Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Left
Gruchy
Right
Omonville-la-Petite
Highlights of the Cotentin Coast
Val de Saire
The gentle prettiness of this
verdant valley east of Barfleur is
in sharp contrast to the wild
coastline
(see p99)
.
d
Map B2
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
(see p51)
.
d
Map A2
Barfleur
It is said that William the
Conqueror's invasion vessel was
built in this delightful fishing port
(see p62)
. 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.
d
Map B2
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.
d
Map A2
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.
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Map A2
St-Germain-des-Vaux
This tiny, tranquil village offers
the perfect lunch stop - at Le
Moulin à Vent
(see p103)
.
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.
d
Map A2
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.
d
Map A2
•
Open Easter-end Sep:
2-5pm Wed-Thu, Sat-Mon
•
Adm charge
Vauville
The subtropical gardens of
Château de Vauville and a beach
perfect for sand yachting are the
twin attractions here.
d
Map A2
Gruchy
This spruce seaside village
includes the humble birthplace
of Jean-François Millet
(see p48)
,
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
(see
p97)
.
d
Map A2
Cap de la
Hague
Pointe de
Barfleur
Gruchy
Querqueville
Barfleur
Nez de
Jobourg
Cherbourg
St-Vaast-
la-Hougue
Les Pieux
Valognes
101
