Located in the Normandy region, the department of Calvados is hauled in on the side of the boat by the English Channel to the north. The islands of the United Kingdom and the Channel Islands are therefore within easy reach thanks to a yacht charter in Calvados. The coastline has many marinas, in this case the port of Caen, which is dominated by the castle of William the Conqueror and is home to pubs, restaurants and shops of all kinds. Going up the canal that leads to Ouistreham, you will discover historic sites such as Pegasus Bridge and the castle of Bénouville.
On entering the port of Ouistreham, the immensity of this mooring point with a capacity of more than 600 ships is impressive. It is the point of departure for the beaches of the Côte de Nacre and its casinos. In the port of Courseulles-sur-Mer, the setting and the atmosphere are completely different, as it is a lively fishing port. You will moor close to several seafood restaurants that serve the daily catch of local fishermen. To find beaches suitable for relaxing and swimming, you will need to head for the D-Day landing beach and Arromanches.
What does the Calvados coastline have in store for you?
Sandy beaches, magnificent villas and delightful, renowned seaside resorts guarantee you an unforgettable vacation with your family, as a couple or with friends. Stretching over almost 120 km, from Honfleur to Isigny, the Calvados coast comprises three sectors. Around Deauville lies the famous Côte Fleurie, halfway between the Orne and Touques estuaries. You will find magnificent fine sandy beaches there, such as the Plage Centrale in Cabourg, known as the most beautiful on the Côte Fleurie. It hosts major cultural and tourist events after the summer.
The Côte de Nacre, on the other hand, occupies the suburbs of Caen and has a more family-oriented and authentic character. Here you can veer towards various water sports such as sailing and kayaking on Riva Bella beach in Ouistreham, or even kitesurfing on the beach at Saint-Aubin-sur-Mer, considered the largest sandy beach in the Seine-Maritime department. The Bessin coast, stretching between Ouistreham and Isigny-sur-Mer, has a much more rugged coastline, adorned with high, steep cliffs, and offers a brief historical aside on the D-Day beaches.
And inland?
inland, sandy beaches and azure seas give way to a bucolic and picturesque environment that invites you to go hiking. Dreamy walks leading to peaceful villages steeped in history. You leave the customs officers' path along the bay of Mont-Saint-Michel to discover the orchards in bloom, by foot or by bike, leading to the town of Avranches.
In Calvados, you can discover the many faces of the commune of Trouville on a hike between the sea and the mountains. The Normandy countryside unfolds in the hinterland, offering walkers a moment of peace and quiet.
Good to know
| Number of boats available | 61 |
|---|---|
| Types of service | Skipper, Hostess |
| Average price per week | $2,214 |
| Minimum weekly price | $496 |
| Maximum price per week | $10,349 |