Saint Vaast La Hougue and Port En Bassin, Normandy, France

In the amazing region of Normandy France, some minutes outside of Cherbourg is the small town of Saint Vaast la Hougue . With its UNESCO ties, oyster farms,rich Viking history, it is designated as the 3rd fishing port of the English Channel. Saint Vaast’s prime location makes it the idicllic place to spend a weekend or a week due to its location and proximity to Omaha, Utah and other prominent WWII landing Beaches ,aramanches, war memorial and nearby museums. As a pleasure port and fishing port it gets many visitors in the high season. While here, be sure to book a seat on the amphibious boat for short ride over to ile de tatihou, a UNESCO site . There are also a few nice restaurants and some local souvenir shops and cafes.

Following the coast south, an equally delightful and only a short drive from Saint Vaast is the port town of Port En Bassin. According to their website, this one of the first artisanal fishing ports in Normandy. This village is know for it’s port is also equally famous for it’s scallops. If you have a sail boat you can sail into the lock inside the inner part of the port, park your boat, book into the local bed and breakfast or hotel and in minutes walk from the port to local cafes, bakeries and shops. This is another small village not to be missed. It is also close to D-Day museums and historic Beaches and is a wonderful place to go fishing, eating some fresh seafood, hunting for shells or simply relaxing and having your beverage of choice. There are many English speakers here as this seem to be a popular place with the British.

A wonderful way to see France is by car, converted car, camping car or by motorcycle, and good way of stocking up on local produce for your trip is a visit to the local supermarket or outdoor market. As a way of life in france most villages have outdoor market days, as did these two villages during my visit. Many, if not most will have an outside market day once a week if not on the weekend, so get out and enjoy the ambiance,the walk and interactions. Products range from fresh produce from local farms and cheeses to sausages and ham as well as non produce items such as antiques, clothes and collectibles. Do not forget to bring your reusable shopping bag ,local currency in small coins and bills. And of course don’t forget a little French language goes a long way with international relations

As you enjoy your vacation and follow the winding roads jutting around the coast , in and thru the small farm villages you may find yourself getting forever charmed by he French countryside never wanting to go home again.