There is one point on which the Normans agree. their sea. in contrast Mediterranean – they say boldly – it smells … of the sea! With high tides every six hours, taking the odds to 115, the channel really does offer the visitor big bowls of iodine. On the other hand, asking some Normans. What is the best beach? To discuss a political topic at a family dinner is to risk splitting the table. The issue is sensitive, sometimes jealously guarded as a “lobster hole.” The choice is really difficult, because the beaches of Mancho, often unknown to the general public, are breathtaking. “Wow! » guaranteed.
The beach at Sciotot-les-Pieux, the surfers’ spot.
West Coast. Suddenly, at another bend in the winding departmental road that cuts through the wild ruins of La Hague, the sea offers itself as the horizon. ” Wonderful! – we say to ourselves in a low voice so as not to disturb this moment of grace. Very quickly, you no longer regret not stopping 5 minutes earlier at the beautiful little port of Dielet to enjoy the view. Sciotot beach, lost between Cap de Flamanville and Cap du Rozel, is self-contained. The car park, built to match the site, is a mix between a chip shack where surfers enjoy snacks under the lanterns and a more traditional restaurant overlooking the sea. With its waves, Sciotot now competes with Siouville-Hague, a few kilometers away. the name of the “place” for surfing enthusiasts. We also do sand yachting…
- Our tips
A plate of seafood (€19.80) at Le Sauve qui pleut restaurant, 1 route de Fort, 50340 Les Pieux. Such. 02 33 94 33 85.
Sleep at Château du Rozel, 10 minutes from the beach, in a guest room. Price from 75 to 160 euros. Château du Rozel, 50340 Le Rozel. Such. 02 33 52 95 08
Equipment rental at cotentinsurfclub.com, 14 boulevard Ferdinand Deveaud, 50340 Siouville-Hague. Such. 02 33 41 39 58
Hatainville Beach, Origin of the World
Change in the atmosphere. With its sandbar at the end of the world stretching along an 11-kilometer stretch of beach between Cap de Surtainville and Cap de Carteret, Hatainville’s fine sand beach is an invitation to daydream. Here, apart from a few Garenne rabbits, you can walk without meeting anyone. An incredible sense of solitude, given the natural beauty of the place. some dunes peak at 80 meters, while others plunge more than 1,500 meters into the countryside. The flora is preserved, with its maram grass or blue thistle. The 21st century has stopped on the other side of the road. Discover.
- Good to know
Hattenville Beach is one of the few that welcomes dogs year-round. As you approach Cap de Carteret, a tolerance for ‘no textiles’ is allowed in a few dune shelters. Hatainville Beach, 50270 Les Moitiers-d’Allonne.
Potinière-Carteret beach with its chic and antique charm
With its white beach cabins, the small beach of Potigniers, protected by the cliff of Cap de Carteret, gives off the scent of relaxed France in the 1960s. A little dated, family friendly. Children of striped sailors try to build wise sand castles under the tender gaze of those perched on weathered beach chairs. The passage of time seems to be unstable here. The ice cream shack, tucked into a rock cliff, has been there for several generations. Immutable. Tucked away in beach-top villas or behind wooded parks, a few millionaires and captains of industry recharge their batteries, away from the hustle and bustle of distant captains. La Cale à Kiki or Harbor Bar near the recently expanded marina.
- Good to know
For those unexpected 3 a.m. seafood cravings, an oyster, shrimp, and boiled beverage vending machine is self-serve 24 hours a day in the parking lot behind the movie theater. Count on €9 to €19 per serving.
Otherwise, sleep at the Hotel La Marine. Count on €125 to €360 per night. 11 rue de Paris, 50270 Barneville-Carteret. Such. 02 33 53 83 31
Agon-Coutenville beach, family and sports
A safe bet. Agon-Coutenville, not far from Coutances, with its half-timbered houses of different colors overlooking the sandy beach, is a large seaside resort south of the English Channel. A charming card. Family friendly and controlled. Lots of suggestions for beach sports on offer.
- Our advice
Mussels and fries at L’Équinoxe Restaurant, 2 Place du Maréchal Leclerc, 50230 Agaon-Cotainville. Such. 02 33 46 49 34
Utah Beach, in memory
Now we have moved east, where the coast is best known for its small coves with blue pebbles. With its fine sand, Utah is a bit of an exception. Laying down your towel on this land, eternally hallowed by the sacrifice of thousands of young people, invites you to first look at this long beach, however magnificent, in a different way. Blockades in the middle of sand dunes and wild grass will remind us. To think.
- Our advice
It’s hard not to go to the Utah Beach Museum (from €8), 50480 Sainte-Marie-du-Mont. Such. 02 33 71 53 35
Source: Le Figaro
