can see, on the other, the Norman countryside.

Fun fact, the Gatteville Lighthouse contains 12 floors, 52 windows, and 365 steps that refer to the 12 months of the year, 52 weeks, and 365 days.

On the 213 hectares of wild land of Cap Lévi, stands the Cap Lévi lighthouse, 28 meters high, located by the sea. The unique feature of this lighthouse is that its tower is not cylindrical but rectangular.

A 6 km walk is available to visit the lighthouse and the must-sees of Cap Lévi, such as the Napoleonic Fort Lévi and the Pignot port.

It is on the Cotentin peninsula, in the Manche department, that the smallest port in metropolitan France still in operation is located. With an area of 800 m², only small boats are allowed to enter. A vibrant and colourful scene between the turquoise blue of the sea, the colourful boats, and the surrounding wild nature, which is unanimously appreciated by all those who pass through.
 

Jacques Prévert, a famous poet, was also captivated by these wild landscapes of the Cotentin and settled a few kilometers from Port Racine. Today, his house and gardens are open to the public.

Port Racine is a key stage of the GR 223, also known as the Customs Trail. The excitement was at its peak during our stop at Port Racine with the passage of La Barjo, an essential trail that animates the region every year.

Remember to check the tide times, the spectacle is much more beautiful at high tide. We were a little short on time during our visit, the tide had already gone down considerably.

A sense of being at the edge of the world prevails when we arrive in Goury. This typical Cotentin village is isolated at the tip of the Hague. Here, time seems to stand still, we savor fish & chips accompanied by a bottle of local cider facing the sea. A few meters away, the Goury lifeboat station is open; we push open the door of this unusual building to discover the impressive rescue boat.

On the other side of the village, plunged into the open sea, stands the Goury lighthouse. Impassive in the face of winds and crashing waves, it guides boats night and day through one of Europe's most dangerous tidal currents: the Raz Blanchard.

Midway between Goury and the Nez de Jobourg, we find the vastness of the Écalgrain Bay. This wild sandy expanse is a joy for young and old. Hiking, sandcastles, swimming, and aerial sports, there's something for everyone.

During our visit, we were able to observe the poetry of a dozen paragliders and hang gliders soaring in the air above the Écalgrain Bay.

Don't hesitate to stop on the road to enjoy the various viewpoints of the Écalgrain Bay below.

On arrives at the Cap de la Hague headland, located on the Cotentin peninsula, and discover untamed, raw nature. Europe's highest cliffs overlook the sea at 128 meters high, and a few meters further, the iconic Nez de Jobourg plunges into the English Channel. It is, moreover, one of the most beautiful natural sites in Normandy.

Many hiking trails are available to explore this wild area, including the GR 223 which circles the English Channel.

Direction Coutances and its surroundings to discover the wooden beach huts with colourful roofs in Gouville-sur-mer. Appearing in the 1920s, they were used by hotel guests to change, eat, or store beach toys. Destroyed during World War II, they were quickly rebuilt. Today, we have over 70 beach huts registered in Gouville's heritage. They are passed down only through families (it is forbidden to build new ones).
 

The Gouville huts are, for us, a must-see during a stay in the Manche region of Normandy. It seems the view is even more beautiful at sunset.

⚠️ The dune surrounding the Gouville huts is very fragile. Do not stray from the paths to enjoy this unusual place in the Manche region for many years to come.

During a road trip in the Channel Islands in Normandy, the Mont-Saint-Michel is a must-see. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Mont-Saint-Michel is one of the most visited monuments in France. Erected on a rocky islet, the Mont-Saint-Michel Abbey has dominated the surrounding bay for over a thousand years now.

Once you pass the ramparts, we advise you to get lost and wander through the various alleys of Mont-Saint-Michel. This is how you will discover the most beautiful corners of the islet and the most beautiful views of the bay. To avoid the crowds, you should go there early in the morning or late in the evening. At the top, the impressive Mont-Saint-Michel Abbey. During our visit, we discovered the different places of monastic life such as the abbey church and the cloister. The sun's rays offered us a magnificent interplay of shadows and light.

Here, the view is never the same… The tides make this unusual place a constantly evolving image. It is in fact at Mont Saint-Michel that you can observe the largest tides in Europe. At this time, Mont Saint-Michel becomes an island again and cut off from all access. At low tide, it is kilometers of sand stretches to discover with a guide.

Tourist crowds are well-known at Mont-Saint-Michel. Here are some essential practical tips for enjoying your visit to Mont-Saint-Michel.

The Mont-Saint-Michel car park is located 2.5 kilometers from the islet. You can cover these last kilometers on foot by using the walkway or with the free shuttle which drops you off 400 meters from the entrance.

Good deal, the car park is free at Mont-Saint-Michel from 6:30 PM to 1:00 AM outside the months of July and August.

We were surprised by everything you can see and do in the Manche department of Normandy. We fell in love with the Cotentin Peninsula with its wild and preserved nature, its stretches of fine sand and its turquoise waters. We also discovered exceptional heritage with Barfleur, the most beautiful village in France and the unmissable Mont-Saint-Michel. We advise you to spend a whole week in the Manche. This will allow you to fully enjoy all the sights and activities in the Manche department.

If you know other must-see places in the Manche or have any advice to give us, don't hesitate to leave us a little comment. 👇