The Côte des Isles: A wild and authentic stopover in Cotentin

Just 40 minutes from your cottage located in Val de Saire, the west coast of La Manche reveals a wild and authentic side: the Côte des Isles. With endless sandy beaches, majestic dunes, unspoilt harbours and panoramic views of the Channel Islands, it is an essential stop on your holiday in Normandy. Follow the guide for an unforgettable day facing the open sea.

Barneville-Carteret stands out as the pearl of the Côte des Isles. This renowned seaside resort immediately charms visitors. On one side is the bustling marina, where fishing boats rub shoulders with passing sailing ships, and on the other is the spectacular Cap de Carteret. Following the customs officers' path (GR®223) that winds along the cliffside, hikers discover breathtaking views of the Écrehou archipelago. In the evening, Potinière beach, famous for its white and blue bathing huts, becomes the setting for the most beautiful sunsets in the Cotentin, facing the Channel Islands that can be seen on the horizon.

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Further south, Portbail-sur-Mer reveals a historical heritage of rare richness. This charming village is centred around its harbour, a protected natural area where the sea rushes in twice a day, radically transforming the landscape. It is impossible to remain indifferent to the charm of the Pont aux Treize Arches bridge, which seems to watch over the Notre-Dame church and its fortified bell tower. A stroll through the cobbled streets reveals the remains of an early Christian baptistery, a unique witness to the evangelisation of Normandy. It is a place where time seems to stand still, ideal for a contemplative break between excursions.

Hop aboard the tourist train that runs between Carteret and Portbail in the summer. It’s a unique way to explore the countryside and the coast in 1950s carriages – an experience that never fails to delight young and old alike.

North of Barneville-Carteret, nature reclaims its rights with the Hatainville dune massif. A true gem preserved by the Conservatoire du Littoral, this site rises more than 80 metres above sea level, offering an almost desert-like landscape that locals call the ‘Normandy Sahara’. As you walk along the paths through the beach grass, you will discover a rare biodiversity and a silence broken only by the cry of seagulls and the crash of waves. It is a place of absolute freedom where you can walk for miles on an immense beach, far from the hustle and bustle of city life.

The Hatainville dune field, with its sandy peaks, offers a sense of absolute freedom reminiscent of the rugged cliffs of La Hague and its Nez de Jobourg cliffs. These are the two untamed faces of the west coast.

Extending this massif southwards, the Lindbergh dunes add a touch of poetry to the coastline. This site owes its name to the famous aviator Charles Lindbergh, who is said to have flown over these expanses during his Atlantic crossing in 1927. Today, it is a sanctuary of absolute tranquillity. The contrast between the golden sand and the deep blue of the English Channel creates a natural tableau of rare purity. It is the perfect place to observe the discreet wildlife and enjoy the endless horizon before returning to the comfort of your accommodation.

For lovers of picture-postcard landscapes, a slight detour south to Gouville-sur-Mer is a must. Although located at the gateway to the Côte des Havres, this beach has become one of the most famous symbols of the Channel coastline thanks to its iconic beach huts with multicoloured roofs. It's the perfect stopover to take your best holiday photos before heading back north to the peninsula.

No exploration of the Côte des Isles would be complete without immersing yourself in its local cuisine. A few kilometres from the coast, the village of Sortosville-en-Beaumont is home to the famous Maison du Biscuit. This family-run establishment, whose façade evokes the shops of yesteryear, attracts food lovers from across the region with its financiers, croquets and magical décor. The local produce can also be discovered at the local markets in Barneville or La Haye-du-Puits, where the flavours of the sea meet those of the Normandy countryside.

The Côte des Isles coastline offers more than just contemplative landscapes; it is also a favourite playground for thrill seekers. Every year, the vast sandy beaches of Barneville-Carteret and Sciotot come alive with water sports festivals, where surfing, kitesurfing and sand yachting take centre stage. The adrenaline rush continues on the tarmac with rollerblading and skateboarding competitions, which attract riders from all over Normandy and around the world to challenge the ramps facing the sea.

But the show also takes place in the air: the cliffs of Rozel and Cap de Carteret are renowned paragliding spots. Seeing these multicoloured sails dancing in the Cotentin sky, carried by the sea winds, offers a fascinating sight.

The Côte des Isles (Island Coast) is aptly named, as it is the link between the mainland and the islands of Jersey, Guernsey and Sark. From Carteret ferry terminal, regular services allow you to escape for a day and enjoy a British interlude in the heart of the English Channel.

By choosing to stay at La Glycine cottage, you are treating yourself to the ideal starting point for exploring this land of sailors and legends, located just 40 minutes from your accommodation. Don't wait any longer to book your next Normandy getaway and come explore all the facets of our magnificent peninsula.