Top 10 best beaches in la Manche

La Manche, 674 km of coasts

Are you visiting la Manche? See our selection of the best beaches in the department. And because it’s very difficult to choose only 10, we’ve also added some of our favourite spots!

Family friendly, relaxing, historical, exotic or sporty: take your pick! Head off to discover the beaches that best represent the landscapes of la Manche, which are as varied as the different shades of blue.

The beach in Dragey-Ronthon

the best view

Dragey-Ronthon

From here, you have a spectacular view of Mont Saint-Michel! Sit back in your deckchair and watch the show during the biggest tides in Europe. The beach here is sculpted by the wind and the dunes are a lovely spot to enjoy the peace and tranquillity of the setting.

Carolles

the most magical beach

Carolles

At the foot of the Champeaux cliffs, Carolles beach is a magical place, with breathtaking natural landscapes. Nearby, don’t miss the walk to the Cabane Vauban, where you’ll have another fantastic view of Mont Saint-Michel.

The Cabane Vauban and cliffs at Carolles

Chausey

the most exotic beaches

Granville

Set sail for Chausey, less than an hour by boat from Granville. This archipelago has 365 islets at low tide and 52 at high tide. Secluded coves, big sandy beaches and turquoise waters: you’re not dreaming, you’re still in la Manche! Chausey bursts with incredible colours and a thousand shades of blue. Our advice is to go in the low season for a complete change of scenery and a feeling of total freedom

What to do in Chausey ?

Anse de Vauville

the best beach for watersports

La Hague

Situated in La Hague, this fine sandy beach stretches over 11 km, from the village of Vauville to the cliffs in Flamanville. It’s the perfect setting for watersports that require wind. At the southern end of this huge bay, we also recommend the beach in Siouville-Hague, a top surfing spot.

La Manche, a surfing destination

Pointe de Jonville

the most secret beach

Réville

Jonville is special because of its long south facing beach, which is unusual on the Cotentin Peninsula. From there, you can admire the sunrise, a magical show with spectacular colours: prepare to feast your eyes! This secret beach on the east coast of la Manche has a wonderful view of Tatihou Island and its Vauban tower. The Vauban fortifications in Saint-Vaast-la-Hougue and Tatihou are in fact a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Utah Beach

the most historical

Sainte-Marie-du-Mont

In June 1944, this beach was given the code name Utah Beach. It is one of the five beaches of the Allied landings of 6 June 1944. Utah Beach is a key place for remembrance tourism. While you’re there, take the opportunity to visit the Musée du Débarquement (D-Day museum) and the other must-see places connected with the history of D-Day.D-day in Normandy

Photo, © Xavier Lachenaud

Chausey
Photo, © Xavier Lachenaud

Hauteville-sur-Mer beach
Photo, © Captain Yvon

Anse de Vauville
Photo, © Xavier Lachenaud

Dragey-Ronthon beach

Bretteville-sur-Ay

the biggest and wildest beach

Bretteville-sur-Ay

Huge, wild and unspoilt, the beach in Bretteville-sur-Ay is the perfect spot for nature lovers. On the vast stretches of sand, you’ll feel like you’re alone in the world. Breathe in the fresh sea air and recharge your batteries! Bretteville-sur-Ay is also a renowned sand yachting spot.

Hauteville-sur-Mer

the most family-friendly beach

Hauteville-sur-mer

The beach in Hauteville-sur-Mer has been awarded the “Famille Plus” label, guaranteeing great family holidays. In the summer, there are lifeguards on the beach and you can try watersports safely. Choose between catamaraning, kayaking, sand yachting, paddle boarding or sea wading. Not far from Hauteville-sur-Mer, discover the fantastic dune landscapes in Annoville.

The seaside resorts in la Manche

Beaches awarded the "Pavillon Bleu" label

The Blue Flag label guarantees high environmental quality. Blue Flag beaches and marinas have specific facilities that minimise the impact of tourism, including recycling bins, toilets that do not affect the quality of bathing water, and safety and accessibility features.

The blue flag beaches in la Manche in 2022 :

Agon-Coutainville (centre beach)
Barneville-Carteret (La Potinière and Barneville beaches)
Bréhal (Saint-Martin-de-Bréhal beach)
Carolles (Carolles beach opposite the lifeguard station)
Donville-les-Bains (Lude)
Granville (Plat Gousset)
Jullouville (Cale des plaisanciers)
Les Pieux (Sciotot)
Saint-Pair-sur-Mer (Kairon)
Siouville-Hague (Cale John Hunter)

Blue flag harbours in la Manche 2022 :

Barneville Carteret harbour
Chantereyne marina of Cherbourg
Diélette harbour
Carentan marina
Saint-Vaast-la-Hougue harbour

Agon-Coutainville

the classiest beach

Agon-Coutainville

Awarded a Blue Flag, guaranteeing high environmental quality, Agon-Coutainville is a favourite with families. This seaside resort in the Manche has also been awarded the Famille Plus label. For the best photo opportunities, head to Gouville-sur-Mer. The pretty beach huts there will add a colourful touch to your holiday memories.

Agon-Coutainville resort

Barneville-Carteret

the loveliest beach

Barneville-Carteret

This picturesque seaside resort is a great place for family holidays. It’s the ideal playground for all ages, and is sheltered by the spectacular Carteret headland. Don’t miss La Potinière beach, with its famous blue and white beach huts that will add the perfect touch to your holiday photos!

Barneville-Carteret resort

DOG-FRIENDLY BEACHES

Are you bringing your four-legged friend on holiday? Here are the beaches in la Manche where you can take your dog. Be aware that some beaches are not accessible all year round and/or dogs must be kept on a lead. See the practical information for each beach: