July 2024
A 6 month old puppy on the "côte de nacre"
For this weekend of French National Day, we decide to head to Normandy. We target to see the D-Day landing beaches. We wanted to introduce Vaika to the sea and the sand. But above all, we have to admit, we wanted to admire her running in total freedom.
A weekend full of emotions with a first time on a bicycle and sprints with ears in the wind!
We tell you all about this first sea bath.
Summary
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Accommodation and
logistics
Cargo biking
with a puppy
Cargo biking
with a puppy
Accommodation and
logistics
A greyhound on the
D-Day Beaches
Accommodation and
logistics
Accommodation and logistics
Vaika was only six months old at the time of the trip, so we opted for a car and an Airbnb accommodation . Courseulles sur Mer is a 3-hour drive from Paris, mostly by motorway. We are leaving from Friday evening to Sunday afternoon.
It is the period of July 14th but there are no crowds on the roads. Vaika is well-behaved in the car. We took care to buy her a harness attached to a seat belt. This is mandatory but also ensures the safety of the dog in the event of sudden braking.
Cargo Biking with a Puppy
We rent our two electric bikes including a cargo bike. This is a first for us and for Vaika. The cargo bike, once mastered, especially when cornering, is quite pleasant to use. The electric assistance really helps, even if the height difference is rather small.
Tip: the cargo bike was in "children's" configuration. The cargo ship therefore had a small seat, rather hard and which took up quite a bit of space. I think it wasn't the most comfortable setup for Vaika. Fortunately she was still little. It's good to check this before renting a bike.
Tip #2: To prevent her from jumping out of the trailer, we attached her with 3 leashes in different places. Once again: system D not the most practical. Luckily Vaika is a pretty calm puppy! Our advice is to be well equipped to secure the dog inside the cargo.
There are good cycle paths along the seaside: it's magnificent and we're lucky because we have beautiful sunshine. We drove to Luc-sur-mer then continued a little on the greenway leading to Caen.
Address of Bike rental: Juno velo.
A greyhound on the sandy beaches
One of the reasons we went to Normandy was to introduce Vaika to the sea. Imagine our joy when we untied her and watched her dash down the beach. Vaika was in her element and showed her running skills. The seagulls, the seaweed, the shells: everything interested her and you could clearly see the joy on her face.
Beaches are not allowed in high season but we took advantage of the morning when tolerance was required.
Rather than a long speech, here are the photos of our beauty queen:
A greyhound on the sandy beaches
For our last day in the Cotentin, we wanted a more leisurely hike, starting from our accommodation. So we chose a loop around Port-Bail-sur-Mer , which turned out to be a very pleasant discovery.
The route begins in the Lindbergh dunes, a vast natural area where you alternate between sandy paths, marram grass, and views of the beach. The atmosphere is particularly peaceful, with the sound of the waves in the background and very few people, even in the middle of July.
The hike then leaves the coastline to cross the Normandy countryside. We walked alongside several vegetable fields, typical of this part of the Cotentin peninsula, before gradually reaching the Port-Bail harbor. This is undoubtedly the most pleasant part of the hike. The harbor is a remarkable natural area where the sea, salt marshes, and dunes meet. Depending on the tide, the landscape changes completely, offering magnificent views of the harbor's meanders and the birds that find refuge there. The atmosphere is incredibly calm and peaceful. The path was practically deserted when we were there.
This allowed us to let Vaïka roam off-leash for a large part of the route, safely and without bothering anyone. It's a real joy to be able to enjoy such spaces when traveling with your dog.
The end of the loop is a bit more challenging than it looks. A long section is directly in the sand, where you sink in slightly with each step.
Nothing technically difficult, but your calves will definitely get a workout! Make sure you have good shoes and some energy to complete the hike. Ultimately, this loop is an excellent alternative if you're staying in Port-Bail-sur-Mer. Less spectacular than the Nez de Jobourg, it nevertheless offers a beautiful diversity of landscapes, great tranquility, and plenty of space where a dog can fully enjoy the walk. We highly recommend it for a half-day of exploration starting from Port-Bail.
A greyhound on the sandy beaches
Among the delightful surprises of our stay, we particularly enjoyed the visit to the Théo Capelle Cider House. If you're spending a few days in the Cotentin region, we highly recommend setting aside an hour and a half for your visit. At just €3 per adult, it's probably one of the best value-for-money activities in the area. Just remember to book your tour on the cider house's website.
The first thing that immediately appealed to us was that dogs are welcome throughout the entire visit. Not just in the shop, but really all the way around. Vaïka accompanied us from beginning to end, which is rare enough to be worth mentioning.
The visit begins with a 30-minute video presentation retracing the history of this family farm and the work carried out throughout the year in the Cotentin orchards. Visitors discover the expertise passed down through generations, the different apple varieties cultivated, and the specific characteristics of the terroir that have allowed Cotentin cider to obtain its Protected Designation of Origin (PDO).
Next, we toured the cellars and production facilities. The atmosphere was incredible. Between the enormous aging barrels and the explanations about cider and Calvados production, we understood all the work that goes into each bottle. A word of warning: the "angels' share" is definitely present! The alcohol vapors that naturally escape from the barrels are concentrated enough that you quickly feel their effects… it's almost dizzying!
The visit concludes with a tasting of the house's various products: several ciders, apple juice, pommeau, Calvados, and other cider specialties. Those who don't drink alcohol are not forgotten, with an absolutely delicious 100% pure apple juice.
Another delightful moment: Vaïka met the two Cotentin donkeys living on the property. This amusing and unexpected encounter greatly enhanced the charm of the visit.
Obviously, it was impossible to leave empty-handed! We left with several bottles of cider as well as apple juice, which greatly extended the holidays once we returned home.
An authentic, friendly, and dog-friendly visit that offers a glimpse into Normandy's heritage. We absolutely loved it and highly recommend it.
A greyhound on the sandy beaches
On our way back to Paris, we made one last stop at the Château de Gratot, located just 4 km from Coutances, in the Manche department. It's an excellent place to visit if you're leaving the Cotentin peninsula heading towards Paris. The château is a real gem. Surrounded by a moat, it boasts magnificent remains dating from the 13th to the 18th centuries.
Long abandoned, it was completely saved thanks to a remarkable restoration project carried out over twenty years by volunteers. Today, visitors can freely explore the different parts of the estate: the medieval towers, the vaulted cellars, the former outbuildings, and the gardens, all in a peaceful and almost magical atmosphere. A local legend even tells of the fairy Andaine who lived in one of the castle towers. The tour is very pleasant and alternates between information panels, historical buildings, and viewpoints overlooking the moat.
In the summer, contemporary art exhibitions also bring life to the various rooms of the castle. But what particularly appealed to us was that dogs are welcome throughout the visit, provided they are kept on a leash. Vaïka was therefore able to accompany us everywhere, which is rare enough to be worth mentioning.
If you're traveling with your four-legged friend and looking for an accessible, authentic, and off-the-beaten-path cultural experience, we wholeheartedly recommend the Château de Gratot. It's a wonderful way to end your stay in the Cotentin region before heading back to Paris.
