Anchorage

Havre de la Vanlée

Shelter: NW, N, NE, W, E, SW, S, SE
Seabed: sand
Anchoring: Allowed

Drying tidal estuary on the west coast of the Cotentin peninsula, between Bréville-sur-Mer and Bricqueville-sur-Mer, north of Granville.

Mooring buoys
Visitor buoys

Guide

Approach and anchoring

Entry strictly on a rising tide, two hours either side of high water, with sufficient rise for draught. Bottom of sand throughout. The havre dries completely at low water, boats take the ground. Bar at the entrance shifts with winter storms, follow local buoyage and seek recent local advice before first entry. Tidal range up to 13 m at springs, among the highest in Europe.

Practical

9 moorings laid inside the havre. No services. Granville 6.2 nm to the south for the fully serviced Hérel marina with lock.

Ashore

Dunes of Bréville, a classified Natura 2000 site along the havre. Mussel and oyster farms of the Baie de Chausey visible offshore. Coastal footpath GR 223 along the dune ridge.

History

The havre has been used by local boats for mussel and oyster farming since the 19th century, with wooden bouchots still in use on the foreshore.

Key facts

Type: Anchorage
Coordinates: 48.93129, -1.54608 (48°55.88'N 1°32.76'W)
Country: France
Shelter: Sheltered from north-west, north, north-east, west, east, south-west, south, south-east winds
Seabed: sand
Anchoring: Allowed
Phone: +33645766225
Services: Mooring buoys, Visitor buoys
Updated: July 7, 2026