Two people on a fine sandy beach with a turquoise seaTwo people are on a fine sandy beach. One is standing near the waves, while the other is further out in the turquoise water. The sky is blue with a few white clouds. The horizon is clear and the atmosphere is peaceful.
©A sunny day at the beach, between fine sand and turquoise waters.|Estelle Hertault Cdt50
A must in the English Channel

Granville : The Monaco of the North

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Discover La Manche: Granville, seaside resort on the Normandy coast

Baptized the Monaco of the North, Granville is a well-known seaside resort on our beautiful Normandy coast in La Manche. Let’s go and discover this dynamic city.

A colorful castle on a hill near a beach with people and a kiteA colorful castle situated on a hill near a beach. The beach is populated with a few people and a green kite flies in the blue sky. The water is calm and the castle buildings are painted in bright colors.
©A sunny day at the beach with a colorful castle in the background.|Estelle Hertault Cdt50
Coastal walkway with white buildings and a sandy beachA coastal walkway lined with white buildings and balconies. The sandy beach stretches along the coast, with rocks and waves gently crashing. The sky is partly cloudy with blue and white reflections.
©A peaceful walk along the coast with a stunning view of the sea.|Estelle Hertault Cdt50 5
Granville Lighthouse with a red lantern and a blue skyThe Granville Lighthouse stands tall with a gray brick structure and a red lantern at the top. The sky is blue with a few clouds. The name 'Granville' is clearly visible on the structure.
©The Granville Lighthouse guides ships with its red light.|Estelle Hertault Cdt50
A green bridge leading to a coastal town with houses and a blue skyA green bridge with metal railings extends towards a coastal town. The town consists of houses of various sizes and colors, with green hills in the background. The sky is blue with a few scattered clouds. A kite is visible in the sky.
©A green bridge stretches towards a picturesque coastal town under a clear blue sky.|Estelle Hertault Cdt50
    Lighthouse on a small rocky island in the middle of the turquoise seaA lighthouse stands on a small rocky island in the middle of the turquoise sea. Waves gently crash against the rocks, and the sky is clear with a few scattered clouds.
    ©A solitary lighthouse watches over the turquoise waters.|Estelle Hertault Cdt50

      A fishing town, Granville has a rich maritime history

      A former stronghold that once allowed the English to conquer land, they dug a huge trench to make Granville an island at high tide (currently between the Casino and the Promenade). A natural and unstoppable defense element. Then, taken over by the Normans, Granville became an important strategic military point of interest because of its configuration above the sea. Over time, it became a corsair city of renown. From the 16th century, Granville was one of the most important cod ports which allowed an important economic development for the city. The terre-neuvas are an integral part of the city’s history.

      Today, the privateer character of Granville is still felt, and the atmosphere of a fishermen’s town is well anchored and present. Halfway between a vibrant city and seaside, Granville has everything you need to live peacefully or to spend a memorable vacation.

      Did you know?

      Granville is often referred to as “The Monaco of the North” because just like Monaco it is located on a rocky promontory similar to that of Monaco.

      This offers incredible views of the sea and the surrounding area!

      A renowned carnival

      In addition to the cultural and historical aspect, Granville is also a dynamic and lively city all year round. For example, the carnaval is celebrated there. In February as a true local religion, the whole city meets and dresses up. For the 146th year in 2020 (in February), Granville lives to the rhythm of parades, floats, parades, concerts and entertainment, meals, cavalcades, balls, intrigues, confetti battle, etc. During this weekend a little extended, time is suspended and we enjoy there a real moment of communion between carnivalists.

      Dynamic seaside resort

      Renowned seaside resort, Granville is also the small shopping streets where one takes pleasure in strolling, the Gousset flat (promenade) to stroll along the sea front, the ferry terminal allowing crossings to the Channel Islands or the archipelago of Chausey, the marina and the fishing port, many water sports to try, local products that can be tasted on the markets or in the good restaurants of the city. So many pleasures to share with family or friends with the backdrop of the beach and the waves. In short, a seaside resort where everything is gathered to spend an unforgettable stay.

      Aerial view of a village perched on a cliff near the seaAerial view of a village perched on a cliff near the sea. The houses are closely packed together, with slate roofs and stone walls. The cliff is rocky and steep, leading to a calm expanse of water. A building with a spire is visible in the distance.
      ©A picturesque village clinging to a cliff overlooking the sea.| Grégroy Mignard-Captain Yvon

          The must-sees of your Granville visit

          • The Upper Town and its treasures: this granite promontory above the town… the original town in a way, and its small streets but especially its breathtaking view of the sea. You will discover the Watch house, set on the rampart with its 2 turrets, the old barracks, the Grand’porte, the drawbridge giving access to the upper town, the bunkers, the lighthouse, the upper town theater and the church Notre-Dame du Cap Lihou. So many architectural treasures that you can appreciate.
          • The museums: The Richard Anacréon modern art museum in the upper town (collections and exhibitions of paintings and old books), the Christian Dior museum and its English garden facing the sea (birthplace of the designer where each year a new fashion exhibition is proposed – Donville les bains) and the Roc des curiosités museum of the heritage of the sea (collection of shells and insects, aquariums for an atypical visit).
          You will love

          Other major attractions in the department

          Three flags waving on a grassy area with a cloudy sky in the backgroundThree flags are visible, waving on white flagpoles. The first flag is that of the United States, the second is a black, white, and red flag with an emblem in the center, and the third is a red flag with a white cross. In the background, there is a cloudy sky and a concrete structure with illegible text.
          ©Flags of different countries proudly waving in the wind.|Estelle Hertault Cdt50
          Landing Beaches
          The D-Day beaches, an open-air place of memory On June 6, 1944, the Landing took place on the beaches of Normandy. This day and the weeks that followed were decisive for the...
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          Mont Saint-Michel with a road leading to the main structureView of the road leading to Mont Saint-Michel, an iconic historical and architectural site. The main structure, with its church and buildings, stands on a small rocky island. The winding road, bordered by stone walls, leads directly to the entrance of Mont Saint-Michel. The sky is cloudy, and the entire landscape is bathed in soft, natural light.
          ©The winding road leads to the impressive Mont Saint-Michel, an iconic historical and architectural site.|Fab Lentz
          Mont-Saint-Michel
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          White boat moored to a stone dock with a ropeA white boat is moored to a stone dock with a rope. The water around the boat is calm and clear, with light reflections dancing on the surface. The stone dock is sturdy and well-built, providing a striking contrast to the white boat.
          ©A white boat is securely moored to a stone dock with a sturdy rope.|Estelle Hertault Cdt50
          Cherbourg
          Cherbourg-en-Cotentin, a mandatory stopover Nestled at the northernmost point of the Cotentin Peninsula, Cherbourg offers a panorama like no other on the English Channel and on...
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          Flooded rice fields with winding paths and calm water areasAerial view of extensive flooded rice fields with winding paths crisscrossing the fields. Calm water areas reflect the clear blue sky and lush green fields. In the background, a line of trees and a few buildings can be seen.
          ©The rice fields stretch as far as the eye can see, creating a peaceful and lush landscape.|P lecarpentier
          Cotentin Marshes
          The Cotentin marshes, a regional nature park, a bird reserve! Want a change of scenery? Then come and discover The Cotentin Marshes: a territory between two seas, varied...
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          Red brick building with red doors and windows, surrounded by treesA red brick building with red doors and windows, surrounded by trees. The building has a gray slate roof and intricate architectural details. There are people walking around the building and trees with green leaves.
          ©A historic red brick building stands majestically in a park.|Alice Bertrand Latitude Manche
          Saint-Lô and its surroundings
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          Cows grazing near a lighthouse on a beachSeveral white cows are grazing on a grassy hill near a sandy beach. In the background, a lighthouse stands on a small island. The sky is clear and blue, and the scene is peaceful.
          ©Cows graze peacefully near a lighthouse on a deserted beach.|Estelle Hertault Cdt50
          The Hague
          La Hague, a great escape At the northwestern tip of the Cotentin Peninsula lies a place where culture, breathtaking scenery, hiking trails and sights are subtly blended, named...
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          Person walking along a canal with a tower in the backgroundA person is walking along a dirt path next to a canal. The canal is surrounded by vegetation and rocks. In the background, there is a stone tower. The sky is partly cloudy with areas of blue sky visible.
          ©A peaceful walk along a canal lined with greenery.|Maxime Coquard Pour Best Jobers Latitude Manche
          Saint-Vaast-la-Hougue and Tatihou
          From Saint-Vaast-la-Hougue to Tatihou: a kilometer of sea! With an amphibious boat (on the waves or on the foreshore), cross from the port of Saint-Vaast-la-Hougue to Tatihou...
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          A group of people watching a blacksmith working on metalA group of people are watching a blacksmith working on metal in a traditional workshop. The workshop is filled with tools and forging equipment. The blacksmith is using a hammer on a piece of metal placed on an anvil. The visitors appear captivated by the demonstration.
          ©Discovering a craftsmanship during a guided tour.|Sabina Lorkin anibasphotography
          Villedieu-les-Poêles and the crafts
          Villedieu-les-Poêles, discovering the skills of yesteryear Villedieu-les-Poêles has been known for centuries for its copper and lace work. Its fame, the city also owes it to...
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