This 17 km stage between Saint-Vaast-la-Hougue and Gatteville lighthouse alternates between the coast, the bocage countryside, meadows and cropland. Starting in Saint-Vaast-la-Hougue, you’ll leave the coast for a while as you cross the Saire headland with its characteristic villages and hamlets. You’ll get back to the coast at the Pointe de la Loge and not leave it again until your destination.
There are a few more kilometres to go between inlets and dunes before arriving in Barfleur, certified as one of the most beautiful villages in France. This small picturesque fishing harbour is recognisable for its granite houses with schist roofs and its huge church. Take a relaxing break and recharge your batteries as you try some delicious local oysters or mussels.
It's time to hit the trail again, as you walk past the different inlets, including Crabec, Flicmare and Houlvi, before reaching your destination, Gatteville lighthouse. Built between 1829 and 1834 with more than 11 000 cut granite stones, it stands at 75 m tall to guide mariners through the dangerous Barfleur race. A visit to the top takes your breath away, quite literally!
Walking
GR®223
Practical information
Type of trail
GR
Markup
Red and white
Starting point
SAINT-VAAST-LA-HOUGUE
Port de plaisance
Ending point
GATTEVILLE-LE-PHARE
Phare de Gatteville
Elevation (m) | 5 | 4 | 3 | 4 | 6 | 6 | 10 | 10 | 6 | 11 | 8 | 10 | 13 | 6 | 7 | 5 | 4 | 4 | 9 | 4 | 6 | 4 | 4 | 5 | 4 | 3 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 3 | 2 | 2 | 5 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Distance | 0 km | 0.7 km | 3.2 km | 3.8 km | 4.2 km | 4.7 km | 5.2 km | 5.5 km | 5.7 km | 6 km | 6.2 km | 6.5 km | 6.8 km | 7.2 km | 7.6 km | 7.9 km | 8.4 km | 8.8 km | 9.1 km | 9.8 km | 10.1 km | 10.5 km | 10.8 km | 11 km | 11.2 km | 11.5 km | 11.8 km | 12.2 km | 12.5 km | 13 km | 13.6 km | 14 km | 14.5 km | 14.6 km | 14.8 km | 15.1 km | 15.5 km | 15.9 km | 16.2 km | 16.6 km | 16.8 km | 17 km |
Hiker's tips
- Wear appropriate clothing for the route and the weather
- Make sure you take enough water
- Tell family or friends where you’re planning to go and make sure you take a fully charged mobile
- Protect nature: take your rubbish home with you, keep your dog on a lead and stay on the marked paths.