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Barfleur
Barfleur (most beautiful villages of Normandy) is 25 kilometres east of Cherbourg on the north-eastern tip of the Cotentin peninsula, Normandy
Tourist Information and places to visit
A little history: Several centuries ago Barfleur was the largest port in Normandy. If you had been passing by in 1066 you might have seen the Normans preparing for the Battle of Hastings; or late in the night of 25th November 1120 perhaps you would have seen the ship carrying Prince William to England strike a rock - causing the death of the heir to the English throne and chaos in the monarchy. The town was burned by Edward III in 1348 and then again during the 15th and 16th centuries. Moving forward to 1692 you might have watched the Battle of Barfleur, a great ship battle that took place just off the coast here.
Barfleur has managed to avoid such major events since, and even tourism hasn't taken its hold to the extent of many of the 'most beautiful villages of France'. It is a very attractive and unspoiled little coastal town and fishing port, worthy of a stop on your way to or from the bustling port of Cherbourg, to watch the tides entering the harbour and smell the ocean.
Barfleur has an attractive and active fishing port, dominated by the Church of St Nicholas and lined with sturdy grey granite houses, each with white shutters to brighten the sombre facades - and some pleasant small beaches nearby in walking distance. The church is interesting, if a little austere, and very attractive. Most of the houses you can now see around the town and port were constructed in the 17th and 18th centuries, when the town was made prosperous by its fishing.
Fishing and mussel and oyster harvesting are still the main activities of the fishermen in the port.
Nearby
About 2 miles to the north is Cape Barfleur, with a lighthouse 233 ft. high ('phare de Gatteville'), one of the highest in France.
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Places to visit - Barfleur
Explore places within about 70 kilometres on a map at Visit Barfleur.
Some of the closer places are listed below (distances from Barfleur are approximate and direct - as the crow flies. Only places listed on the france this way site are shown!)
Tourist Classifications for Barfleur
- Most beautiful villages in France
Information and photos
This travel guide has information, holidays and photos of Barfleur when available. If you have any photos or relevant information please send them to us! Full credit will be given if they are used.
