Anneville-Sur-Mer combines a vast sandy beach with dunes and the Havre de Geffosses natural area. Plage d’Anneville-sur-Mer lies south of the havre, so the coast can be explored from two perspectives: as a specific beach and as part of a wider natural area. Visitors can choose between spending time on the sandy beach, exploring the landscape around the dunes, and hiking the GR®223, setting different priorities for their stay.
Sandy beach and dunes
Plage d’Anneville-sur-Mer is a vast sandy beach bordered by dunes. It is considered unspoiled and little-visited, and is particularly suited to people seeking peace and nature. How quiet it is can vary by season. The dunes are also part of the local nature theme: on the western coast of Manche, the Dunes d’Anneville et de Gouville-sur-Mer are one of four Espaces naturels sensibles of this kind. The sandy beach and dune landscape therefore stand side by side as two specific, connected reasons to visit the coast.
Havre de Geffosses and its natural area
The Havre de Geffosses stretches from Geffosses to Anneville-sur-Mer. It is considered a protected area for local wildlife and plant life, and includes an ornithological reserve with exceptional biological diversity. Its geographical reach sets it apart from a single stretch of beach: the beach lies south of the havre, whose area extends as far as Anneville-sur-Mer. This brings together the beach as a point of reference and a natural area that also encompasses animal, plant and bird life.
Hiking the GR®223
If you would like to include a hike in your plans alongside the beach, you can follow the route of the GR®223 long-distance trail. After crossing the Havre de Geffosses, it runs through dunes to the slipway in Anneville-sur-Mer. The route thus connects the crossing of the havre with the stretch through the dunes and a named destination. Check trail conditions locally before planning your route.
Accommodation and directions
Le Grand Large campsite is in Anneville-sur-Mer, in the new commune of Gouville-sur-Mer, directly behind the dunes. If this location suits your trip, check availability before booking. To reach Plage d’Anneville-sur-Mer, head from Coutances or the coast towards Gouville-sur-Mer, then north towards Pirou. Before the havre, turn left onto the D532 towards the sea and the campsites to reach the beach. Check the route before setting off, as road conditions can change.
An architectural highlight
As a cultural point of interest, Église Saint-Samson stands alongside the beach and natural landscape. It dates from the 12th to the 18th century and features a wooden vaulted ceiling and a saddleback-roofed tower. These two features refer to different parts of the building: the vault inside the church and the tower’s roof shape. This adds a distinct architectural and historical focus alongside the coast and nature.
Discover more destinations: Tourville-Sur-Sienne, La Meurdraquière, Barneville-Carteret, Flottemanville, Les Moitiers-D'allonne, Bacilly, Brainville, Brévands.
Go to the main travel overview: Manche.
