View of a cove with cliffs and a small beach — ©A breathtaking view of a secluded cove with towering cliffs.

Cotentin Unique

La Hague, the end of the world

La Hague is the tip of the Cotentin peninsula, in the north-west of the English Channel. Here you’ll find a diversity of landscapes and exceptional flora and fauna. But as well as these little corners of paradise, the Hague is also a region rich in history.

So put on your hiking boots and follow the guide: let me introduce you to La Hague!

Are you a nature lover? Do you love steep cliffs, dunes, coves and long beaches as far as the eye can see?
La Hague has it all, plus small fishing ports and bewitching lighthouses.

The GR 223 "Customs Officers' Trail

It bears this name because it was created in 1791 to watch over the coast against smuggling, enemy attacks, shipwrecks and clandestine embarkations.
The GR 223 is a 446-kilometre route linking Carentan to Mont Saint-Michel.
The customs trail will be our guide to discovering the Hague.

Before starting your walk, we recommend you visit the house where the famous artist Jean-François Millet (1814-1875) was born. Here you can discover the history and works of this painter of rural realities.

Now that you know J-F Millet’s life by heart, you can start walking the customs trail.

We’ll meet you at Landemer. When you get there, take a deep breath of the sea air and admire the breathtaking scenery. Here, at the top of the cliffs, you really do feel like you’re at the end of the world. In front of you, the blue expanse as far as the eye can see.

Coastal landscape with an information sign in the foreground — ©An information sign provides details about the coastal area.|Aymeric Picot

Port Racine

Further north, discover Port Racine, France’s smallest port and one of La Hague’s must-sees.
If you’re interested, we’ve devoted an entire article to this haven of peace, a must-see in La Hague (click opposite).

Our article on Port racine

Goury lighthouse

Continue on towards Cap de la Hague and the famous Goury lighthouse at Auderville.
Built in 1837, this lighthouse was designed to signal the Raz Blanchard, one of the strongest currents in Europe. If that doesn’t scare you, come and see it during a storm, the spectacle will be all the more impressive. You’ll see the waves crashing against the lighthouse, enthroned amid the white foam.

We tend to call the area ” Little Ireland “, and not for nothing!
The contrast of colours and atmospheres here is striking. On one side, the bright green fields, separated by low stone walls to protect them from the wind, and on the other, the raging sea.

Lighthouse on a small rocky islet in the middle of the sea — ©A solitary lighthouse watches over the calm waters.|Aymeric Picot

Waves crashing on rocks with a coastal landscape in the background — ©The power of the sea is evident as waves crash against the rocks.

Claire, in love with La Hague, a regular visitor to the area

“I’ve already got thousands of photos of this place on my mobile phone, but every time I come here, I can’t stop taking more because it’s so beautiful! ” .

Nose of Jobourg

View of a rocky coastline with waves crashing against the rocks — ©The power of the ocean meets the solidity of the rocks.

As you head back down the west coast, it’s impossible to miss the Nez de Jobourg.

Its 130-metre-high cliffs offer an exceptional panorama. In fact, they’re among the highest in Europe, and that’s saying something ;-).

The water here is crystal clear, and the view is breathtaking.

On a clear day, you can even see the Channel Islands: Guernsey, Jersey, Sark and Alderney. Be sure to bundle up, as the wind can be quite strong here. The advantage is that the landscape and the weather can change in the space of a few minutes.

A family walks on a hiking trail near a cliff — ©A family enjoys a day of hiking with a breathtaking view of the sea.|Aymeric Picot

Get off the beaten track

One activity we’d recommend is a descent into the Jobourg caves. Equipped with good shoes and a harness, you’ll discover the stories and legends behind the caves.

Info point:

Supervised by a guide, this activity lasts 5 hours and is open to children aged 10 and over.
Please ask before planning your trip, as this activity is not available all year round, out of respect for the birds that make their nests here.

Two people in rescue gear near a cliff overlooking the sea — ©A rescue team in action near the cliffs.|Biplan

Discovering La Hague

Information and bookings :

Price : €5/Adult and €2.50/Child

Contact : Yves Cottebrune

Tel : 02 33 53 86 12 or 06 12 42 86 97

The walk ends on a high note…

Finally, discover Anse de Vauville and its 11km of sand, a Natura 2000 listed site. This is a surfers’ paradise. And if you’re lucky, you may even catch a glimpse of dolphins, seals or porpoises.

If you love nature and beautiful plants, take a stroll through the paths of the Vauville botanical garden. A veritable oasis with over 1,000 species of plant from the southern hemisphere, you’ll feel like you’re on the other side of the world.

If you’re a lover of heritage, during your visit to the garden you can admire the Château de Vauville from the courtyard. Built in the 12th century, all that remains of the medieval castle is its keep, part of the surrounding wall and the site of the moat. The rest of the castle is in the Cotentin Renaissance style. You can explore the exterior and admire the monument during your visit to the garden (open until 31 October).

> This is where our escapade in the Hague comes to an end. From the top of the cliffs or by the sea, this little corner of the Cotentin offers a wide range of landscapes and colours and lights that are never the same.

Person standing near a fountain in a tropical garden — ©A person relaxes near a fountain in a lush tropical garden.|Almo oth

Medieval castle with a large courtyard and plants — ©A majestic medieval castle surrounded by lush greenery.|Eric Pellerin

A group of children looks at large leaves with an adult — ©Children discover nature with curiosity and wonder.|Eric Pellerin

A zen garden with a water pond, plants, and stones — ©A peaceful retreat in a zen garden with a water pond and lush plants.|BOUCOURT FRANCK

Other experiences

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