Formerly these quaint little winding paths, hidden in the middle of the Cotentin ravine, and sometimes lost among the granite rocks beside the cliffs, were the domain of publicans; often simple local peasants who had to give several weeks. a year to patrol the English Channel for the king, then highly prized by smugglers from England. Today, maintained by local authorities and signposted every 500 metres, they have become a favorite destination for hikers, established as amateurs. And now offer 23 routes of between 15 and 25 km each under the name “GR 223” along 450 km of the Channel coast.
In 2021, the Cotentin tourism office thus counted no less than 260,000 tourists passing through the Jobourg nose lighthouse in The Hague. “Climatic advantage of the regionsays Pierre Emile, campaign manager at the Cherbourg tourist office, it’s that you can walk there all year round if you dress well. True, sometimes the rain can mock there and hide with the sun’s rays. But the temperature, like its inhabitants, remains fiercely moderate, rarely below 5 to 10 degrees in winter, rarely above 20 to 25 in summer.
As with any hike, after checking the weather forecast, the secret, whatever the level, is to pack a small backpack of clothing for rain, another for sudden drops in temperature, and some water. As summer drags on this year, Le Figaro Therefore, the GR 223, which stretches from the Gulf of Seine in the east to Mont Saint-Michel in the west, was investigated and three routes of different levels were chosen.
“Classic” hiking. The Rocks of La Hague
Perhaps the most beautiful, the most impressive and the most… not recommended for beginners. From Guri Lighthouse to Whoville, we are in the heart of the wild Lander and the rocks of La Hague. For some, it’s already a bit at the end of the world. Only from a distance 16 km, it takes five hours to cover it. As long as you don’t stop every five minutes to think about the views. Experienced hikers will understand that the “positive height” of this stage is 700 meters.
Good to know
Proximity to the Channel Islands means that many phones, according to operators, begin to be restricted as if you’re already… in England.
Our tips
Provide your own supplies for the “snack”. Otherwise, a small sanitary break is possible in the nose half of Jobourg.
Book with Hotel du Cap in Audreville (50440) to stay overnight. Rooms from 85 to 125 €. Such. ; 02 33 52 73 46.
Hike ‘among friends’ from Fermanville to Barfleur
Ideal for a group of friends of different levels and above all to have a little time in front of them to discover the GRP (Grande Randonnée de Pays) of the Val de Saire. 53 kilometers long, relatively flat, it can be done in two days for big walkers, three for others. Starting Farmamville on the east coast, at the level of the GR 223 route, not far from the lighthouse. Gutville, it quickly plunges into Norman escarpment for a loop in the land of holm oaks and oak hedges, but also cows and horses. Earth’s atmosphere is guaranteed.
For starters, the possibility to connect certain stages by bus with the capcotentin.fr network.
Our tips
For gourmets, don’t forget to stop for a snack in the village of Le Vast (50360), famous for its brioche with a recipe more than a century old. And for those arriving at night, there is a 24/7 vending machine for brooches.
La Brioche du Vast, Les Moulins, 50630 Le Vast. Such. 02 33 54 13 35.
Otherwise, to digest the good broches, a plate of seafood at Barfleur (50760) Café de France, ideally located in Henri Chardon, in the old port. Such. 02 33 54 00 38.
A “Family Friendly” Walk from Hettainville to Porbail
The length of the route is 18 kilometers. But most tourists prefer to make a gastronomic stop at a seaside resort Barneville-Carteret to regain strength (or sometimes lose it after a good dessert). Otherwise, the path crosses the protected natural area without difficulty and overlooks the long sandy beaches of the Cote des Iles. Allow 4 hours.
Our tips
It is a region for families with children 8 kilometers Lindbergh Basin, named after the first pilot to cross the Atlantic Ocean in 1927, is ideal. Several picnic areas are provided.
Otherwise, but this time in the very south of the department, the route between the Bay of Mont Saint-Michel and Avranches is also rated for family hikes. the length of 20 kilometers, the road remains smooth. View it…
Practice
ASK ABOUT
Cotentin tourist office: encontentin.fr
Manche Tourist Office: manchetourisme.com
GOOD TO KNOW
All GR 223 routes are ‘dog friendly’ for our friends… ‘if kept on a necklace.’
GO
By car.
RN13 from Paris-Cannes is free. Otherwise, the D650 tourist route runs from Avranches to the Cherbourg department and offers wonderful landscapes through the bocage.
By train.
The Paris-Cherbourg line (departs from Saint-Lazare) serves Carentan and Vallon. For Granville, take the train to Montparnasse.
Source: Le Figaro
