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Walk around the fort of La Hougue in Saint-Vaast-la-Hougue

An easy hike in Normandy to discover the pretty town of Saint-Vaast-la-Hougue.

Saint-Vaast-la-Hougue is a town located on the Normandy coast, 30 km from Cherbourg. Saint-Vaast is famous for the island of Tatihou located just in front of the harbor and for the fort of La Hougue built by Vauban.

You can go to the island of Tatihou by boat - attention it is necessary to reserve in advance at the tourist office - or by foot. If you choose to go on foot, be sure to check tide times because the crossing, which lasts half an hour, can only be done at low tide with a tidal coefficient higher than 60.

The other attraction of the city is the Hougue tower located a few minutes walk from the port of Saint-Vaast.

Interest: very good (1 user)
Difficulty:
Duration: 3 h.
Practical information

The port

Saint-Vaast does not lack parking spaces on the port, but in the summer it is difficult to find a place to park your car. The large number of cars distorts the pretty harbor a bit.
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The pier

Just in front of the port you can see the island of Tatihou.
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The way to the fort

It takes a few minutes to walk to the Fort de la Hougue from the port.
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The sea

In 2019, Saint-Vaast-la-Hougue in the Cotentin region won the title of favorite village of the French.
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The tour of the fort

The walk around the fort is quite unusual because you have to walk on the wall that surrounds the fort. The visit is not recommended in bad weather. Fortunately there are not too many people because it is not easy to cross each other on the wall.
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The Hougue tower

The tower was built in 1694 by order of Vauban to protect the harbor from English ships. The tower cannot be visited.
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The walk around the Hougue tower

We have very beautiful point of view on all the coast during the stroll.
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Le chemin

The walk continues on the path around the fort.
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The island of Tatihou

After the walk around the fort of La Hougue you can also visit the island of Tatihou located just opposite Saint-Vaast. Be sure to check the tide tables if you want to go on foot or to call if you want to reserve a place on the amphibious vehicle that makes the shuttle.
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Other walks

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