What to see in France

Camping in Barfleur, an invigorating walk in a resort full of character

Le village de Barfleur et son port
Le village de Barfleur et son port

 

Located on the Cotentin peninsula, Barfleur is the smallest commune in the Normandy region of La Manche. It has been awarded the label of the Most Beautiful Villages in France for its high-quality heritage and tourist attractions, such as its pretty granite houses with their blue roofs, which are much appreciated by visitors. The port, the church of Saint-Nicolas, the Gatteville lighthouse, the Pointe de Barfleur and the beaches all contribute to making Barfleur a unique place with authentic charm. Choosing a campsite to discover Barfleur is undoubtedly the best way to ensure an ideal holiday.

Campsites in Barfleur

Seaside campsites - Campsites Barfleur Manche -Camping Barfleur Normandie - Camping Cotentin

For your stay in Normandy, there are a large number of campsites to choose from in the Manche département and several around the village of Barfleur, which has been classified as one of France's most beautiful villages, but only one in the commune of Barfleur itself. We have selected below a few establishments that might be of interest to you.

Camping Indiana - Barfleur 3-star campsite

The Indiana campsite *** in Barfleur is open from April to the end of September. Located just 100 metres from the beach and seafront, it has several mobile homes and 134 pitches in all. There is a choice of water-based activities, as well as table tennis for family fun. There is entertainment on offer, as well as children's games and dance evenings in season. An artisanal bollard is available for motorhome users, and passing is accepted.

Barfleur campsite with swimming pool - Campsite near Barfleur - Campsite Barfleur and surroundings

La Gallouette campsite **** is located in Saint-Vaast-la-Hougue, 300 metres from the shops and just 11 km from the port of Barfleur. It is only 200 metres from the seafront and has a lovely heated outdoor swimming pool. There are also hiking trails starting from the campsite for the more sporty types. In terms of accommodation, there are chalets and mobile homes to rent, all of which are recent and very comfortable. An ideal campsite for a holiday in Normandy and a visit to the charming village of Barfleur.

Campsite near Barfleur - Mobile home rental Barfleur - Barfleur camping indoor heated swimming pool

L'Anse du Brick campsite ***** in Maupertus-sur-Mer is 20 km from Barfleur. Here you'll find all the comforts you could wish for, including mobile homes with sea views, direct private access to the beach and an aquatic area with two pools, one of which is covered and heated, plus a waterslide. As for sports, you can enjoy paddles, canoeing and kayaking, and try your hand at sailing and beach volleyball. On-site table tennis and tennis courts, entertainment for children and organised walks. Finally, there are seasonal dance evenings for all the family.

What are the must-sees in Barfleur?

Barfleur has become a major tourist attraction on the Cotentin peninsula. Completely destroyed at the time of the 100 Years War, it was only in the 19th century that the port of the small town was equipped to become functional again. Today, fishing remains the village's main activity.

Le port de Barfleur
Le port de Barfleur© iStock

We'll start our walk on the quayside at the port d'échouage, where the ballet of fishing boats unloading fish and other shellfish at the rhythm of the tides, surrounded by mooring ropes and other fish nets, is a sight to behold if you get the chance. Don't forget to admire the view of the Gatteville lighthouse and the tip of Barfleur. The charm here is in understanding that the comfort of fishermen takes priority over that of tourists.

The port of Barfleur
The port of Barfleur© iStock

Along the quays, admire the typical Cotentin architecture and the harmony of the stone houses with their slate roofs.

Barfleur's typical blue slate roofs
Barfleur's typical blue slate roofs© iStock

The church of Saint Nicolas is also one of the buildings not to be missed when visiting the village of Barfleur. Built in the 17th century, it was enlarged and its nave completed in the 19th century. Its stained-glass windows, furnishings and large number of sacred works are well worth a visit.

The church of Saint-Nicolas
The church of Saint-Nicolas© iStock

Don't miss the 17th-century house where Sainte Marie Madeleine Postel was born.

Just next door, the pretty neo-Gothic chapel with its typical listed stained glass windows is also worth a visit. For details of opening dates, ask at the tourist office.

There are three beaches to explore in Barfleur: la Masse, la Sambière and la plage de l'église, the latter being the quickest to reach. Facing east, it offers the spectacle of the rising sun at dawn for those who appreciate nature and the calm of early mornings.

One of Barfleur's beaches with a view of the Gatteville lighthouse
One of Barfleur's beaches with a view of the Gatteville lighthouse© iStock

 

 

 

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