Barfleur, France
Self Catering Barfleur Holiday Homes, Cottages and Gites
Barfleur is found in the Manche department in the Basse-Normandie region in north-western France. A visit to Barfleur means enjoying time in one of the 'most beautiful villages of France'. Situated at the north-eastern tip of the Cotentin Peninsula, Richard the Lionheart set sail for England from here in 1194. Today it’s an attractive and unspoiled little coastal town and fishing port, a charming place where you can watch the tides entering the harbour and smell the ocean. Its attraction is such that many artists and painters flock here – including the artist Paul Signac who resided here from 1932 to 1935.
When you rent a holiday home in Barfleur, you’ll note it is typified by sturdy grey granite houses, each with white shutters to brighten their facades. Much of Barfleur’s town and port were constructed in the 17th and 18th centuries, when Barfleur was made prosperous by its fishing. Today fishing and mussel and oyster harvesting are still the main activities of the fishermen in the port (as well as crabs, lobsters and prawns). There is also sea fishing especially for bass.
When you stay in a Barfleur Holiday Cottage there is plenty to see and do including a visit to the village’s church. The Church of St Nicholas is located at the end of the port – it’s a massive granite structure dating from the 17th century. It is quite unusual with almost a fortified aspect and dominates the village. About 2 miles to the north is Cape Barfleur, with a lighthouse 233 ft. high ('phare de Gatteville'), one of the highest in France. Other attractions include: the medieval court Sainte Catherine, the lifeboat station at sea, first created in France in 1865and the home of Julie Postel. You can also practice water sports, tennis, and of course enjoy the sandy beaches, as well as stroll in the countryside on numerous footpaths.
When you stay in self catering accommodation in Balfleur there are an abundance of other attractions in the area too. Popular places to visit include Cherbourg at 26 km and Normandy landing beaches at 42 km. Parc du château des Ravalet is a listed 'remarkable garden' at 23km and Valognes is a listed 'town of art and history' at 23km.
This area of France is warmer and drier than the south of England, particularly in summer. The coast can be scorching in July and August. However, being in the north of France, the weather can also set be wet at any time of the year.
To get to your Barfleur holiday rental: Cherbourg is conveniently located as the nearest ferry port and is just 26 kilometres away. The nearest train station is at Valognes which connects to Paris St Lazare station with a change at Caen.