Key Facts about Barfleur, France

Location

Barfleur is a charming fishing village located on the northeastern coast of the Cotentin Peninsula, in the Manche department of Normandy, France. It faces the English Channel and lies about 30 km from Cherbourg and 120 km from Mont Saint-Michel.

Known for

Barfleur is officially listed among “Les Plus Beaux Villages de France” and is known for its granite harbor, traditional stone houses, and maritime heritage. This small coastal gem is renowned for its oysters and mussels, especially the famous “Barfleur mussels”, considered some of the finest in Normandy.

Best Time to Visit

• Spring (April–June): Fresh seafood season and coastal blooms.

• Summer (July–August): Ideal for seaside walks and harbor life.

• Autumn (September–October): Calmer atmosphere and oyster harvesting season.

• Winter (November–February): Peaceful and dramatic seascapes, ideal for quiet getaways.

Local Language

French. English is understood in some restaurants and tourism spots due to international visitors.

Currency

Euro (€).

Getting There

• By car: Around 40 minutes from Cherbourg and 3 hours from Paris via the A13 motorway.

• By ferry: Ferry connections to Cherbourg from the UK and Ireland, followed by a local drive.

• By train: Nearest major station is Cherbourg, then bus or taxi to Barfleur.

• By bike: Part of the Vélomaritime cycling route along the Normandy coast.

Top Attractions

• Port de Barfleur: A picturesque stone harbor lined with fishing boats and granite houses.

• Phare de Gatteville (Gatteville Lighthouse): One of the tallest lighthouses in Europe, with panoramic sea views.

• Historic Granite Architecture: Walk along the harborfront to admire the stone houses and quiet lanes.

• Saint-Nicolas Church: A coastal church overlooking the sea, dedicated to sailors and fishermen.

• Coastal Walks & Tide Pools: Explore rocky shorelines and tide pools at low tide.

• Seafood Restaurants on the Harbor: Offering freshly caught mussels, oysters, and lobster.

Local Specialties

• Moules de Barfleur (Barfleur Mussels): Celebrated across Normandy for their quality.

• Normandy oysters and scallops.

• Camembert and local cheeses from Norman farms.

• Cider and Calvados (apple brandy) produced in the surrounding region.

• Apple tarts and salted caramel desserts.

Notable Events

• Fête de la Mer (July): Maritime celebrations with boat parades and seafood feasts.

• Mussel and Oyster Festivals (Autumn): Local culinary celebrations with fresh shellfish tastings.

• Saint-Nicolas Festival (December): Fishermen’s procession honoring the patron saint of sailors.

• Weekly Fish Market: Fresh catch sold directly on the harbor by local fishermen.