Discover Hauteville-sur-Mer via its seaside paths and maritime heritage: the Promenade Louis Cirée is used for walks, while La Maillard is a distinctive wooden fish trap. The Chapelle de la Plage and the Église de la Vierge Marie en son Assomption also have different architectural histories. When planning your stay, consider whether coastal paths, water sports or historic buildings will shape your visit.
Coastal paths and seasonally supervised beaches
The Promenade Louis Cirée is named after the architect Louis Cirée, considered the founder of the seaside resort of Hauteville-sur-Mer. It is used for walks by the sea, and hiking routes run along the promenade. These routes offer views of the Chausey Islands, Jersey and the upper town of Granville. Dolphins can occasionally be seen swimming a few dozen metres away.
The coast of Hauteville-sur-Mer and the neighbouring communes includes large beaches that are supervised seasonally. This offers different ways to enjoy the coast: paths for walks and hikes, as well as beaches that are supervised only during certain seasons. If you are planning a beach visit, bear this seasonal limitation in mind.
La Maillard: a wooden fish weir
La Maillard is considered an exceptional piece of wooden maritime heritage. Of the five wooden fisheries still in operation in Europe, it is the only one open to visitors. It is still operated by the Lepeu family; as its operating status may change, it is advisable to check locally before visiting.
At low tide, the structure serves as a V-shaped wooden fish trap. Two 500-metre-long wooden stakes, known as pannes, form the V on the beach. The tourist office organises visits and guided walks to the fishery; it is also possible to arrive by horse-drawn carriage. Visit times may vary, so check with the tourist office in advance.
Chapel and church: different architectural histories
The Chapelle de la Plage in Hauteville-sur-Mer was completed in 1960 and consecrated in 1961. The choir contains stained-glass windows donated by Father Roger Picque. The chapel also houses the ex-voto La Croix du Sud, donated in 2017 by the Association Mini Bac Coutançais and the SNSM of Hauteville-sur-Mer.
A later architectural change defines the Église de la Vierge Marie en son Assomption: in 1905, the former tower and saddleback-roof bell tower were replaced by the present bell tower. The church's stained-glass windows were created by the glass artist Gabriel Loire of Chartres. While the chapel's completion, consecration and donations mark important dates, the church is notable for its 1905 renovation and stained glass.
Plan water sports around the dates
A notice published on 12 June 2025 announced that the Association Nautique Hautaise would offer catamaran sailing in 2025 for young people aged twelve and over, for leisure or sport. Training for independent sailing was planned for adults of all levels. As these details relate to an announcement for 2025, check with the Association for the current status before making a course a firm part of your plans.
Use activities to guide your holiday rental search
When looking for a holiday rental, it helps to decide in advance what matters most to you. If coastal walks and views are important, consider the promenade and hiking routes. If you are interested in maritime crafts, ask about visits to La Maillard. For architectural history, the chapel and church offer different points of interest: from the donations and dates associated with the Chapelle de la Plage to the church's bell tower renovation and stained-glass windows.
Discover more destinations: Saint-Floxel, Saint-Pierre-D'arthéglise, La Mouche, Saint-Patrice-De-Claids, Saint-Samson-de-Bonfossé, Beaubigny, Brix, La Barre-De-Semilly
Return to the main travel overview: Manche.
