Day Trips
L’ile Tatihou
The nearby Unesco World Heritage Site of L'ile Tatihou Island, dominates the view from The Beach house. It can be reached on foot through the oyster beds at low tide or by amphibian craft. On the island you can climb the unusual 17th century Vauban tower, visit the Maritime museum, cafe and Bird Reserve or explore the beaches and rock pools.
After the indecisive sea battle of Barfleur, where the British and Dutch fleets thwarted the French plan to bring James II to seize the English throne, the French fleet put into the picturesque village of Morsalines to replenish gun powder and water. An onshore breeze meant that the English were able to send in fireboats which quickly destroyed the French fleet. James II, staying at the nearby Chateau de Quineville, thus saw his hopes for the English throne go up in smoke. In response to this destruction, the architect Vauban proposed creating these magnificent towers to act as citadels.
Tel: 02 33 23 19 92
Mont St Michel
Mont St Michel, often called the ‘Wonder of the Western World’ is a rocky tidal island that is the site of a medieval Benedictine Abbey. It is the most popular French tourist destination outside Paris. Until recently it was only possible to visit the island at low tide but a multimillion pound renovation has provided a constant line of access.
You can actually stay the night and eat on the island, although prices can be exorbitant. It’s also the best part of two hour’s drive (and can be very crowded in season).
Don’t waste your money on the over priced restaurants on the isle, instead head 10km into the surrounding country side to the Auberge du Terroir in Servon, an exceptional village restaurant with sophisticated cuisine based entirely on wonderfully fresh local produce.
Tel: 02 33 60 17 92
For a guided walking tour of Mont St Michel call Chemins de la Baie
Tel: 02 33 89 80 87
For general information on the site go to:
Or call 02 33 70 83 49
There are several museums on the island. It also has a music festival and spectacular fireworks display during the summer.
Saint-Lo 'Le Pin' National Stud
Rebuilt after 1944 destructions, the city preserves it's charm with it's rampants and towers and is home to the Saint-Lo National Stud. One of the largest in France, it offers guided tours and displays with carriages, riders and original acts staged in the majestic courtyard.
'Le Pin' Thursday - June to Sept at 3pm
(early arrival around 2.30 is recommended)
visits resume at around 4pm
Entry fee £6. Seasonal opening so check dates carefully. Tours also on Thursdays.
Gatteville-le-Phare
One of the tallest lighthouses in France is situated on Pointe de Barfleur, 4km up the coast from Barfleur. Surprisingly tall and thin, in a wind blasted spot, it may be closed for safety when too windy. There is one step for each day of the year but the views are well worth the effort.
Open daily:
March/October 10-12 and 2-5
April/September 10-12 and 2-6
May/August 10-12 and 2-7
November/December/February 10-12 and 2-4
Closed in January.
You can park in bafleur and take a marked coastal footpath.
Le Cite de la Mer
A trip to Le Cite de la Mer, an aquarium and nuclear sub aqua wonder world in Cherbourg is well worth the 30 minute drive, but it can get very busy in the holidays, so time your visit carefully. This vast aquarium alsocontains a decomissioned nucleur submarine, which can be toured (age restrictions apply).
Tel: 02 33 20 26 69
Prices vary on season. Very long queues during the summer holiday period.
Cinema Reville
French and English Films Le Richelieu Reville, Route De Saint Vaast-la-hougue
Tél: 08.92.68.00.71
Odeon Cherbourg
51, rue Marechal Foch, Octeville
Tel: +33 (0)2 33 88 54
Spa L’Atelier du Spa
A brand new, very chic spa has just opened in St Vaast offering all the usual spa treatments including massage, manicures and waxing. This spa would not be out of place in a London hotel.
17, Quai Tourville 50550 Saint-Vaast-La-Hougue.
Tél : 02 33 54 42 90
www.atelier-du-spa.com/bienvenue
Other activities available
Cooking courses, Art galleries, Music festivals, Calvados museums, Public gardens, Chateaus, Castles and manors, National parks, Zoos.
The tourist office in St Vaast is incredibly helpful and has information on all the above.
www.saint-vaast-reville.com/en-GB/index.html