Planning a trip to Saint-Vaast? Take a trip to Tatihou Island!
For your stay, remember to book at the 3-star Utah Beach campsite. From your seaside campsite with a swimming pool, it takes about 40 minutes by car to reach Saint-Vaast and take the amphibious craft to discover Tatihou Island. To help you find your way, consult this guide to plan your visit.
An exceptional environment
In addition to being one of the most important fishing ports in the English Channel, Saint-Vaast is renowned for its thriving oyster farming. Also, the name Tatihou dates back to the Viking era when they occupied Normandy. This island in the northeast of the Cotentin also has a very rich history. Indeed, it was the starting point for the forces led by William the Conqueror to invade England in the Middle Ages. It is most notably remembered for the famous Battle of La Hougue, which took place at the end of the 17th century.
Getting to the island
Tatihou Island is a perfect getaway, especially for birdwatching enthusiasts. Offshore, you can see the imposing Vauban tower and its granite walls. To get to the island from Saint-Vaast, board the Tatihou II amphibious boat. At high tide, you can board from the Saint-Vaast pier. The journey takes only a few minutes. At low tide, it is even possible to reach Tatihou on foot.
Must-see places and events to discover
During your stay on Tatihou, include the maritime museum in your travel itinerary. It houses significant collections, notably wrecks from the royal fleet following the defeat by the Dutch fleet at the Battle of La Hougue in 1692. The museum also contains major exhibitions that will teach you more about the island’s history and reveal its secrets. Afterwards, take a stroll through the Tatihou gardens. They were specially designed to protect the island’s emblematic flora from harsh weather. For a breathtaking view of the island and the coastline, climb the Vauban Tower. Like the one in the village of Saint-Vaast, this imposing structure is a UNESCO World Heritage site.
If you visit the island during the summer, don’t miss the Les Traversées Tatihou musical event. Known as the “Festival des Musiques du Large,” this celebration will show you another side of this coastal island.
Visit the village of Saint-Vaast
It is no coincidence that Saint-Vaast-la-Hougue was named France’s Favorite Village in 2019. It holds many exciting discoveries for you. Head to the La Hougue Tower, built in 1964. In this UNESCO World Heritage-listed fortress, you can admire several species of cormorants as well as northern gannets. The village is also famous for its oyster production, recognizable by their nutty flavor. Be sure to discover the many oyster beds. Also, stop by Maison Gosselin, a delicatessen and cellar in business since 1889.