Cotentin Offers Breathtaking Hikes for Outdoor Enthusiasts
The Cotentin Peninsula is a paradise for nature lovers and outdoor adventurers. Whether you prefer coastal paths, rural trails, or dramatic cliffs, this region offers a wide range of activities to reconnect with nature. From kayaking and horseback riding to cycling and hiking, the Cotentin is a land of exploration and it offers breathtaking hikes
Among the most popular ways to experience its raw beauty is on foot. The peninsula is crisscrossed with walking trails that lead you through bocage countryside. Sandy dunes, rugged cliffs, and picturesque fishing villages; it has them all! Inland or along the coast, the Cotentin offers breathtaking hikes that combine natural beauty, historical landmarks, and peaceful solitude.
Discover the GR223: Cotentin’s Most Iconic Coastal Hike
The GR223, also known as the Sentier des Douaniers, is a must-do for hikers. This historic trail traces the entire Cotentin coastline. Its offers spectacular views over the Channel and a unique perspective on the region’s maritime heritage. Originally used by customs officers to prevent smuggling, the path is now one of France’s most scenic long-distance hiking routes.
Stretching for over 400 km from Carentan to Mont-Saint-Michel, the GR223 lets you experience the wild charm of the Cotentin from every angle. Sandy beaches, jagged cliffs, lighthouses, hidden coves, and wind-swept headlands. It’s not just a walk, but rather an immersion in the soul of Cotentin’s coastal landscape.
The Côte des Îles and La Hague: Easy Access to Breathtaking Hikes
One of the best things about the GR223 is how accessible it is. Especially if you’re staying in the northern part of the Cotentin Peninsula, where La Becterie is located. From the Côte des Îles to La Hague, several segments of the trail are just a short drive away from us — between 15 to 40 minutes. It makes them perfect for a half-day outing or a full day of adventure.
These sections are ideal for all skill levels, including families and casual walkers. Use sneakers or hiking shoes though, some part are rocky! You can explore the dramatic cliffs of Goury, the peaceful beaches of Barneville-Carteret, or the panoramic views from the Nez de Jobourg. All without needing to commit to the full GR223. Whether you’re looking for a gentle stroll or a more challenging hike, the Cotentin offers breathtaking hikes just around the corner.
Most scenic sections are the ones closest to La Becterie
Some of the most spectacular segments of the GR223 trail are found along the Côte des Havres and the wild, windswept cliffs of La Hague. These areas offer an unforgettable hiking experience, with ever-changing landscapes of dunes, rocky headlands, turquoise coves, and iconic landmarks. Both sections are close to us
Explore La Hague and La Côte des Havres
The stretch from Urville-Nacqueville to Biville — 43 kilometers in total — is often cited as one of the most beautiful hikes in France. It takes around 12 hours and 30 minutes to walk the entire segment, but it’s conveniently divided into ten walkable stages, each accessible by car. Whether you have 15 minutes or two hours, there’s a portion of this trail waiting to be explored. Highlights include Port Racine, France’s smallest port, the dramatic cliffs at Baie d’Écalgrain, and panoramic views from Nez de Voidries and Herqueville.
On the Côte des Havres, the trail takes you through a contrasting landscape of vast sandy beaches, salt marshes, and coastal dunes. Notable stops include the Hatainville Dunes, the charming beach cabins of Gouville-sur-Mer, the Pont aux Treize Arches in Portbail, and the picturesque Havre de la Vanlée with its tidal causeway. From Sciotot to Donville-les-Bains, this part of the GR223 combines nature, history, and local charm across over 140 kilometers, offering plenty of flexible options for short walks or multi-day hikes.