Plage de la Vieille église, Beach in Barneville-Carteret, France
Plage de la Vieille église is a broad sandy beach stretching along the Normandy coast, oriented toward the English Channel and the distant Channel Islands. Rocky outcrops and natural caves divide the shore into separate swimming zones and give the beach its distinctive character.
The beach takes its name from a church that once stood on the rocky point but was reduced to ruins during the 1800s. This loss marks a major change in the local landscape that remains visible today.
Local people gather shellfish here using methods that have been passed down through families for hundreds of years. You can see fishermen and collectors at work along the shore, especially at low tide.
Access the beach via the D902 road and Route des Deux Plages, where parking and coastal paths are available. The tides here can be strong, so plan your visit around low tide if you want to explore the rock formations and caves safely.
Strong currents and consistent waves make this shore a favorite among surfers and water sports enthusiasts. The Atlantic swell funnels through the Channel waters here, creating conditions that draw people from across the region.
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