Visiting the Cotentin region in 3 days, off the beaten track

Start your journey in Mont-Saint-Michel Bay, with Granville, the “Monaco of the North”. The ramparts of this beautiful town, which was fortified by the English in the 15th century, protect luxurious houses and characterful private mansions. Wander through the narrow streets and linger in front of the windows of the many artists’ studios inspired by this superb setting.

The villa that was Christian Dior’s childhood home, with its splendid gardens and sea views, is well worth a visit. Granville is also a perfect starting point for a sailing trip to the Chausey islands or a visit to the Channel Islands of Jersey or Guernsey.

Continue your Cotentin trip by making your way towards the Côte des Isles and Barneville-Carteret, a unique destination that combines a rural village with a seaside port. Stroll along the beaches with their traditional beach huts or around the Cap de Carteret headland from the Sentier des Douaniers [customs officers’ trail] and enjoy the beautiful views over the English Channel. Or perhaps take the marked paths over the dunes and explore their deserted valleys and wild grasses?

The first stop after Barneville is the Botanical Garden of Vauville, where you can, weather permitting, enjoy a pleasant stroll while discovering rare species. A 3-day visit to the Cotentin region is also an opportunity to explore the charming beaches and coves of the Pointe de la Hague, and their wild beauty that invites you to enjoy a moment of mindfulness. A series of cliffs, moors and coves have earned the region comparisons with the most rugged of Celtic coasts.

Worthy of a special mention are the spectacular cliffs of the Nez de Jobourg, a remarkable rocky promontory at the southern tip of Cap de la Hague. A few kilometers further, stop off at the Goury lifeboat station, where the current is one of the strongest in the world, before continuing to France’s smallest port, Port Racine.

Before driving into Cherbourg, you can also visit the Manoir du Tourp, and discover the history of La Hague and its inhabitants on an immersive sound and visual tour. Another option, also protected from adverse weather, is the fascinating Ludiver planetarium.

Cherbourg, the maritime prefecture of the Manche department, is home to the largest artificial harbor in the world. A variety of boat trips are available here. Other attractions to take in during your visit include the must-see umbrella factory, the surprisingly tropical trees in the Emmanuel Liais Park and the many museums and monuments: Arsenal, Church of the Trinity, Fort du Roule… Not forgetting the absolute highlight, the amazing Cité de la Mer, where you can visit the Le Redoutable submarine and the Titanic exhibition.

It’s now time to get back in the car and drive to the port town of Saint-Vaast-la-Hougue. A visit to Tatihou Island, which is accessible from an amphibious boat, is a must here. Its Vauban Tower is a Unesco World Heritage site, as is the Hougue tower on the opposite side of the bay. As well as visiting these remnants of the battle between the French fleet and an Anglo-Dutch coalition in 1692, people also come here for the lively port with its shops, restaurants and cafés.

Because this seafarers’ haven is a gourmet destination too! Don’t miss this chance to sample the local oysters, with their incomparable hazelnut flavor, or to explore the well-stocked shelves at Maison Gosselin, a family-run grocery store that has been selling its delicious produce since 1889. So many delights to enjoy straight away or take home as gifts.