DK Travel : Normandy : Northwestern Normandy : Highlights of the Cotentin Coast

Top 10 Highlights of the Cotentin Coast

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1. Val de Saire

The gentle prettiness of this verdant valley east of Barfleur is in sharp contrast to the wild coastline (see A Day in Cotentin).
2. Barfleur

It is said that William the Conqueror’s invasion vessel was built in this delightful fishing port. Its lighthouse, at Gatteville, is one of the tallest in France, with 365 steps to the top; when you get there, the reward is a fine panorama.
3. Querqueville

Beside the hilltop church, surrounded by a cemetery packed with ornate marble tombs, stands St-Germain, the oldest (10th century) chapel in western France.
4. Château de Nacqueville

The beautiful park of this 16th-century château, with its romantic turreted gatehouse, is loveliest in May and June when the rhododendrons are in bloom.
5. Gruchy

This spruce seaside village includes the humble birthplace of Jean-François Millet, open to the public in summer. Walk to the dramatic Rocher du Castel-Vendon; Millet’s depiction of it can be seen in the Musée Thomas-Henry in Cherbourg.
6. Omonville-la-Petite

The pretty churchyard here contains the natural, uncarved headstone of poet Jacques Prévert, as well as those of his wife and daughter. Nearby is his house, open to the public in summer.
7. Port Racine

En route to Cap de la Hague, France’s smallest port is tucked beneath the road. From here, follow signs to Jardins Prévert, an oasis at the head of a wild valley.
8. St-Germain-des-Vaux

This tiny, tranquil village offers the perfect lunch stop – at Le Moulin à Vent (see Le Moulin à Vent, St-Germain-des-Vaux).
9. Nez de Jobourg

The desolate Baie d’Ecalgrain sweeps round to this impressive promontory. From here, the road to Vauville is dominated by the huge Usine Atomique de la Hague nuclear power station.
10. Vauville

The subtropical gardens of Château de Vauville and a beach perfect for sand yachting are the twin attractions here.