“Peace at the end of the earth…”
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Gatteville is a small village at the end of the earth, where the sea is everywhere, and where the second highest lighthouse of Europe serenely towers over the inhabitants. My wife, Catherine, spent her childhood there. I went there also as a teenager when I took to « physical experiences » as « walk around the Cotentin without leaving the seaside » ! A real adventure.
This fisherman’s house is restored and has all the comfort and amenities you need. It features 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, a large sitting room, a conservatory and a garden… with the sea a few metres away. You even get a view of the sea from the first floor where I created a “mini-sitting room”.
The house is labelled « Gîte de France » with 3 stars (department and national) and is situated on the outskirts of the village. You will find there a bakery (you can taste their “English bread”!), a caterer (excellent). Everything is accessible by foot very easily and don’t forget to look at the sea while passing past a garden…
What you mustn’t miss while you’re there :
Let your instinct show you the way!
Accessible by car, don’t miss the Val de Saire area. Barfleur (2km) has been labelled one the most beautiful village of France, with its fishing harbor. Saint Vaast la Hougue (10 km) is on the World Heritage list of the UNESCO with its fort (nice walk all around the fort). And of course, the island of Tatihou, old fort and now natural reserve that can be reached by foot at low tide (you can also try the “rolling boat” rolling or floating depending on the tide!).
A few more kilometres (30 km from Gatteville) and you’ll find Cherbourg. The coastal road is stunning and you can see the huge harbour. Visit the Cité de la Mer (museum devoted to the sea, time needed!) as well as the Thomas Henry Museum.
The other end of the earth (North-West of the Cotentin; 45 km) will lead you la Hague and Le nez de Jobourg. Take the day to enjoy a pic-nic on the coastal path. You will even see the Channel islands!
Finally, the Mont St Michel is only a 2-hour drive. And let’s not forget the D-Day beaches.
