Saint-Vaast-la-Hougue
St-Vaast · Saint-Vaast
49°35.3'N 001°16.0'W
Depth
2–6m
Bottom
sand
Alarm Radius
80m
Holding
Excellent Holding
Recommended Anchor Alarm Radius
80m
80m on sand/mud. Excellent holding. TIDAL WARNING: 5–6m range, some areas dry at LW. Check depth carefully.
About This Anchorage
Saint-Vaast-la-Hougue is one of the most charming harbours on the Normandy coast — a traditional oyster fishing village with a historic 17th-century Vauban tower (UNESCO World Heritage) on the Île de Tatihou, the most famous oyster beds in Normandy, and an accessible, well-sheltered harbour. Site of the Battle of La Hougue (1692) where the English fleet destroyed the French invasion fleet. The oysters are exceptional — direct purchase from the oyster farmers on the quay. Pointe de Barfleur (with its famous lighthouse) is 10nm N.
Protected From
N · NW · W · SW
Exposed To
E · SE
Anchoring Rules
- Anchoring fee
- Free
- Permit required
- No
Restrictions: CRITICAL: Calculate LW depth before anchoring — 5–6m tidal range; some spots dry. Oyster bed exclusion zones (marked). Speed limit 5kt near shore. Île de Tatihou: access by tidal causeway or amphibious vessel — check tide.
Hazards
- !Tidal range 5–6m — CRITICAL: some areas dry at LW; calculate depth before anchoring
- !E/SE exposure — can be uncomfortable in E winds
- !Oyster bed exclusion zones throughout the bay
Skipper's Tips
- →Buy oysters directly from the farmers on the quay — consumed on the spot with local cider. A Normandy essential.
- →Île de Tatihou (Vauban tower, UNESCO): accessible at mid-tide via amphibious vessel from the quay.
Facilities
Excellent oyster restaurants on the quay. St-Vaast-la-Hougue is famous for its oysters — buy direct from the farmers.
Nearest provisions: Saint-Vaast-la-Hougue (0.5nm)
Best Months & Season
May, June, July, August, September
May–September. Tidal planning essential. Oyster season year-round.
Recommended Anchor Types
Nearby Anchorages
Set Your Anchor Alarm to 80m
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