Located in Tourneville-sur-Mer (a commune merged between Annoville and Lingreville), the Annoville dunes cover some 100 hectares spread over an area around 2 km long and 500 m wide. This area is bordered by 2 harbours: Regnéville to the north and La Vanlée to the south. The area is under the responsibility of the commune, and is protected by the Conservatoire du littoral.
The massif is relatively recent, having been formed mainly in the Middle Ages, with significant development in the 13th century.
From the 1970s onwards, the dunes began to suffer accelerated and significant degradation. Heavy use of the site and increased vehicle traffic had weakened the vegetation, essential for maintaining the site’s equilibrium.
It was therefore agreed to set up a preservation plan in 1998, thanks to collaboration between several organizations including the town council, the Conservatoire du Littoral, etc.
These efforts are bearing fruit, and the condition of the dunes is now considered satisfactory.
This preservation plan involves the management of developments, the preservation of the site’s dunes and ponds, the supervision of agricultural activity so that it is compatible with the plan’s objectives, reasoned grazing, etc. The replacement and maintenance of perimeter fencing is also essential, as are clean-up operations by Symel.
The site is open to the public, and interpretation panels have been installed to help visitors discover the flora and fauna, and to raise awareness of the fragility of the site and conservation issues.
The site has been part of the Natura 2000 network since 2007.
250 plant species have been recorded on the site, including protected and rare species, as well as 80 animal species.
The GR 223 crosses the Annoville dunes site.
A parking lot is available nearby.
