Houlgate can be explored through two distinct themes: the heritage of the seaside resort, with 300 preserved villas, and the Vaches-Noires cliffs, a designated natural area. This distinction is useful when planning your trip: a self-guided villa trail focuses on the town’s history, while access restrictions are important at the cliffs. There are also trails for walks and hikes, as well as festivals devoted to kites and film. This gives you the option to focus on architecture, landscape or cultural events.
Villas and the history of the seaside resort
Houlgate is part of the Ville Belle Époque network and has 300 preserved villas that form part of its seaside heritage. The former Grand Hôtel de Houlgate is also part of this heritage. It was completed in 1858 and listed as a historic monument in 2000. The two dates mark different milestones in its history: the building’s completion and its later listing as a monument.
Another landmark is the Promenade Roland Garros, named in 1988 after the aviator Roland Garros. On 6 September 1912, he took off from the beach in front of Villa “Les Mouettes” to break the world altitude record of 4,900 metres. The promenade’s name and this episode are therefore different details of the town’s history: the former is about its naming, while the latter records the take-off location and date.
Visitors who want to explore the history of the seaside resort can follow the villa trail independently. Another option is the Terre de Jeux 2024 route, which winds between stairways and villas and showcases Houlgate’s cultural heritage. The two options have different focuses. The villa trail highlights independent exploration of the seaside resort’s history, while the Terre de Jeux route incorporates stairways and villas into its itinerary.
The Vaches-Noires cliffs and trails
The Vaches-Noires cliffs are another highlight. This remarkable natural area, designated as a ZNIEFF, extends across Houlgate, Gonneville-sur-Mer, Auberville and Villers-sur-Mer in the Calvados département in Normandy. Access restrictions are an important consideration when planning your visit: access to the cliffs is prohibited. However, you can view them from the beach.
There is also a 12 km discovery trail dedicated to the Vaches-Noires cliffs. It is available as a download and from tourist offices. Houlgate also has trails for walks and hikes. The options therefore range from independently exploring the villas to following a long trail specifically devoted to the cliffs. The themes differ: one focuses on the seaside heritage, the other on the designated natural area. The access restrictions for the cliffs still apply.
Festivals and cultural events
Houlgate Plein Vent is an annual international kite festival. It includes introductory kite-flying and kite-making workshops. The programme therefore offers both an introduction to the subject and the chance to make a kite. If you are interested in this festival, this combination of event and workshops offers a specific point of reference when choosing a theme for your trip.
At the European Film Festival of Houlgate, actors, directors and critics meet audiences during the “Leçons du cinéma” (Film Lessons). They explain the finer points and background of their profession. This exchange about the work of filmmaking is therefore a distinct part of the festival format. Since 2021, Houlgate has also hosted the Houlgate Festival & Baie de Scène.
The festivals offer different cultural focuses: kites and workshops at Houlgate Plein Vent, discussions about film at the European Film Festival, and the Houlgate Festival & Baie de Scène as another event offering.
Discover more destinations: Castillon-En-Auge, Saint-Jouin, Lénault, Cabourg, Lisieux, Crèvecoeur-En-Auge, Le Tronquay, Saint-Étienne-La-Thillaye.
For the broader travel overview: Calvados.
