The GR®223: a 446 kilometre coastal trail
Ideas and tips to plan your walk
The GR ® 223, otherwise known as the “Customs officers’ path” or the “coastal path”, is one of the hiking trails in la Manche. It links the bay of Les Veys on the east coast to Mont Saint-Michel on the west. Stretching for 446 km, it’s a perfect playground for walkers and a great way to discover the many faces of La Manche. Enjoy a breath of fresh air, discover new places, get away from it all and admire the wild landscapes: a unique adventure awaits you on the coastal trail of La Manche.
Route suggestions, top 10 sites to visit, tips to plan your hike: find out everything you need to know about the GR® 223. Lace up your boots, we’re taking you to discover the coast of La Manche.
The GR® 223: a hiking tour of la Manche
Hiking on the GR® 223 will take you all the way around the coastline of the Manche, either in one go or by individual sections. Enjoy a breath of fresh sea air as you follow this hiking trail and admire the seascapes and unspoilt scenery of la Manche.
The 23 stages of the GR®223
The GR® 223 hiking trail has 23 stages, with each one covering on average 15 to 25 km. These stages are suited to all levels, and the whole 446 km trail can be walked in around three weeks. The stages are just suggestions, and you can of course walk individual sections as you choose.
Push your limits on the GR®223
Do you want to challenge yourself on the GR hiking trail? Whether for a few days, running, or for a charity, read about the people who’ve tested their limits on the trail!
Test yourself on the GR®223
Top 10 breathtaking sites on the GR® 223
Whether for just a few kilometres or for a walking holiday, you’ll be wowed by the gorgeous landscapes along the GR®223. Here are some of the unmissable spots on the trail (from east to west):
The Marais du Bessin et du Cotentin Regional Nature Park. A protected area that’s perfect for observing flora and fauna.
The D-Day beaches and sites. The opportunity to delve into the history of the Battle of Normandy and discover Utah Beach, one of the five D-Day beaches.
In Saint-Vaast-la-Hougue, head off the path to visit Tatihou Island and the UNESCO World Heritage Vauban towers.
In Gatteville, climb to the top of the lighthouse, a magical experience with a breathtaking 360° view of the Saire valley.
At the Pointe de la Hague, stop at the famous Nez de Jobourg. Culminating at 128 m, this is one of the highest cliffs in Normandy and Europe.
Vauville bay and its huge beach. From Vauville lake to the beach in Siouville, via the magnificent dunes in Biville, prepare to feast your eyes!
The headland in Carteret, and its 360° view. Overlooking the sea and the vast beaches, this part of the GR® 223 is certainly impressive. Keep an eye out, if you’re lucky you might even see dolphins.
The famous beach huts at Gouville with their colourful roofs are one of the unmissable spots in the area. A picture-perfect setting for anyone who loves the Manche.
Granville, the Monaco of the North, is one of the biggest seaside resorts in la Manche. Stroll around the picturesque Haute-Ville and enjoy the view from the Pointe du Roc.
Mont Saint-Michel, the ultimate reward for walking the GR® 223. Take the opportunity to explore this incredible place with an original visit and finish your trip in style.
The icing on the cake: Wherever you are on the GR trail, follow the path of the sun. Sunrise over the sea in the east or sunset over the sea on the west coast, take your pick!
Looking out to sea
La Manche is a peninsula, and the GR® 223 mostly follows the coastline. The path is cradled by the sea, marked by the tides and enhanced by the unique light of la Manche. Wherever you are on the trail, the shore is never far away.
Some sections even go along the beach, so be sure to wear good shoes. With rugged cliffs, seascapes, beach huts and lighthouses, every kilometre has its own coastal surprises.
To relax at the end of a day of walking, why not take a nice dip in the sea?
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