Tour of the Cotentin peninsula, from Utah Beach to Cherbourg
In summary
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Sports
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Duration6 days
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LevelIntermediate
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DestinationNormandy / Cotentin
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AgeFrom 16 - 90 years
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CO₂-Emissions73.07 kg CO2
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Type of stayIndependent traveler
In a few words
From Carentan to the port city of Cherbourg , the Cotentin Peninsula and the Val de Saire invite you to immerse yourself in a region rich in history, notably marked by Operation Overlord in Normandy . Hiking enthusiasts, prepare to explore diverse landscapes: marshes , wild beaches , picturesque fishing villages , and coastal paths . Each stop promises wonder and serenity. Among the must-sees, don't miss the impressive climb to the top of the Gatteville Lighthouse , a unique experience offering breathtaking views. In Cherbourg , be captivated by the renowned Cité de la Mer (City of the Sea ), a fascinating place dedicated to the marine world, ideal for all ages. This trip is a true breath of fresh air, combining unspoiled nature , captivating history , and authentic discoveries . Whether you're passionate about heritage or simply seeking a change of scenery, the Cotentin Peninsula will charm you with its unique atmosphere and invigorating sea air.
The highlights
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Exotic and relaxing itineraries
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Key sites commemorating the Normandy landings
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The Normandy landing beaches
Photos
Sport
Level
Hiking / Trekking
In figures
Hiking
- Average duration/day: 5h
- Average distance/day: 17 km
- Average daily elevation gain: 76 m
- Average daily descent: 77 m
Management
Your travel itinerary will be accessible via a mobile app. There you will find the detailed day-by-day program, your vouchers with contact details for service providers, as well as a GPS function to follow your route in real time throughout your stay.
Program
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Arrival in Carentan
- Accommodation 2-star hotel
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
Check into your hotel. Located in the heart of the Cotentin Peninsula, Carentan is a charming town, perfect for starting your exploration of the D-Day landing beaches and museums in Normandy. Stroll along its lively little harbor , admire the elegant Gothic arcades of the Place de la République, and be captivated by the beauty of its 15th-century Gothic church. Enjoy a relaxing first evening soaking up the town's peaceful atmosphere.
Day 1 -
From Carentan to Utah Beach
- Transportation Car - 00h20 - 15km
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 5h15
- Distance 18 km
- Negative elevation 5 m
- Accommodation 3-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
You'll set off on a day's hike towards Utah Beach , a place steeped in history. Along the way, you'll cross the Cotentin marshes and the Bay of Veys , surrounded by peaceful landscapes. You'll also pass through the Beauguillot bird sanctuary , where, with a bit of luck, you might spot a harbor seal in its natural habitat. At the end of the hike, a taxi will take you to your hotel in Sainte-Mère-Église . Take some time to explore the village's famous church, where American paratrooper John Steele was left dangling during the D- Day landings . Overnight stay in a comfortable 3-star hotel.
Day 2 -
Excursion to Tatihou Island
- Transportation Boat - 00h10 - 4km
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 2h30
- Distance 9 km
- Positive elevation gain 15 m
- Negative elevation 15 m
- Accommodation 3-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
A short transfer takes you to the starting point for a half-day hike between Le Rivage and Saint-Vaast-la-Hougue . The route invites you to discover diverse landscapes: a coastal path , the Cul de Loup Bay , and the Hougue peninsula , surrounded by oyster farms. Take the time to admire these unique panoramas, where land meets sea. In the afternoon, embark on an excursion to the charming island of Tatihou , renowned for its rich birdlife. Dominated by the Vauban tower and its fortifications, the island also houses a maritime museum that recounts its history. You will be captivated by the colors of the coastline , its dunes , hedgerows , and rocky outcrops that create a setting that is both peaceful and vibrant.
The day ends with a relaxing evening and a comfortable night in a 3* hotel .
Day 3 -
From Saint-Vaast-la-Hougue to Barfleur
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 4h
- Distance 13 km
- Positive elevation gain 10 m
- Negative elevation 10 m
- Accommodation Bed and Breakfast
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
Head towards Barfleur , listed among the most beautiful villages in France. Along the way, enjoy a relaxing moment breathing in the sea air while admiring the oyster beds that line the coast. The small hamlets you pass through add to the charm of this getaway. Once in Barfleur, let yourself be captivated by its granite houses topped with schist and its characterful fishing port . Don't miss the chance to try the famous blond mussels , an emblem of the region. You'll spend the night in a welcoming bed and breakfast .
Day 4 -
From Barfleur to Fermanville
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 6h30
- Distance 22 km
- Positive elevation gain 95 m
- Negative elevation 55 m
- Accommodation Bed and Breakfast
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner included
Embark on a beautiful day hike towards Fermanville. Along the way, you'll explore the Barfleur headland , dominated by the majestic Gatteville lighthouse, the second tallest in France. The climb to the lighthouse (entrance fee applies) offers breathtaking views of the Val de Saire and the English Channel. Throughout your hike, the landscapes unfold before you: marshes , beaches, dunes, coves, oyster farms, and the remains of an old stone quarry. After this day full of discoveries, enjoy a convivial dinner and a restful night in a bed and breakfast .
Day 5 -
From Fermanville to Tourlaville, Cherbourg
- Transportation Car - 00h20 - 5km
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 6h
- Distance 21 km
- Positive elevation gain 260 m
- Negative elevation 300 m
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
This day trip takes you to Tourlaville for a hike rich in contrasts. You'll traverse varied landscapes, including ponds , beaches , wild coastline , and historical remains. Along the way, stop at the Anse du Brick viewpoint to enjoy a superb panorama of the artificial harbor of Cherbourg and the North Cotentin coast . Don't miss the visit to Fort Bretteville , a place steeped in history. After this immersion in the great outdoors, a taxi transfer will take you back to Cherbourg , either to your hotel or the train station.
Day 6
Note
The program was established based on the latest information available at the time of its preparation; unforeseen circumstances are always possible and situations beyond our control may alter its course.
One bag or suitcase per person, weighing a maximum of 13 kg and labeled with your name, must be transported at each stage of your journey. Carriers may refuse a second bag per person or any luggage exceeding 13 kg.
Bring a backpack for your belongings for the day.
Accommodation
You will be accommodated in bed and breakfast rooms on a bed and breakfast basis.
- Single room
- Double room
- Twin room
- Triple room
You will be accommodated in a shared twin room with a private bathroom.
Access
Go to the starting point
Paris-Carentan departing from St Lazare station in Paris (3 hours)
Paris - Caen - Bayeux - Carentan (3h30). Free, supervised parking located in the courtyard of the town hall, near the municipal police station and the Carentan SNCF train station.
To retrieve your car: Train from Cherbourg to Carentan (approximately 30 minutes)
Price details
The price includes
- Accommodation in hotels and bed and breakfasts, in a double room
- Breakfasts
- Dinner on Day 5
- Luggage transfers ( 13 kg max per person )
- Transfers of people on Day 2 and Day 3
- The round trip to Tatihou
- The digital roadbook (GPS included)
- 24/7 telephone support
The price does not include
- Lunches
- Dinners (except for the one on day 5)
- Drinks
- Transport to Carentan and from Cherbourg
- Personal expenses
Options
- Travel pouch : CHF54.89 / unit
- Flex fare and insurance
Practical information
Specific formalities
Specifics
Before your departure, check with the embassy or consulate regarding the entry and stay requirements for your destination country. You can also find this information on the France Diplomatie website ( https://www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/fr/dossiers-pays/ ).
In the case of flights with stopovers operated by different airlines, also check the entry requirements of the countries you are transiting through.
It is your responsibility to ensure you are in compliance, particularly regarding the validity of your identity documents (for example, some countries require your passport to be valid for at least six months after your return) , visa requirements, necessary vaccinations, and health recommendations. And don't forget to consider any customs restrictions and other potential requirements of your destination or transit country.
ℹ️ Information may change up to the departure date, remember to regularly check official websites.
Equipment
Equipment to bring
- Toiletry bag
- Bath towel
- Sunglasses
- Headlamp
- 1.5L bottle
- Pocket knife
- Toilet paper and a lighter
- Plastic box with plastic cutlery
- Plastic bags for waterproofing your belongings
- Dirty laundry bag
- Earplugs
- Walking sticks
- Pair of binoculars
- Camera
Clothing to bring
- Hiking shoes
- Lightweight shoes ( tennis shoes or sandals )
- Underwear
- Hiking pants
- Shorts
- Fleece jackets
- T-shirts
- Rain poncho or waterproof jacket ( Gore-tex type )
- Hat
- Pair of lightweight gloves
- Cap
- Swimsuit
- Bath towel
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- You pay a 30% deposit today to reserve your stay.
- The balance (the remaining 70%) must be paid no later than 30 days before departure.
- ✅ Of an amount greater than €300.
- ✅ Whose departure is in more than 30 days.