Maison Saint Nicolas

About this property

Follow the footsteps of Victor Hugo and Paul Signac as you stay on the quayside in the heart of Barfleur, one of France’s ‘Plus Beaux Villages’, located on La Manche’s Cotentin peninsula.

Sleeping up to 7 guests, this authentic 4-bedroom townhouse has remained in the same family for generations since the 18th century – it used to be the owner’s childhood holiday home. Completely renovated yet retaining historic charm, it was originally a fisherman’s house - just the harbourfront road separates you and the waterfront. Barfleur’s beach is less than 100m away – reap the many health benefits of the salty sea air.

Listen to the church bells chime as you enjoy your morning coffee overlooking the harbour and gather for delicious evening meals using produce picked up from the twice-weekly market only 200m away. This area is loved for its seasonal mussels, crab, lobster, cheese, butter, cream and cider of course.

Admire Barfleur’s beautiful light that has inspired artists over the years as you stroll along the quayside in this traditional Normandy fishing port, soaking up the bustling yet authentic ambience with narrow lanes, granite houses and glorious views. Stop off at Café de la France for a typical French lunch of moules-frites and a glass of wine, before wandering to the rocky beach where you can catch a glimpse of France’s second highest lighthouse in the distance (a coastal walking trail will lead you there).



Elsewhere, experience the Cotentin peninsula’s wild beaches with sailing, sand-yachting and coastal walks. Try oysters in the pretty fishing village of Saint-Vaast-la-Hougue, just 10 minutes away by car, and take the amphibious boat across to Tatihou Island during low tide.

Appreciate the wild beauty of the coastline around La Hague, embrace the charm of Barneville-Carteret and visit Cherbourg, home to La Cité de la Mer with its fascinating exhibitions, submarine and aquarium. Furthermore, the D-Day landing beaches of Utah and Omaha are easily reached whilst the famous Bayeux tapestry is just a 90-minute drive away in this captivating part of Normandy.

On the Cotentin peninsula, half an hour from Cherbourg’s ferry port, Maison Saint Nicolas is located in the authentic fishing port of Barfleur, officially classified as one of France’s ‘Plus Beaux Villages’.

Once a fisherman’s house, this 4-bedroom townhouse is located next to a 17th century church with regular chiming bells. You are right on the quayside here – only the road in front of the house separates you from the harbourfront. It’s wonderful to be able to step out of the front door and stroll by the water with such glorious scenery. Just 100m away is the beach where you can breathe in the highly iodised sea air, reaping its many health benefits.

Wander to cafes and restaurants along the quayside including the atmospheric Café de la France which serves wild harvested moules de Barfleur when in season. The twice-weekly market takes place 200m away showcasing delicious regional produce such as crab, lobsters, cream, butter, cheese, vegetables, fruit, cider and so much more. The village is home to shops, restaurants, a small supermarket and everything you should need.

Bike hire can be arranged in the village and keen walkers note there are some fantastic routes from the village including a beautiful path to Le Phare de Gatteville, France’s second tallest lighthouse, part of Le Manche’s GR223 coastal hiking trail.

To the south, Saint-Vaast-la-Hougue (11km) is another picturesque town with old houses, an attractive marina and excellent restaurants by the port serving oysters when in season. It is also home to the Vauban Tower, a unesco World Heritage site reached on foot. An amphibious boat drives past the oyster beds towards Tatihou Island in low tide.

The maritime town of Cherbourg (28km) is a fantastic day out – don’t miss La Cité de la Mer museum and aquarium. Meanwhile, a wealth of historic sites connected to wwii await across the area as well as Quinéville’s World War II Museum (20km) and the Utah Beach Landing Museum (35km). A little further afield, the famous D-Day Landing Beaches of Arromanches-les-Bains (100km) and Omaha (80km) can be reached within a 90-minute drive.

Accommodation

Townhouse Interiors (with steep stairs)

-    Lounge and dining area
-    Kitchen, well-equipped
-    3 x bedrooms with double bed
-    Bedroom with large single/small double bed
-    4 x bath/shower rooms (two en suite)