Granville

Granville: Between Land and Sea, an Exceptional Destination

Located on the west coast of the English Channel, Granville is a seaside resort with a unique charm, where history, nature and the sea meet harmoniously. Perched on a rocky promontory, this former corsair city offers spectacular views of the bay of Mont-Saint-Michel and the Chausey Islands. Its maritime atmosphere, rich heritage and beaches make it a must-see destination in Normandy.

A City of History and Heritage

Granville, nicknamed the "Monaco of the North", has a fascinating historic centre. The Upper Town, surrounded by ramparts, bears witness to its military and maritime past. This historic district, whose origins date back to the 15th century under the impetus of the English, is marked by the construction and reconstruction of its fortifications over several centuries. From the 16th century onwards, the town prospered thanks to the Great Fishery in Newfoundland and privateering wars, as evidenced by the many private mansions that line its main streets.

Today, the Upper Town has become an artistic and cultural hotspot, where art galleries and workshops of painters, sculptors and painting restorers have replaced the old craft shops. In addition, restaurants and creperies offer visitors a gourmet stop in this setting full of history.

The Essentials of the Upper Town

• The King's Logis and the Great Gate: This historic site, located above the old drawbridge gate (dating from 1580-1640), once housed the Granville Museum of Art and History (MahG). Although the latter is currently closed for renovation, it was an integral part of the city's maritime and cultural heritage..
• The Church of Notre-Dame du Cap Lihou (1439-1771): Built in Chausey granite, it combines several architectural styles (neo-Romanesque, Gothic and flamboyant Gothic). It houses remarkable stained glass windows made by Jacques Le Chevallier.
• The Zurich-Bazeilles Barracks: A testament to Granville’s military past, it was built in 1752 based on plans inspired by Vauban. Its monumental skylights and chimneys give the building an impressive character.
• The Théâtre de la Haute Ville: Built in 1828 and formerly the Commercial Court until 1994, this small theatre is today a space dedicated to artistic creation and dissemination.
• The North Wall and the Charles VII Promenade: This part of the 15th century fortifications offers a breathtaking view of the Chausey Islands and the Cotentin coast. The Charles VII Promenade allows you to walk along these walls and enjoy the maritime panorama.
• Place Cambernon: At the crossroads of Notre-Dame and Saint-Jean streets, this central square has successively hosted a hydrography school, a fish market and a municipal library. A rehabilitation project aims to install a restaurant there while preserving its architecture.
• Private Mansions: Many remarkable residences dating from the 17th and 18th centuries line the streets of the Upper Town, such as the Hôtel Gannes Destouches (no. 45 rue Saint-Jean), the Hôtel Picquelin (no. 61, built in 1734) and the residence of the Matignons, princes of Monaco (no. 4 rue Notre-Dame).
• The Richard Anacréon Museum of Modern Art: Founded in 1985 thanks to a donation from Richard Anacréon, this museum presents an exceptional collection of paintings and literary works from the 20th century.

A Military and Maritime Heritage

Granville’s strategic position at the northern end of Mont-Saint-Michel Bay made it a key defensive point from the 18th century onwards. Many fortified structures were built there over time, including:

• The fortified ramparts and guardhouse: Witnesses of the ancient coastal defenses.
• The Cannonball Reddening Oven: A military relic used to heat cannonballs for cannons.
• La Batterie du Roc: A group of blockhouses dating from the Second World War, open to the public thanks to the association “Un Été 44 en Normandie”.
• The Resistance Memorial: A sculpture paying tribute to the Free French and the Resistance fighters of the Interior, inaugurated in 2019 by the sculptor Marc Dupard.

Granville: A Maritime and Tourist Destination

In addition to its rich heritage, Granville is a dynamic seaside resort offering numerous activities:

• Beaches and Water Activities: Sand yachting, paddle boarding, swimming and shore fishing punctuate visitors' days.
• The Marina: A meeting place for fishermen and sailors, livened up by seasonal markets and events.
• The Granville Carnival: Listed as a UNESCO intangible heritage site, it attracts thousands of festival-goers every winter.
• The Chausey Islands: Accessible by boat from Granville, this archipelago of 365 islets at low tide offers a heavenly getaway in the heart of unspoiled nature.

A Unique Gastronomic Experience

Seafood is in the spotlight in Granville. Enjoy oysters and mussels from Chausey, fresh fish and Normandy specialties in the many restaurants in the port and town center.

Granville, A Destination Not to be Missed

Whether you are a history buff, a nature enthusiast or looking for a rejuvenating stay by the sea, Granville will charm you. Between cultural discoveries, water sports and gourmet pleasures, this port city has everything to offer an unforgettable experience.

Let yourself be seduced by the authenticity of Granville and set off to discover this jewel of the Channel!

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