Castles & Sea of the Manche
The western Cotentin coast on the way down to the bay: the fortress of Pirou with its Norman embroidery, the romantic ruins of Gratot, then Granville's privateer Upper Town and the Christian Dior garden.
Suggested timings
Indicative timings for a 9:00am start by car, lunch break included. Adjust them to each site's opening hours.
- Drive18 min • 19 km
- Drive33 min • 34 kmLunch break • 60 min
- 1
Stop 01 • Pirou (Manche)09:00 – 10:30Visit 1h30Château de Pirou
One of Normandy's oldest fortresses, set on a lake.
Visit → - 2Stop 02 • Gratot (Manche)10:48 – 12:18Visit 1h30Drive 18 min
Château de Gratot
Romantic ruins of a moated medieval manor.
Visit → - 3Stop 03 • Granville13:51 – 15:21Visit 1h30Drive 33 min
Granville – Upper Town & sea
Privateer town on its headland: ramparts, aquarium and the Dior garden.
Visit →
Practical tips
Set off around 9:00am: most sites open between 9:00 and 10:00 and crowds are still light early on.
Book museums and guided tours online, especially from June to September and during school holidays.
Walking shoes, a windproof layer and water: much of the route is outdoors and often exposed.
Check the tidal coefficient: spring tides flood the causeway approach and make the bay dangerous outside a guided crossing.
Park at the dam car park, then take the free shuttle (about 12 min) or walk 35 min along the causeway.
Visit the abbey at opening time or late afternoon: the Grande Rue is packed between 11:00 and 16:00.
Over 350 steps and slippery cobbles: closed shoes recommended, strollers not advised.