Fermanville can be explored through very different traces of the past: a granite viaduct from the early 20th century, a lighthouse with a varied construction history, mills in the Vallée des Moulins and hiking routes with specified distances. If you are as interested in local history as in trails through woodland, heath or coastal scenery, you will find a range of specific points of interest here.

Structures and traces from different eras

The Viaduc de Fermanville was built between 1908 and 1911 from Fermanville granite for the railway line between Cherbourg and Barfleur. It is 242 metres long, 5 metres wide and 32 metres high. The La lande et les bois de Fermanville route passes through woodland and open heathland, crossing the Vallée des Moulins at the upper end of the viaduct. This route brings together the landscape and a structure whose dimensions and railway history make it a point of interest in its own right.

The history of the Phare du Cap Lévi spans several construction phases: the first lighthouse was built in 1858, destroyed during the 1944 landings and rebuilt after the war. The present lighthouse came into operation in 1948. It is 28 metres high and has 113 steps; its shape is square rather than cylindrical. The Phare du Cap Lévi has been listed as a historic monument since 2009. Its construction history, unusual shape compared with the cylindrical design and dimensions offer different aspects to look out for at this landmark.

At the entrance to the Vallée des Moulins stands the Marie-Ravenel stele, inaugurated in 1905 and listed as a historic monument since 2006. Mills made from the region’s pink granite can also still be seen in the valley. Another preserved landmark is the Rond des Sorcières, a megalithic monument in a landscape shaped by the Bronze and Iron Ages. Port Lévi tells the story of granite quarrying. It was originally built for quarry workers transporting granite for the construction of the Cherbourg roadstead.

The history of the Second World War is also present in named locations: the Batterie du Brulay, also known as Seeadler, was incorporated into the Atlantic Wall during the German occupation. Fort Napoléonien du cap Lévi is now an interpretation and leisure centre; its outdoor areas are free to visit. Together, these places represent different themes—from megaliths and regional granite to lighthouse, harbour and military history.

Choose hiking routes by landscape and distance

The La lande et les bois de Fermanville route is 14.1 kilometres long and combines wooded landscapes with open heathland. Another option is the 7-kilometre Les Landes hike, which leads to the heights of Fermanville and the Batterie du Brulay. The Les Landes circuit also enters the protected coastal areas of the Conservatoire du littoral in Fermanville. Comparing the routes by distance gives you two different options: 7 and 14.1 kilometres.

The GR®223 stage between Cap Lévi and Cherbourg-en-Cotentin is 19 kilometres long and heads towards Cherbourg-en-Cotentin. The Le Cap Lévi circuit starts at the Port Lévi car park. These details provide different points of reference when choosing a route, without requiring the trails to be combined into a single tour. Check local access conditions for Les Landes and find out about current conditions on the GR®223 stage before setting out.

Coastal scenery and outdoor activities

A large part of the municipality of Fermanville lies within the Natura 2000 zone Récifs et marais arrière-littoraux du Cap Lévi à la pointe de Saire. At Anse du Brick, a fine-sand beach sits at the foot of the cliffs and is used for surfing and other water sports. Conditions depend on the weather and swell; take both into account when planning these activities.

Another way to enjoy the area actively is to go horse riding with Les Chevaux du Cap Lévi. Rides range from one hour to a full day. As this is a listed activity with availability to be confirmed, it is advisable to check before you arrive. With hiking trails of different lengths, protected coastal areas and the beach at Anse du Brick, you can tailor your trip to the things that interest you most.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Le Plessis-Lastelle, Brainville, Le Ham, Vengeons, Montgothier, Le Dézert, Urville-Nacqueville, Surville.

For the wider travel overview: Manche.