The best sunrises and sunsets in la Manche

Our selection of the best spots to admire the display

La Manche, with its situation as a peninsula, has the privilege of enabling you to watch the sun come up and go down over the sea. In the territory, you’ll find numerous viewpoints where you can catch some gorgeous sunrises and sunsets. From the east to the west, from the countryside to the coast, every day brings its share of glowing light in ever-changing skies. From the cliffs or the dunes, the harbours or the lighthouses, with your toes in the sand or in a countryside location, the same pleasure awaits you: taking your time to enjoy this natural spectacle. Golden panoramas, warm colour palettes and soft light all combine to make a picture-perfect setting! We’ll tell you about the best spots to watch the sun rise or set in la Manche.

Sunsets in la Manche: treasures of the west

Clifftops and headlands: sunsets from the heights

In the Cotentin Peninsula, sundown is not to be missed at the Nez de Jobourg. Here, the sun sets over rugged cliffs that are some of the highest in Europe. A bit further on in La Hague, the Bay of Écalgrain is the perfect place to take in a superb sunset from an elevated position.

From the top of the headland in Carteret, there’s a stunning 360 degree panorama. Opposite you, the Channel Islands are silhouetted against the sun, while the endless dunes in Hatainville glow in the evening light. Turn your head to take in the lovely view of the old church ruins.

In the Granville region, there are several spots you can head to for an outstanding sunset. From the Lude valley or the cliffs in Carolles, the horizon takes on a golden hue. Sit back and enjoy the show as the sun slowly sinks over the Cabane Vauban. Look carefully, you might see the silhouette of Mont Saint-Michel in the distance.

An enchanting escapade:
head to Chausey

Set sail to the islands for an idyllic sunset. In Chausey, it’s at the end of the day, as the sun starts to sink, that the place is at its very best. The beaches and footpaths empty of tourists, revealing their unique nature. The islets are bathed in a pink glow, the tranquil waters shimmer under golden skies, and the boats bob gently at anchor: sit back and enjoy this special moment! If you’re very lucky, you might see dolphins in the distance.

Peaceful inlets
at sundown

The tidal inlets of la Manche are natural treasures with many facets. You’ll be surprised by the landscapes that change with the tides and the setting sun. In Regnéville inlet, the boats bob sleepily, while the lighthouse shines out from the headland in Agon-Coutainville. For a magical atmosphere, head to La Vanlée inlet. The spring tides there provide a spectacular twilight show, as the flooded tidal causeway shimmers under the setting sun.

A seaside atmosphere for a sunset with your toes in the sand

With its 476 km of coastline, the Manche has plenty of gorgeous beaches where you can catch a stunning sunset. In Blainville-sur-Mer, the sky is regularly set ablaze. Grab the best seats in the house in one of the restaurants by the sea. In Pirou, Saint-Pair-sur-Mer or Agon-Coutainville, pick your favourite beach to settle down and enjoy the display. If you like watching surfers in action, then head to Surtainville or Sciotot to see them catching the last waves before sundown.
Another unmissable beach spot is Gouville-sur-Mer. The wild dunes and multicoloured beach huts create the perfect backdrop for a gorgeous sunset.

Another must-see place:
Gouville-sur-Mer and its cabins

unsets in the low season: la Manche has some surprises in store!

Who says you have to wait for summer to catch superb sunsets in la Manche? Although the days are longer in summer, meaning you can make the most of the twilight hours, autumn and winter offer magical moments too. In these seasons, the sun may set earlier, but the blazing colours are at their most spectacular. The added bonus is that you’ll have the view all to yourself! Far from the summer crowds, enjoy a moment of complete serenity as the sun gradually disappears.

Sunrise in la Manche: head east

Spotlight on the heritage of la Manche

In the north-east, there are plenty of stunning viewpoints where you can watch as the new day dawns. From the Vauban towers to Gatteville lighthouse, feast your eyes as the early morning light sets the maritime heritage of the Manche aglow. From La Pernelle, the whole of the Saire Valley stretches out before you.

Head to Gatteville to watch the sun drift up past the second tallest lighthouse in France. The orange hues are reflected in its 52 windows and slowly illuminate the surrounding sea, providing a dazzling show. Take in the view from the beach in Goubeville and let the sound of the waves carry you away!

A bit further down the coast, the unmissable Vauban towers glow in the magical dawn light, a spectacular sight as the sun rises over Saint-Vaast-la-Hougue and Tatihou.

From the Bay of Les Veys to Utah Beach: wild panoramas at daybreak

In the Marais du Cotentin et du Bessin Regional Nature Park you can watch as the sun peeps over the horizon between land and sea. In the Bay of Les Veys, you’ll see this unspoilt natural setting slowly awaken. At the heart of this peaceful estuary, the golden morning light reflects across the four rivers and outlines the polders. In the Beauguillot reserve, take time to admire the birds silhouetted against the orange sky. If you’re lucky, you’ll get to share the early morning show with some harbour seals!

Not far from there, at Utah Beach, daybreak highlights the contrasts of this unmissable D-Day site. Here, you’ll discover a peaceful setting where you can take time to stop and reflect. As the sun climbs higher in the sky, drink in the view of the sea revealing itself in a spectrum of unique colours.

Further inland: subtle hues as the sun comes up

In la Manche, the countryside also has some picture-perfect settings for a stunning sunrise. From the Roches de Ham, the view is breathtaking. The Vire Valley stretches out before you, with its patchwork of colours. Woods, cliffs, rivers and bocage landscapes intermingle as the dawn light creeps over them.

In the Mortain region, the Fosse Arthour is a must-see spot. Once again, the contrasts between plants and minerals are revealed here as the sun rises. In the magical early morning atmosphere, the legends surrounding the site are all the more palpable.