Gouville-sur-Mer is a village on the western coast of the Cotentin peninsula in the Manche department in the Normandy region, 12 km north-west of Coutances and 40 km west of Saint-Lô.
The present commune is the fruit of two mergers: in 1795, Gouville first absorbed the villages of Linverville and Montcarville and on January 1, 2016, it merged with Boisroger, a small village of about 220 inhabitants.
Gouville-sur-Mer now counts nearly 2,300 inhabitants.
Situated opposite the Channel Islands of Jersey and Guernsey, it is a seaside resort with a family character. But alongside tourism, agriculture and especially oyster farming remain the mainstays of the local economy. Gouville-sur-Mer prides itself on being "the capital of the oyster of open sea". Recently, sea urchin farms have also been initiated.
Besides its 6 km beach and its built heritage, visitors and tourists will also appreciate Gouville-sur-Mer for its unspoilt natural environment.
Consisting of several ancient communes and therefore parishes, Gouville-sur-Mer has a built heritage of religious quality.
Starting with its three churches whose foundations go back to the 11th and 12th centuries.
One can thus visit the church classified Saint-Malo de Gouville (XIVth), Norman Romanesque style, which houses sculptures of the 15th. Inside the church of Montcarville (XVIth), one will be interested in various objects and classified works, like the high altar, the reliquary or several statues (XVIth). Also worth seeing is the church of Saint-Nicolas (12th) in Boisroger.
On the coast, a Vauban cabin dating from 1744, a guard post to watch the sea, built of schist and granite, was restored. The customs officers also used it.
To see also, in term of civil heritage, the mill of Gouville which has been renovated and works again. Guided tour by the miller in person from Wednesday to Sunday. 2,50 € per person. For further information: +33 7 89 61 69 76.
In a different genre, a legacy of the industrial history of the region once famous for the weaving of wool, the building of La Filature, erected in 1829, is now an exhibition site.
On the sea side, one observes in the commune tides among the strongest in Europe; This makes this vast expanse the largest space discovered during great tides after the bay of Mont-Saint-Michel. An element conducive to the cultivation of oysters of open sea. There are 230 hectares devoted to this activity in Gouville-sur-Mer. This gives rise to a unique tourist offer: the visit of the parks in horse-drawn carriages. A tasting is planned at the end of the walk... Booking and information on +33 2 33 47 84 33.
At low tide, you will not forget the lighthouse of Sénéquet, built in 1857 at about 4 km from the beach. The site is accessible, but it is prudent to learn about the schedules of the tides...
On the beach side, you will appreciate the colorful cabins dating from the beginning of the 20th century, during the rise of the sea baths. Preserved and protected, they mark the dunes.
On the beach itself, besides the idleness (more than 6 km of sand!), One can practice the Skimboard (surf) in July and August. Initiation from 7 years. Information and reservations on +33 2 33 47 84 33.
The sand yacht is also popular. Contact the hotel on +33 2 33 47 82 76.
For fishing or sailing enthusiasts, please contact us on +33 2 33 47 82 76.
In the village, tennis courts are accessible: please call +33 6 71 88 51 95 or +33 6 08 55 15 02.
Another possible activity: in the center of the Golden Sands, in July August, aquagym lessons from Monday to Friday, from 9:30 to 10:15 and from 10:30 to 11:15. Information on +33 2 33 47 84 33.
Finally, over 30 km of hiking trails are accessible on foot, by bike or even on horseback. The roads are marked out on the whole of the municipal territory. Information on +33 2 33 47 84 33.
For horse riding, it is possible to contact the equestrian center in +33 6 08 70 14 27 and to rent bicycles, please call +33 2 33 45 92 29.
One can discover the riches of the local terroir on the market, place of the church, Monday and Friday morning in summer and Friday only out of season.
The Sunday before the national holiday of 14 July, the Feast of the Sea, on the beach, program fairgrounds, shows, balls and fireworks.
The third weekend of July is the turn of the festival of cabins (on the dunes) to propose folkloric and gourmet animations.
Finally, at the end of July, the Moulin festival attracts a large audience: fun activities, country meals, sound and light show.
Stage Équestre
- From 6 april to 6 may 2024
- 35 Rue de Bel Air
- Equestrian course at Les Cavaliers de Bel Air riding center in Gouville-sur-Mer.
Exposition "Dis-moi dix Mots sur le Podium"
- From 19 april to 11 may 2024
- 6 Route de Coutances, Bibliothèque
- Dis-moi dix mots sur le podium" exhibition.
Atelier-Bricolage "Têtes à Pousser"
- On 24 april 2024
- 6 Route de Coutances, Bibliothèque
- Têtes à pousser" DIY workshop.
Attelages des Grandes Marées
- On 24 april 2024
- Place René K'Dual
- Visit the oyster beds and mussel farms in horse-drawn carriages. Discover an exceptional natural heritage and the know-how of the men. Tasting of oysters with a glass of white wine.
Cours Modelage Enfants
- On 25 april 2024
- 2 Rue du Bord du Moulin, numéro 2b
- Modeling classes for children.
Attelages des Grandes Marées
- On 27 april 2024
- Place René K'Dual
- Visit the oyster beds and mussel farms in horse-drawn carriages. Discover an exceptional natural heritage and the know-how of the men. Tasting of oysters with a glass of white wine.
Atelier Peinture sur Céramique
- On 27 april 2024
- 2 Rue du Bord du Moulin, numéro 2b
- Ceramic painting workshop.
Tournoi "Les Étoiles Gouvillaises"
- On 28 april 2024
- Route de Coutances, Stade Denis Guérin
- Les Étoiles Gouvillaises" tournament by ES Gouville at Stade Denis Guérin and La Filature in Gouville-sur-Mer.
Attelages des Grandes Marées
- On 28 april 2024
- Place René K'Dual
- Visit the oyster beds and mussel farms in horse-drawn carriages. Discover an exceptional natural heritage and the know-how of the men. Tasting of oysters with a glass of white wine.
Atelier d'Initiation au Modelage : Création d'un Porte-Savon + Gobelet
- On 29 april 2024
- 2 Rue du Bord du Moulin, numéro 2b
- Introductory modeling workshop : creation of a soap dish + tumbler.
