Enjoy your stay at the Utah Beach campsite to discover the must-see spots of Normandy. The Cotentin is home to four famous lighthouses, which are fabulous tourist sites. By climbing to the top of these granite towers, you will be blown away by the magnificent landscapes of the Channel coast.
Goury Lighthouse
Built in 1834 and operational since 1937, the Goury Lighthouse is located 800 meters from Cape de la Hague. It stands proudly in the open sea, 50 meters above water level. It was built following 27 shipwrecks in a single year. Its purpose is to signal the Raz Blanchard, one of the most powerful tidal currents in Europe. It was occupied by the German army during World War II. Electrified in 1971 and automated in 1989, the last keeper left in May 1990.
If you can sit there to contemplate the fury of the sea during a storm, don’t miss this beautiful spectacle! You can reach this historical monument in one hour if you depart from the 3-star Atlantic coast campsite, located 79 kilometers away.
Gatteville Lighthouse
Near the port of Goury, you will find the lighthouse of Gatteville. Commissioned in 1834 and electrified in 1893, it is considered the second tallest in Europe. Indeed, it is 75 meters high. Its architect, Charles-Félix Morice de La Rue, made an improbable bet during construction. He wanted this monument to house as many windows as there are weeks in the year. He also wanted as many floors as there are months. The staircase that leads to the top of the lighthouse has 365 steps (like the number of days in a year). If your physical fitness allows, you can then enjoy a breathtaking view.
Located 38 km from Utah Beach campsite, you can get there in 46 minutes.
Carteret Lighthouse
Built in 1839, the Carteret lighthouse stands on a cliff, more than 85 meters above the English Channel. It was built to light and guide sailors as they passed through the sensitive strait known as the “Passage de la Déroute“. By climbing its 58 steps, you will discover a panoramic view of the Channel Islands of Jersey, the Hatainville dunes, and the Ecrehou archipelago. Still operational, this lighthouse was only automated in 1976. A keeper worked there until 2012.
Located 63 km from the Normandy campsite, this lighthouse became accessible to the public in 2016. You can take a self-guided or guided tour of the museum and gardens. Visiting hours are dependent on the sunset.
Cap Lévi Lighthouse
Smaller than the other lighthouses of the Cotentin, it is only 28 meters high. You will still need to climb 136 steps to reach its highest point. It stands out for its square shape. Built in 1858, it was used to monitor fishermen during World War II. During the D-Day landings in 1944, the German army unfortunately blew up the maritime signaling facility. It was rebuilt after the war.
Classified as a historical monument in 2009, it is located in Fermanville, 57 km from the Normandy campsite, less than an hour’s drive away.
Photo credit: © Elisabeth-Jeanne via Wikimedia Commons