The pearl of the Val de Saire

Barfleur

Discover La Manche

A must-see in La Manche: Barfleur “The Pearl of the Val de Saire

Located in the heart of the Normandy region, in the département of La Manche, on the northeastern edge of the Cotentin peninsula, the small coastal town of Barfleur is now classified as one of France’s most beautiful villages. Commonly referred to as ” The Pearl of the Val de Saire “, the little village of Barfleur is steeped in heritage and history, and is the perfect place to spend a weekend discovering the charms and hidden treasures of Normandy and its prestigious past.

This little corner of paradise can be visited all year round: the same charm in summer, when the café terraces are open, as in winter, when the waves come crashing over the sea wall. For a long time protected from mass tourism, this small fishing port saw only the comings and goings of sea wolves busy unloading their crates of fish from their trawlers. Today, Barfleur and its port have become one of the Cotentin region’s main tourist attractions. The landscape changes with the tides, offering an ever-changing spectacle of ever-changing light. This small town with its magnificent scenery has been a source of inspiration for writers such as Victor Hugo and Jules Renard, and painters such as Antoine Guillemet and Paul Signac.

What to do in BarfleurDiscoveries, visits and curiosities

Stroll along the Quai Henri Chardon, littered with colorful fishing nets, traps, ropes, dredges, fish crates and loaded with trawlers and pleasure boats: all the charm of an active fishing port and anchorage. Depending on the season, scallops and Barfleur mussels (known as “Blonde de Barfleur” for its golden appearance) are the mainstay of our fishermen’s activities.

Visit the church of Saint-Nicolasand its marine cemetery : listed as a Historic Monument, the church with its square tower and green shale roof stands on a rocky promontory. Its distinctive feature is a steeple with no spire. Inside, Charles Lorin’s stained-glass windows let the sun shine through.

Barfleur town center : stroll through the colorful, flower-filled alleyways of this picturesque Cotentin village, and you’ll discover lovely stone houses and hotels. These are middle-class homes with gray granitefacades, but there are also more modest dwellings with blue shale roofs and terracotta finials.

The House of Sainte Marie-Madeleine Postel: Sainte Marie-Madeleine, known as “La Sainte du Cotentin”, was a native of Barfleur and a pioneer in the education of girls. Strolling through Barfleur, you can visit this 18th-century residence , whose interior has retained all its authenticity. A series of stained glass windows depict the different stages of her life in the chapel next to her house.

La Cour Sainte-Catherine : this is the only medieval house to have preserved a carriage entrance, a door with an accolade lintel, a mullioned window and an outside staircase.

Le Couvent des Augustins: located in rue Saint-Thomas, these buildings with their classical 18th-century facades, built in 1739, are among Barfleur’s most remarkable edifices and depict the life and monarchy of the period.

For outdoor enthusiasts, Barfleur is a place that will delight all hiking enthusiasts, as the landscapes change with the tides, offering an ever-changing spectacle.

La Station de Sauvetage en Mer: located at the north-western end of the port, behind the church of Saint-Nicolas, this is one of the oldest lifeboat stations in the Channel, with its lifeboat “Amiral de Tourville”.

Le Village des Antiquaires (August 18-21, 2022) : every year, this major antiques fair takes place in Barfleur harbour. An unmissable summer event for all bargain hunters. It’s the biggest fair in the Cotentin region.

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Around Barfleur,

places to visit

not to be missed!

The Gatteville Lighthouse: a sumptuous place to discover. After climbing 365 steps, you’ll have a magnificent panorama of the entire coastline and the green hills of the Cotentin region. At 75 m, it’s the 2nd tallest lighthouse in France. But be warned: in the event of strong winds or storms, the lighthouse may be closed to visitors.
Saint-Vaast-la-Hougue: a small fishing port fortified by Vauban, this pretty little village was voted one of France’s favorite villages.
Tatihou Island : If you’re in the mood to get away from it all for a while, why not try something a little more unusual and visit Tatihou Island. Board the amphibious boat from Saint-Vaast La Hougue and discover the maritime museum, the Vauban tower and barracks, the flora and fauna and the bird sanctuary. For further information h ttps://www.manche.fr/tatihou/
Montfarville church: built of white granite in 1763, this church boasts an impressive art collection (Virgin and Child, paintings depicting scenes from the life of Christ, etc.).