Le Plat Gousset, Sand beach in Granville, Normandy, France
Le Plat Gousset is a sandy beach in the heart of Granville, in Normandy, sitting just below the old city walls. A stone promenade runs along its length, offering an open view of the sea and the surrounding coastline.
The beach was long used by local fishermen as a working shore before Granville grew into a seaside destination. The construction of the casino in 1911 marked a turning point, bringing a new wave of summer visitors to the waterfront.
The beach sits beside the Granville casino, a building from 1911 listed as a historic monument, which gives the seafront a distinctive old-fashioned character. At low tide, small rock pools appear along the shore and draw children looking for shells and tiny sea creatures.
The beach is easy to reach on foot from central Granville, though parking nearby is limited and often paid. In summer, lifeguards are present, and toilets and showers are available for visitors.
At low tide, a natural saltwater pool forms in the rocks at the edge of the beach, sheltered enough for swimming. A diving board installed near the pool gives bathers the chance to jump straight into the sea, which makes this spot unlike most beaches in the region.
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