Small village of Normandy located west of the department of Manche, Saint-Germain-sur-Ay takes place not far from Créances, on the shores of the Channel Sea. This seaside resort of Cotentin faces the Channel Islands of Jersey and Minquiers.
Between savory meadows and aquatic landscapes, the Saint-Germain-sur-Ay commune developed since Prehistory, before being colonized and developed during the northern invasions of the ninth century. Formerly mainly focused on agriculture and fishing, the village was also known for its salt production.
Very marked by the Second World War, and in particular the disembarkation of 6 June 1944, Saint-Germain-sur-Ay has now turned to its architectural heritage. The town is also part of a group of tourist communes with Pirou located not far. Monuments and natural sites are the delight of visitors who come to discover this part of the Cotentin.
The Saint-Germain church, which dates from the 12th century, is listed in the Historic Monuments. In Romanesque style, it recalls the traditional Norman architecture, notably through its absence of monumental door. Inside, for example, you can admire a Madonna and Child of the 15th century and baptismal fonts, classified as Historic Monuments as objects. In the cemetery, next to it, three elements have been classified in the supplementary inventory of the furniture: a calvary, the tomb of the priest Adrien Dugué, resistant, and finally a medieval tomb.
Vauban passed through Saint-Germain-sur-Ay and, in 1669, added a guard corps to his port. In 1945, the site was transformed into a place of meditation and took the name of Notre-Dame du Rosaire. Formerly private, the one that is now known as Notre-Dame du Grapillon is the scene of numerous demonstrations throughout the year, following a procession and a torchlight retreat on 15 August. The building in its entirety has been listed in the Historical Monuments.
Several natural sites around Saint-Germain-sur-Ay allow to appreciate the charms of the surroundings and to make some marked hiking, like the point of the Bench and its beach ideal for swimming and the practice of nautical activities, or harbor.
Offshore, you can admire the Anglo-Norman Archipelago, as well as the rocks of the Dead Women. Do not miss a visit to the old watermill transformed into laundry.
Between July and August, a market takes place on Thursday and Sunday morning. The local market of the place is organized on a Thursday evening in July and a Thursday evening in August.
Fairgrounds are held in the square in July and August. During this period, various shows and other animations are also offered.
Inauguration d'une Stèle à la Mémoire de Jean Goubert
- On 18 june 2024
- Rue de Salnel
- Inauguration of a stele in memory of Jean Goubert, leader of the secret army in La Manche, shot dead by the Germans in his home on June 18,1944 for hiding American paratroopers.
Dessinez le Havre
- On 19 june 2024
- Draw in the heart of nature with artist Aude Mahuzier and learn about landscape sketching during a walk in the harbor of Saint-Germain-sur-Ay.
Bal de la Libération de Saint-Germain-sur-Ay
- On 12 july 2024
- SNSM de Saint-Germain-sur-Ay
- The ball will be reminiscent of the elegance and glamour of the 1940s. Put on your best retro attire and get ready to travel back in time. - Dancing and entertainment : bands will play a selection of themed music, including jazz, swing and period classics. - Food-truck and refreshments : delicious food-trucks and refreshment stands will be on hand. - Closing : the evening will close with a fireworks display on the beach, and will continue to be entertained by a DJ. - We look forward to welcoming you to celebrate the courage of those who shaped our history. - The ball is open to the public from 7pm.
Anniversaire de la Libération de Saint-Germain-sur-Ay
- On 13 july 2024
- Place Bienaimé Lavarde
- Ride in D-Day vehicles and civilian vehicles from the 1940s. - Exhibition on the liberation. - Conference on the liberation of the region. - Fireworks display.
Sortie Nature : Découverte du Havre de Saint-Germain-sur-Ay et Pique-Nique
- On 17 july 2024
- Accompanied by a nature guide and a ewe breeder, come and discover the havre de l'Ay on a 2 km walk. You'll be able to observe the flora and fauna of this exceptional site, between fresh and salt water. The walk will be followed by a convivial picnic. Ages 8 and up. Picnic not provided. Online booking required.
Sortie Nature : Petit Aventurier Dans le Havre
- On 18 july 2024
- Come and discover the flora and fauna of the Havre de l'Ay with your family, thanks to fun activities that appeal to all your senses. This is an exceptional coastal site, between fresh and salt water. Ages 5 and up. Online booking required.
