The Vauban tower:
a UNESCO World Heritage siteAn unmissable part of Tatihou’s heritage is the Vauban tower that looks out over the sea and the surrounding area. Right at the end of the island, this stone guardian stands proudly facing its twin in Saint-Vaast-la-Hougue. These two marvels of military architecture have been a UNESCO World Heritage site since 2008. They once played a strategic role in defending the harbour against attack from the sea.

On Tatihou Island, the Vauban tower is surrounded by a fortified farm with barracks and a chapel. Explore the heart of this monument and the heritage of the work by the engineer Vauban. Inside, there’s an exhibition telling you more about the maritime past of the island. Climb the steps to admire the view from the top of the tower, including the Fort de l’Ilet, built to store munitions. Accessible at low tide, the fort can’t be visited, but it’s a great place to spot different birds.
The Traversées Tatihou festival:
dance to the rhythm of the tidesEvery year in August, the Traversées Tatihou festival takes over the island and surrounding area. An unmissable summer event, this festival has a varied programme that spotlights world music. From Saint-Vaast-la-Hougue, head over to Tatihou at low tide, walking in time with the beat. Enjoy a vibrant atmosphere in a natural setting with stunning views and great music. During the festival, the sea leads the dance: the concerts are timed according to the tides, making this a truly unique cultural experience!