Houlgate Beach and Villas
A beautiful, clean beach with fine sand, charming huts, and breathtaking sunsets. Perfect for strolls and shell collecting.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, stunning sunsets.
Houlgate Beach and Villas
Best Time
Fewer crowds, stunning sunsets.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A beautiful, clean beach with fine sand, charming huts, and breathtaking sunsets. Perfect for strolls and shell collecting.
"I love this beach it is really clean with fine sand i think it’s a good place for everyone with kids."
Shell Collector's Paradise
Bring containers for collecting shells and other treasures found on the beach. :shell:
Check Swimming Advisories
Swimming may be restricted; always check local notices before entering the water. :warning:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Long, Sandy Shore
Houlgate Beach
Expansive, clean beach with fine sand, perfect for strolls and shell hunting. :shell:
Quirky Beach Huts
Houlgate Beach
Charming and unique beach huts add character to the picturesque coastline. :housewithgarden:
Spectacular Sunsets
Houlgate Beach
Witness breathtaking sunsets painting the sky over the ocean. A photographer's dream. :sunset:
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
August Beach Bliss (with a Caveat)
Shells, Sunsets & Playgrounds
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Need help. There are so many dazzling looking places in Normandy its overwhelming. Recommendations?
Shell Collector's Paradise
Bring containers for collecting shells and other treasures found on the beach. :shell:
Check Swimming Advisories
Swimming may be restricted; always check local notices before entering the water. :warning:
One-week France itinerary – Paris, Mont Saint-Michel, and romantic ideas in between (no car)
Family Fun Zone
Enjoy the free playground, perfect for keeping kids entertained. :child:
Parking & Facilities
Parking, public toilets, and cafes are conveniently located nearby. :parking: :toilet:
Tips
from all over the internet
Shell Collector's Paradise
Bring containers for collecting shells and other treasures found on the beach. :shell:
Check Swimming Advisories
Swimming may be restricted; always check local notices before entering the water. :warning:
Family Fun Zone
Enjoy the free playground, perfect for keeping kids entertained. :child:
Parking & Facilities
Parking, public toilets, and cafes are conveniently located nearby. :parking: :toilet:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Houlgate Beach is widely praised for its beautiful, clean, and expansive sandy shores, complemented by charming beach huts and stunning sunsets. While it offers great amenities like playgrounds and toilets, visitors should be aware that swimming may be restricted due to sea conditions. It's a highly recommended spot for relaxation, shell collecting, and family fun.
"It's a beautiful beach. Definitely will come back again. Just prepare some empty container if your fan of harvesting shells and others.. I actually didn't find the shower though but it has 2 public toilets in different area and it has free playground for kids.."
Faisah Yusof
"Beautiful long beach, lots to see and do. Houlgate is a lovely place to visit, clean , tidy and flowers everywhere. Loved this place. Beach huts were very quirky."
perry land
"clean
there is shower and toilet
but swimming is not allowed , at the moment you put your feet in the water they come to kick you out ."
Bonga Donga
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Houlgate is a scenic drive from both Honfleur and Bayeux. Renting a car is highly recommended for exploring Normandy. The journey typically takes around 1-1.5 hours by car, offering beautiful countryside views along the way. :car:
While public transport options exist, they can be less frequent and more time-consuming than driving. It's best to check local bus schedules if you're not using a car. :bus:
There are parking areas available near the beach, though they can fill up during peak season. Arriving early is advisable. :parking:
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Houlgate Beach is a public beach and does not have an entrance fee. Enjoy the natural beauty for free! :moneywithwings:
Houlgate Beach is accessible at all times, though facilities like toilets and cafes will have their own operating hours. :clock:
Specific dog restrictions can vary by season. It's always best to check local signage or council websites for the most up-to-date information regarding pets on the beach. :dog:
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Swimming can be restricted at Houlgate Beach due to strong currents. Lifeguards may be present during peak season, but always heed local warnings and advisories before entering the water. :warning:
Yes, public toilets are available in different areas of the beach, and some reviews mention showers. :shower:
Houlgate Beach features a free playground, making it a great spot for families with children. The fine sand is also perfect for sandcastle building. :child:
Absolutely! Houlgate Beach is known for its abundance of shells, making it a popular spot for collectors. Bring containers to take your finds home. :shell:
The beach huts at Houlgate are described as quirky and add a unique charm to the landscape. They are a picturesque feature of the coastline. :housewithgarden:
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there are cafes located near the beach, offering refreshments and snacks for visitors. :coffee:
Picnics are welcome on Houlgate Beach. It's a lovely spot to enjoy a meal with a view of the sea. Remember to clean up after yourself. :sandwich:
📸 📸 Photography
The golden hours, especially during sunset, offer spectacular light for photography. The unique beach huts also make for interesting shots. :camera:
The combination of the long, sandy beach, the charming beach huts, and the dramatic sunsets creates a highly photogenic scene. :camerawithflash:
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
📸 Photographers & Sunset Chasers
🚶♀️ Beachcombers & Strollers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating Normandy's Coastline
August is a popular month to visit Normandy, meaning Houlgate Beach can get busy. Visitors often highlight the beach's cleanliness and fine sand, making it ideal for long walks and family outings. However, a crucial piece of advice from recent visitors is to be aware of potential swimming restrictions. The sea conditions can be dynamic, and authorities may prohibit swimming for safety reasons. Always check local signage or ask for information from beach patrols if available.
Beyond the beach itself, Houlgate offers amenities like public toilets and a playground, enhancing its appeal for families. The unique, quirky beach huts are a visual delight and a popular subject for photos. For those who enjoy beachcombing, the shore is rich with shells, so bringing containers is a practical tip. The sunsets here are frequently praised as exceptionally beautiful, providing a magical end to the day.
The Houlgate Beach Experience: Beyond the Sand
One aspect that stands out is the quirky beach huts that dot the shoreline, adding a unique visual charm to the landscape. For those who love collecting souvenirs from nature, the beach is a treasure trove of shells, prompting advice to bring containers. The sunsets at Houlgate are consistently described as extremely beautiful, offering a breathtaking spectacle for all who witness them.
While the beach offers many pleasures, it's important to note that swimming may be restricted. Visitors have reported being asked to leave the water, indicating that safety is a priority. This means Houlgate is perhaps best enjoyed for its scenic beauty, leisurely walks, and shell collecting rather than for swimming adventures.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit