The côte des havres

Discover the eight west coast tidal inlets and their biodiversity
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Photo, © Hello Travelers

From the headland in Granville to the one in Carteret, eight tidal inlets are found along a wild and unspoilt coastline. This series of inlets is formed by estuaries where freshwater and saltwater meet, producing some remarkable ecosystems. Their unique biodiversity changes with the tides and the seasons, and includes the famous “pré-salé” (salt marsh) sheep, protected birds and coastal plants. The GR223 hiking trail goes all the way along the Côte des Havres, providing a natural playground with something for everyone, from fishing, oyster farms and watersports to relaxing coastal life.

La Vanlée, Regnéville, Blainville-sur-Mer, Geffosses, Saint-Germain-sur-Ay, Surville, Portbail and Carteret: discover these exceptional sites and their unique features.

La Vanlée inlet

its remarkable tidal causeway

Bricqueville-sur-Mer

In the southern part of the Côte des Havres, between Agon-Coutainville and Granville, La Vanlée inlet stretches over 10 hectares of salt marshes and meadows. Its huge sand spit, known as the “edge of the world”, reaches into the sea, forming a unique peninsula. La Vanlée inlet differs from the other estuaries along the coast because of its fascinating tidal causeway. Crossing the inlet right to the sea, the road is completely submerged during very high tides: an impressive sight! At low tide, you can count the “pré-salé” sheep roaming freely on the salt marshes. Why not hop on your bike for a peaceful way to explore this natural heritage site?

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Photo, © Cécile Ballon

SEE THE GREAT TIDES

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Photo, © Xavier Lachenaud
The submersible route of La Vanlée during the high tides

Regnéville inlet

old-world charm

Regnéville-sur-Mer

At the mouth of the Sienne and Soulles rivers lies Regnéville inlet, the biggest in La Manche. Its 1 800 hectares are surrounded by two remarkable sites, the village of Regnéville-sur-Mer and the Pointe d’Agon-Coutainville.

Enjoy the atmosphere in the picturesque old fishing village of Regnéville-sur-Mer, with its medieval castle. From there, you have a wonderful view of the whole inlet and its boats. You can cross the inlet at low tide accompanied by a guide to explore its beautiful landscapes . Prepare for total immersion in nature!

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Photo, © Xavier Lachenaud

go walking on the GR223 hiking trail

The best way to explore Regnéville inlet is to follow the GR223 hiking trail. The 23 km stage between Coutainville and the village of Regnéville-sur-Mer is the perfect way to see all the facets of the inlet. You’ll walk through the dunes to the lighthouse, before crossing the salt marshes with their famous sheep and following the inlet and the Sienne estuary.

Along the way, enjoy all the different vistas of the vast inlet. Take a detour to the Pont de la Roque Bridge for a well-earned break, before carrying on to Regnéville-sur-Mer, the final point of the walk, where you can sit back and admire the view!

See the itinerary

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Photo, © Xavier Lachenaud
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    Photo, © Xavier Lachenaud
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    Photo, © Xavier Lachenaud

Saint-Germain-sur-Ay inlet

wide open spaces

Saint-Germain-sur-Ay

Saint-Germain-sur-Ay inlet, the second largest in La Manche, is protected by two dunes: the Pointe du Banc in Saint-Germain-sur-Ay and the Pointe du Becquet in Créances. Part of the Cotentin and Bessin Marshes Regional Nature Park, this inlet is one of the wildest on the coast. Follow the Sentier des Douaniers (Customs officers’ path) and stop off at the old stone guardhouse that stands watch over the inlet. This is one of the best viewpoints for admiring the spring tides. There are lots of activities you can enjoy with your family in this natural playground. If you like coastal adventures, then the watersports and sandy beaches are for you!

Or if you prefer cultural visits, head to nearby Pirou Castle or Lessay Abbey.

The best viewpoints to admire the spring tides

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Photo, © Xavier Lachenaud

try sand yachting on the huge beach

There are lots of activities to enjoy with your family in Saint-Germain-sur-Ay inlet. Head to the huge beaches and try your hand at sand yachting. In Bretteville-sur-Ay, grab your helmet and let the wind carry you as you admire the sea view. An exciting experience!

École Ay-Ole in Bretteville

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Photo, © Xavier Lachenaud
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    Photo, © Xavier Lachenaud
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    Photo, © Xavier Lachenaud

Blainville-sur-Mer

A famous oysters

Blainville-sur-Mer

Between Blainville-sur-Mer and Agon-Coutainville, Blainville inlet is a unique site that changes with the seasons, combining oyster farming and tourist activities. Just off the coast, you can see the oyster beds at low tide. This is a good place to watch birds as they fly over the vast stretches of coastal vegetation.

Blainville inlet is also well-known for coastal activities and a popular kitesurfing spot! The beach in Blainville-sur-Mer is more secluded than nearby Agon-Coutainville and has a great family atmosphere.

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Photo, © Xavier Lachenaud

try oysters from Chez Le Père Gus

What better way to soak up the atmosphere in Blainville-sur-Mer inlet than by sampling its treasures? At Chez le Père Gus, you can tuck into local oysters farmed in the inlet, but also seafood platters and other delicious treats. You’ll love this friendly, laid-back eatery.

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Photo, © Captain Yvon

Geffosses inlet

A remarkable bird reserve

Geffosses

A charming little estuary between Geffosses and Anneville-sur-Mer, Geffosses inlet is a paradise for birds, at the interface between land and sea. Today, the inlet is connected to the sea by a floating door system, and is regulated by the freshwater and saltwater that flows over its landscapes. Enjoy the sound of the wind blowing across the water and the birds singing in the background as they settle in their wintering, breeding or resting grounds, depending on the season.

The evening is a great time to enjoy the magical light in this haven of peace, in the company of black headed gulls and kingfishers enjoying a twilight dip.

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Photo, © Xavier Lachenaud

watch the migrating birds in winter

Geffosses inlet is a special place in winter, with the arrival of migrating birds. Grab your wellies and binoculars and head to the different observation posts along the discovery trail. You might see some common teals or northern lapwings wintering there.

Surville inlet

unspoilt dunes as far as the eye can see

Surville

The smallest of the eight inlets on the west coast, Surville inlet is nevertheless full of surprises! The vast dunes here seem to spring from the sea and reach inland. The tidal creek snakes its way between these unspoilt dunes, shaping the inlet as it goes.

Salt marshes, mud flats, beach grasses and salt meadows are home to many different plant and animal species, including lovage and sand martins. This inlet is also characterised by its network of small pools that provide breeding habitats for amphibians.

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Photo, © David Daguier - CD50

walk barefoot across Surville inlet with the CPIE Cotentin association

It’s time to take off your shoes and to use your senses during a nature outing in Surville inlet. This is a great way to discover the surprising ecosystem that surrounds you while enjoying a good dose of fresh air.

Our recommendations for nature activities

Carteret inlet

chilling out by the sea

Barneville-Carteret

Situated in the heart of Barneville-Carteret, Carteret inlet lies where the town, port, rivers and beach all meet. Sheltered by the Cap de Carteret headland with its distinctive lighthouse, this estuary fans out across 90 hectares, made up mostly of salt marshes.

Carteret inlet is a place of contrasts, between the charm of the lively town centre and the wild stretches of coastline. In the pretty seaside resort of Barneville-Carteret, you can stroll through the streets, wander around the harbour, enjoy the beach, or climb to the top of the cliffs.

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Photo, © Xavier Lachenaud

enjoy a drink by the sea at La Potinière

Sunset views, the sound of waves lapping, a backdrop of cliffs and a fine sandy beach: sit back in a deckchair and enjoy the perfect spot for a drink at La Potinière! With direct access to the beach and a panoramic view, this friendly restaurant is a great place to relax with your toes (almost) in the water! You can enjoy delicious local produce, and on summer evenings the lounge bar guarantees a vibrant atmosphere.

See our top spots for eating and chilling

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Photo, © Xavier Lachenaud

Port-Bail inlet

living life to the rhythm of the tides

Port-Bail

Shaped by the Olonde estuary, Portbail inlet lies between two impressive sand spits. At high tide, it divides the town of Portbail into two separate parts. From the town centre, you can cross the famous Pont aux Treize Arches (thirteen-arch bridge) to get to the beach, however high the tide is. Don’t miss the dunes in Lindbergh, an exceptional natural site just south of the inlet. These form part of the stretch of dunes running from the Bay of Mont Saint-Michel to Cap de la Hague.

If you follow the 8 km marked trail, you’ll see the inlet in all its splendour, with a panoramic view of the town and its two churches. With its tidal harbour and huge beach, Portbail inlet is also the perfect place to try watersports: catamaran, sea kayak, sand yacht, and so on.

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Photo, © Captain Yvon

explore Portbail inlet by kayak

For the best way to see Portbail inlet, take to the water! If you rent a kayak, you’ll be able to enjoy the landscapes around you at your own pace while discovering places accessible on foot. From the water, you’ll have some amazing views . Bob in the wake of boats, zigzag between the arches of the stone bridge and paddle along the beach. A unique experience!

Rent a kayak in Portbail inlet at the École du Vent en Côte des Isles

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    Photo, © Captain Yvon
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    Photo, © Best Jobers
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    Photo, © Captain Yvon

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