Anchorage

Beach de Brevy

FranceCotentin

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Shelter: NW, W, SW
Seabed: sand, rock
Anchoring: Allowed

Anchorage off Brevy beach on the eastern tip of the Cotentin, between Barfleur and Saint-Vaast-la-Hougue in Normandy.

Guide

Approach and anchoring

Approach from the E keeping well clear of the Plateau des Equets to the N and the Basse du Renier rocks. Sand and rock bottom, holding fair on sand patches; a tripping line is advisable. Shelter from NW through W to SW; open to the E and NE with short steep sea in wind against tide.

Practical

No services on the beach. Barfleur harbour lies 1.8 NM to the NW, with visitor berths against the quay and tide-dependent access around HW plus or minus 3. Saint-Vaast-la-Hougue marina sits 3.6 NM to the S, with a lock gate opening around HW plus or minus 2h30.

Ashore

Gatteville lighthouse, 75 m high with 365 steps, is 2 km N of the anchorage and open to visitors. GR 223 sentier des douaniers runs along the cliffs between Barfleur and the lighthouse. Oyster beds are visible at low water on the shore towards Saint-Vaast.

History

Gatteville lighthouse was commissioned in 1835 to replace a 1775 tower still standing beside it. Nearby La Hougue and Tatihou towers, built by Vauban after the 1692 naval battle of La Hougue, are inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage list as part of the Vauban fortifications.