Normandy's maritime heritage: ports and coastal traditions

Vue aérienne de la presqu’île de Granville et de ses ports.

From the Côte d’Albâtre to the Bay of Mont-Saint-Michel, Normandy’s coastline is steeped in history and tradition. Its ports, lighthouses and maritime towns tell the story of centuries of sailing, fishing and trade. By staying at Castel Camping Le Brévedent, you are ideally placed to discover this unique coastal heritage, with its picturesque ports of call and living heritage.

Voiliers amarrés dans le Vieux Bassin de Honfleur.

Honfleur, between history and harbour poetry

With its half-timbered houses and old dock surrounded by sailboats, Honfleur embodies the elegance of Normandy’s maritime heritage. A fishing and trading port since the Middle Ages, it was also a departure point for explorers to the New World. Today, its bustling quays bear witness to this rich history.

Granville, the corsair town of south Manche

Clinging to its cliffs, Granville combines defensive architecture with seafaring traditions. A former corsair stronghold, it has preserved its ramparts and proud atmosphere. The maritime museum, the still-active fishing port and the views over the Chausey archipelago make it a lively place where history meets modernity.

Vagues frappant la digue de Granville au coucher du soleil.

Petits bateaux de pêche à flot dans le port de Barfleur.

Barfleur, one of the most beautiful villages in France

The simplicity and authenticity of this small fishing port in the Cotentin peninsula are truly captivating. Barfleur was a major departure point for England at the time of the Dukes of Normandy. Its lighthouse, trawlers and granite houses bear witness to a life turned towards the sea, in a peaceful, unspoilt setting.

Dieppe, between cliffs and fishing traditions

As France’s leading scallop fishing port, Dieppe combines maritime traditions with coastal dynamism. The town still boasts an active port, a castle-museum with a focus on the sea, and an international kite-flying festival in homage to the winds of the open sea. Its fish market is an experience in itself.

Le port de Dieppe avec ses bateaux de plaisance et ses quais animés.

Le phare de Gatteville dominant la côte rocheuse de la Manche.

Invisible heritage: lighthouses, semaphores and know-how

Beyond its ports, Normandy has a rich technical and human heritage: emblematic lighthouses such as the one at Gatteville, shipyards, semaphores and seafaring trades. These discreet elements also tell the story of the coastline, between safeguarding, passing on and adapting to modern times.