Saint-Martin de Bréhal beach is three kilometres long and lies on the west coast of the Cotentin, opposite the Îles Chausey archipelago and near the Havre de la Vanlée. The coast here is shaped by the beach, tides and dune trails. There are also activities involving a guided pirogue trip, salt production and pony experiences. When planning, it is worth distinguishing seasonal bathing conditions from leisure activities offered for a limited period.

Beach, tides and access

Swimming at the beach is supervised by lifeguards during the day in season. The bathing areas are repositioned according to the tides. The beach is accessible to people with disabilities, and a beach wheelchair is available for access to the water. Lifeguard supervision is seasonal, and bathing conditions and the availability of equipment may change. Check these services before your visit.

Seafront promenade, dunes and routes

The 22-kilometre stage of the GR®223 from Saint-Martin de Bréhal to Bouillon starts in Saint-Martin de Bréhal. It follows the purpose-built seafront promenade above the beach and then continues along the dunes. Another route is known as the “Boucle de la Vanlée”: it leads, among other places, to the seaside resort and Saint-Martin de Bréhal beach. The destinations differ: the GR stage leads to Bouillon, while the Boucle leads, among other places, to the seaside resort and the beach.

Guided activity and seasonal leisure offer

The guided experience “Paddling among the moorholes of Saint-Martin-de-Bréhal” combines a pirogue trip to near the bouchot mussel beds with a salt-production workshop and a tasting of local products. So the experience described includes not only the trip, but also a hands-on introduction to salt production and a tasting.

Saint Mart'anim is a family-oriented leisure venue in Saint Martin de Bréhal and operates in July and August. Free activities include creative arts and crafts workshops; there is also a zip line, sports and leisure activities, water activities and games. The programme is seasonal, so check it for your planned travel dates.

Pony experiences with age limits

Le Poney Marin is a pony club in Saint-Martin de Bréhal, in Les Mielles between the dunes and the Havre de la Vanlée. It offers pony rides for children aged three and over, introductory courses for children aged four and over, and taster activities for children up to the age of twelve. The age limits vary by activity; participation options may change. Check in advance which options are currently available for the desired age.

A former use reflected in the townscape

The former “Paris by night” cabaret is now a private residence at 4 rue des îles Chausey. The house still bears the name of the venue it commemorates. Its former use as a cabaret is part of the town’s history; today, the building is a private residence.

Consider seasonal dates separately

The dates given for swimming and Saint Mart'anim address different planning questions: swimming is supervised during the day in season, while the leisure venue operates in July and August. If you plan to use both during the same stay, check the conditions for each separately; the leisure venue’s stated operating period does not also determine when swimming is supervised.

Discover more destinations: Valognes, Juvigny-Le-Tertre, Biniville, Montjoie-Saint-Martin, Saint-Germain-Sur-Ay, La Baleine, Fleury, Digosville.

For the wider travel overview: Manche.