When you think of Normandy, chances are your mind wanders to the enchanting Mont Saint-Michel or luxury beach town, Deauville. But many travellers don’t think of venturing into the small villages that dot the coast.
I stumbled upon Barfleur by accident. A woman we met in Normandy told us that it was ranked third most beautiful village in France (this may have been a proud local’s bias, but now I just had to see it for myself!).
Barfleur, a village with just under 650 inhabitants, is located at the tip of the French Hexagon (la Manche) in Lower Normandy, just south of the UK (east of Cherbourg, in between the Mont Saint-Michel and Le Havre).
We begin by walking past the harbour to enter the main portion of the coastal town. On our way to the shore, we spot an open air market that has attracted most of the town’s idlers that day.
We pass an array of fresh fruits and vegetable stands, as well as an apple cider stand manned by an upbeat and persuasive woman. After sampling some cider and apple juice, she even convinces us to have a taste of their Calvados.
We then try camembert and comté from the cheese truck right behind us named Le Spécialiste du Fromage Agon-Coutainville. Needless to say, the French never cease to amaze me with their cheese skills.
The port, which overlooks the English Channel, is where I begin to understand why this fishermen’s village is renowned. I’ll let the following photos speak for themselves!
According to another local, a young boy jumping from one rock to another, the tide rises and covers the entire pathway at precisely 5:03 pm (yes, at 5:03 pm – locals know their stuff!).
As predicted, some pathways are already covered by mid-afternoon as several rocks are engulfed by turquoise waves that violently hit the shore.
Have you visited Barfleur? What’s your favourite off the beaten path village in France? Let me know in the comments below!
Wow, the town is gorgeous! Also, I love the idea of a cheese-mobile. Oh, France, you slay me!
I know, right? Only in France 🙂
These photos are just gorgeous…and it makes me want to go exploring there right now!
They definitely inspire a great deal of wanderlust!
I love the idea of a cheese truck, how cool is that! The town is stunning! x
I know! It caught my eye instantly.
What a lovely little town – Amazing pictures as well.
Thank you! It really is a lovely town.
Looks like a really cool village! I’d love to get to that area soon! And great photos 🙂
Thanks! It’s definitely worth the visit 🙂
I feel like I’ve mentioned this before, but I honestly love your pictures so much. You are a very talented photographer.
Thank you for the kind words! I only recently began practicing my photography so your comment is encouraging 🙂
Wow looks amazing…. those pics by the water are absolutely gorgeous! Never been to France… maybe one day!!!???
Thank you! It’s definitely worth a visit 🙂
A cheese truck? I have died and gone to heaven! This place looks amazing.
Yup! That’s my idea of heaven as well 😀
Such a gorgeous area! Absolutely love your photos.
Thank you!
You have captured the vibe of the place so beautifully.. Loved your images..
I missed Normandy when I was in France http://europe.iamvagabond.com
I will have to plan a trip again …
Thank you! It’s such a lovely part of France…one of my favourites 🙂