Barfleur - One of Normandy's Prettiest Villages

Barfleur is one of seven Normandy villages to have been awarded the status of 'Les Plus Beaux Villages de France'. It is currently the only village in La Manche region to have received this honour. There's a very strict process before a village is even considered. Only around 20% of all applications are accepted to ensure the quality badge means something. Villages that are deemed to be considered beautiful have something that sets them aside from others. Details of the other six beautiful Normandy villages are below.

You might feel a sense of déjà-vu when you visit Barfleur. It’s twinned with Lyme Regis in Dorset in the UK where some of the film The French Lieutenant’s Woman was shot. There’s a sense of familiarity particularly near the lifeboat station and church. A view of the village is depicted in one of the stained glass windows.

The street overlooking the pretty harbour is dotted with restaurants and brasseries serving traditional French fare. Many of them have outdoor seating where you can enjoy the view. Brightly coloured boats bob up and down at high tide or list comically to one side when the harbour empties at low tide.

Head to Rue Thomas Becket for a small range of independent shops and more eateries. The bustling weekly market is held on the quayside on Saturday mornings. In the summer there’s also a Tuesday morning market.

The opposite side of the harbour is where you get a great view of the village. Make your way to ‘rue du 24 juin 1944’. You can park here and walk along the harbour wall. Particularly on a sunny day you’ll see why Barfleur was chosen as one of the prettiest villages.

For more information visit Les Plus Beaux Villages de France website.

The six other Normandy villages considered as 'les plus beaux villages' are:

1. BEUVRON EN AUGE

Situated on the Cider Route in the Pays d'Auge region to the east of Caen this village of half timbered houses is simply delightful.

2. BLANGY-LE-CHATEAU

The village is in Calvados, in the Pays d'Auge region, close to Lisieux and received the designation in July 2024. It is overlooked by wooded hills which explains why so many of the houses, including the oldest once dating back to the 16th century, are timber framed.

3. LE BEC-HELLOUIN

Founded in 1034 and built around the Abbaye Notre-Dame du Bec, Le Bec-Hellouin has a rich religious heritage as well as being in a peaceful setting. It's another village full of half-timbered houses.

4. LYONS-LA-FORÊT

Enjoy this beautiful village with its numerous tea rooms and antique shops. The centre of the village is dominated by a 17th century wooden covered market, used for markets on Thursday, Saturday and Sunday mornings as well as various other events throughout the year.

5. SAINT-CÉNERI-LE-GÉREI

Saint-Céneri-Le-Gérei in the Orne region nestled in the valley of the River Sarthe. The 11th century church and stone bridge can take you back to a bygone time and it easy to see why the village is so loved by artists.

6. VEULES-LES-ROSES

Not only is Veules-les-Roses a most beautiful coastal village it is also famous for being situated on the shortest river in France, La Veules. It’s in the Seine-Maritime department. Victor Hugo used to holiday here and it continues to be a popular tourist destination.