Villerville between the beach and local history

Explore Villerville through its coastline, paths and local history. At the beach, sand and low tide determine access; in Parc des Graves, you’ll find walking paths, natural features and park facilities. There is also a coastal path, as well as traces of film and architectural history. These different highlights can help you choose what to see in Villerville based on what matters to you on your trip.

Beach and cliffs along the coast

Villerville’s sandy beach stretches for several kilometres towards Honfleur. It is accessible only at low tide, so the tides are a key factor when visiting the beach. In the Les Bains section, a promenade runs alongside a long sandy beach. If you descend to the foot of the Roches-Noires cliffs, make sure the incoming tide won’t block your way back.

The Roches Noires–Pointe du Heurt clay and limestone cliffs lie between Villerville and Trouville. They form a 125-hectare sensitive natural area, which also includes Parc des Graves. This stretch of coast brings together named landscape features and a natural area, of which the park is a part.

Paths and nature in Parc des Graves

Parc des Graves has a total of 800 metres of footpaths, benches, a playground and picnic tables. Wild plant species are also part of the park, along with ponds where ducks and coots can be found. Individual wildlife sightings may vary. The park’s features range from short paths and places to sit to its ponds and wildlife.

A two-kilometre coastal path connects Parc des Graves with Hameau du Grand Bec, on top of the cliffs. The two distances refer to different routes: the park’s 800 metres of footpaths are distinct from the two-kilometre path between the park and the hamlet. This distinction can help you keep the stated distances in mind when planning, rather than treating them as a single route.

Film history and historical walks

Much of the film “Un Singe en Hiver” was shot in Villerville in 1962. The Church of Notre-Dame de l’Assomption has a saddleback roof tower dating from the 12th century, typical of Romanesque art. Film and architecture thus offer two different ways to explore local history: through a work filmed there and a distinctive architectural feature.

The “Sur les pas de Valère Lefebvre” walk passes through Parc des Graves and along Villerville’s seafront promenade. It features seven panels based on engravings by Valère Lefebvre from the late 19th century. The panels depict former coastal life, including mussel beds, the Guideau fishery and Villerville’s “Plattes”. This walk focuses on the history of coastal life and its local examples.

Discover more destinations: Manerbe, Jurques, Danestal, Le Vey, Firfol, Saint-Contest, Osmanville, Campigny.

For the wider travel overview: Calvados.