The côte des havres

In the southern part of the Côte des Havres, between Agon-Coutainville and Granville, La Vanlée inlet stretches over 10 hectares of salt marshes and meadows. Its huge sand spit, known as the “edge of the world”, reaches into the sea, forming a unique peninsula. La Vanlée inlet differs from the other estuaries along the coast because of its fascinating tidal causeway. Crossing the inlet right to the sea, the road is completely submerged during very high tides: an impressive sight! At low tide, you can count the “pré-salé” sheep roaming freely on the salt marshes. Why not hop on your bike for a peaceful way to explore this natural heritage site?

Between Blainville-sur-Mer and Agon-Coutainville, Blainville inlet is a unique site that changes with the seasons, combining oyster farming and tourist activities. Just off the coast, you can see the oyster beds at low tide. This is a good place to watch birds as they fly over the vast stretches of coastal vegetation.

Blainville inlet is also well-known for coastal activities and a popular kitesurfing spot! The beach in Blainville-sur-Mer is more secluded than nearby Agon-Coutainville and has a great family atmosphere.

A charming little estuary between Geffosses and Anneville-sur-Mer, Geffosses inlet is a paradise for birds, at the interface between land and sea. Today, the inlet is connected to the sea by a floating door system, and is regulated by the freshwater and saltwater that flows over its landscapes. Enjoy the sound of the wind blowing across the water and the birds singing in the background as they settle in their wintering, breeding or resting grounds, depending on the season.

The evening is a great time to enjoy the magical light in this haven of peace, in the company of black headed gulls and kingfishers enjoying a twilight dip.

The smallest of the eight inlets on the west coast, Surville inlet is nevertheless full of surprises! The vast dunes here seem to spring from the sea and reach inland. The tidal creek snakes its way between these unspoilt dunes, shaping the inlet as it goes.

Salt marshes, mud flats, beach grasses and salt meadows are home to many different plant and animal species, including lovage and sand martins. This inlet is also characterised by its network of small pools that provide breeding habitats for amphibians.

Situated in the heart of Barneville-Carteret, Carteret inlet lies where the town, port, rivers and beach all meet. Sheltered by the Cap de Carteret headland with its distinctive lighthouse, this estuary fans out across 90 hectares, made up mostly of salt marshes.

Carteret inlet is a place of contrasts, between the charm of the lively town centre and the wild stretches of coastline. In the pretty seaside resort of Barneville-Carteret, you can stroll through the streets, wander around the harbour, enjoy the beach, or climb to the top of the cliffs.

Shaped by the Olonde estuary, Portbail inlet lies between two impressive sand spits. At high tide, it divides the town of Portbail into two separate parts. From the town centre, you can cross the famous Pont aux Treize Arches (thirteen-arch bridge) to get to the beach, however high the tide is. Don’t miss the dunes in Lindbergh, an exceptional natural site just south of the inlet. These form part of the stretch of dunes running from the Bay of Mont Saint-Michel to Cap de la Hague.

If you follow the 8 km marked trail, you’ll see the inlet in all its splendour, with a panoramic view of the town and its two churches. With its tidal harbour and huge beach, Portbail inlet is also the perfect place to try watersports: catamaran, sea kayak, sand yacht, and so on.