The west coast of Cotentin is punctuated by eight harbours, from Barneville-Carteret to Granville, forming a unique ensemble in the world. Between fresh water and salt water, harbors are constantly shaped by tides, climate and storms. This extraordinary ecosystem, between sand plains and maritime marshes, allows the development of exceptional fauna and flora which evolve with each tide: shelduck, egret, samphire, etc.
The eight havens of the west coast: La Vanlée, Regnéville-sur-Mer, Blainville-sur-Mer, Geffosses, Saint-Germain-sur-Ay, Surville, PortBail and Carteret. On the West Coast Center Channel, let yourself be surprised by three of them.
What is a haven? It is an estuary where fresh water from a river meets salt water from the sea.
The Havre of Saint-Germain-sur-Ay: majestic and wild
Second largest harbor in the Channel, the Havre of Saint-Germain-sur-Ay nonetheless remains one of the wildest. Let yourself be surprised by its majestic beauty, shaped by the tides. It offers a unique spectacle throughout the year with varied landscapes: dunes, sandy banks, salt meadows and rocks.
Next dates
Cross the harbor with the children
Live the experience!
Cross the harbor of Saint-Germain-sur-Ay
Access to Havre de Saint-Germain
The haven of Surville:
small and magical
Let yourself be carried away by the tranquility of this place. Depending on the seasons, the haven of Surville offers you a picture full of colors and different atmospheres. It is the smallest harbor on the West Coast of the Channel, only 1km deep and 500 meters wide. It allows you to observe, with the naked eye, the water which shapes the harbor and its dune massif during the tides.
Access to Havre de Surville
Observe the harbor of Surville, the smallest in the Channel, at high tide.
The haven of Geffosses:
paradise for birds
Small estuary where five rivers come together, it is a real paradise for sea and land birds.. For ornithology lovers or simple walkers, the haven of Geffosses amazed by the presence of numerous birds: ducks, plovers, sparrows, black-headed gulls, lapwings and even teals.
Geffosses discovery trail
The haven can be explored independently thanks to the interpretation trail where observatories have been installed so as not to disturb the avifauna. Departure is from the car park along the D650 (tourist route) or from the Barbotterie car park. Don't forget your binoculars!
Access to Havre de Geffosses
Taste the products of the harbor
Stay closest to the harbor of Saint-Germain-sur-Ay
