Tatihou, Tidal island with Vauban fortification in Saint-Vaast-la-Hougue, France.
Tatihou is a tidal island off the Normandy coast featuring a Vauban fortress, gardens, and a nature reserve. The roughly 29-hectare island houses a maritime museum, botanical collections, and a bird sanctuary where migratory birds take shelter.
The island played a role in the Battle of La Hougue in 1692, a major naval conflict between French and English fleets. Later it served as a quarantine station for plague victims from Marseille during an epidemic in 1720.
The name Tatihou comes from Norman language meaning "high tidal ship". Visitors can see how the island is used today as a place for cultural events and nature protection that shape life on this special piece of Normandy.
The island is accessible on foot across oyster beds at low tide or by amphibious craft, with visitor numbers limited each day. It is important to check tide times before planning a visit, as access depends heavily on tidal conditions.
The maritime museum displays the Sainte-Thérèse-Souvenez-Vous, a 1948 fishing vessel that visitors can still explore inside. This boat tells the story of local fishing traditions and how people once made their living from these waters.
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