From Saint-Vaast to Cherbourg along the Coast

Let's go for a trip to the Cotentin Peninsula and its most important city Cherbourg.

Driving directly to the Cotentin Peninsula would take 2 hours and half. So you can stop in Saint-Lo on the way to walk a little and have coffee and take advantage to check out the old town. The Notre-Dame church was built in the 15th and 16th century but was badly damaged during World War II. Inside, there are nice glass stained windows and a small lapidary museum. You can also walk to the main square called Place du General de Gaulle close by, there is a prison door symbol of the Resistance during World War II.

You can park your car here and explore the nice village of Saint-Vaast-la-Hougue on foot. It was elected as the favourite village by French people in 2019. Oyster farming is a big activity here and it is the third biggest fishing port in the region of Normandy. This family business with local products is a very good choice if you want to buy stuff to eat on the road or at home.
Open hours Tuesday - Friday 9:00 - 12:30, 14:30 - 19:00 Saturday 9:00 - 13:00, 15:00 - 19:30 Sunday 9:00 - 12:30 Closed on Mondays. You can check their website for more information and to see their products.

Have lunch at this wonderful restaurant. It is a nice walk to get there around the port. And you will get a nice view of the port while having lunch. Enjoying the local fish and seafood is a good choice. If you have more time and want to visit Tatihou island, the pier is right next to the restaurant.
Open hours Monday - Sunday 12:00 - 14:00, 19:00 - 21:00 (until 21:30 on Saturday). You can book a table on their website.

Then walk back along the port, you will see some traditional boats. Then you will take a pleasant walk along the pier to the lighthouse. On the way, you will find this nice charming chapel for the sailors. That is what is left of the Roman style old parish church. It is classified as a historical monument.

Walk until the lighthouse and the fort of La Hougue at the end of the pier. The Vauban tower is a Unesco World Heritage Site. It is a good example of 17th century architecture with its thick walls. It is 20 meters high and it will give you a beautiful view of the bay and the surroundings. Then you have enough time to walk back and pick up your car for the next stop.
Open hours Tuesday - Sunday 13:30 - 18:30 Closed on Mondays.

Have a stop in Barfleur to visit this beautiful port village. You can park your car close by the tourist office and ask for more information about the village and then walk around the historical center and along the port. This small port was especially appreciated by French painters like Paul Signac. The architecture of the town and the church is medieval style and you can enjoy wandering around the narrow streets and along the port with beautiful views of the sea and the boats. It is also a good place to have a coffee break and eat a crepe or an ice-cream, depending on the weather.

This lighthouse is 4 kilometers away from Barfleur so if you feel like it, it is a nice walk until there but it will take one hour one way. So if you have two hours and don't mind arriving later in Cherbourg, you can do that.
Otherwise you can go by car and still enjoy the beautiful views of the surroundings and on the way. It feels like the end of the World there. You can go inside and climb the 365 steps to the top. From up there, you are 75 meters above sea level, and the view is breathtaking. Here was shot a scene from the movie "Diva" by Jean-Jacques Beneix in 1981.
Check accurate open hours online. But if you travel here out of open hours, it's still worth-visiting!

From the Gatteville lighthouse, drive along the scenic coastal granite road with beautiful viewpoints. You can stop wherever you feel like to enjoy the sea breeze with the view and to take pictures. Stop at cap Levi for a nice little walk with great views until the lighthouse. The coast is very dramatic with lots of rocks.

Have dinner at this gastronomical restaurant right on the rotating bridge. The menu is seasonal and the chef cook with fresh local ingredients. The specialties are products from the sea but also delicious cheeses combined with a good choice of wines.
Open hours Tuesday - Saturday 12:00 - 13:00, 19:00 - 20:15 Closed on Mondays and Sundays. You can book a table on their website.

Spend the night at this hotel with a great location in the center. It is walking distance from the restaurant and the historical center and it has free parking. So if you arrive earlier, you can also just park your car at the hotel and go for a walk in the old town. Have a good night rest and tomorrow, you will explore Cherbourg and the other side of the Peninsula before getting back to Rennes.