Only 25 minutes from the charming La Becterie guesthouse, lies an amazing dune landscape waiting to be explored. This vast dune massif spans over 700 hectares across Biville, Vasteville, Héauville, and Siouville-Hague. Shaped by sea and wind over thousands of years, it boasts dunes rising up to 114 meters high. The land forms a patchwork of sand, herbaceous dunes, and small water bodies—temporary ponds that flood each winter, fostering unique plant life. The area is protected by the Conservatoire du Littoral and is part of Natura 2000 for its sensitive habitats and rare species. Really a must-visit here in Cotentin
From Biville’s church to the Calvaire des Dunes
Begin your walk at the historic Saint-Pierre Church of Biville, then follow the trail to the Calvaire des Dunes. From there, enjoy a spectacular view over the Anse de Vauville and the ocean. It’s tempting to run down the soft sandy slopes—just remember, climbing back is far tougher than the descent. You’ll walk along the GR 223, winding through rolling valleys above the dunes and into this fragile, protected ecosystem. Here, you may come across WWII relics—blockhouses and even tanks—that still dot the landscape. Southward lies the Mare de Vauville, a remarkable protected natural area formed 6,000 years ago, now a freshwater pond shielded by a thin dune barrier. To the north, the Château de Vauville awaits, with its extraordinary botanical garden—a tropical surprise in the heart of Normandy.
A family moment, captured by drone
This place is more than a destination—it’s a memory maker. I like to send my guests to visit theses dunes; all come back very happy and surprised by their splendor. Even my familly now comes to stay there! My brother, sister-in-law, and their four children spent a few days here in a camper-van. She brought her drone, and the photos she took pay tribute to the dunes, the ocean, and the shifting light. In each frame, you feel the space, the wind, and the joy of being close to nature. Thanks Nadège (@agri_zoom) for the pictures !!
