The towns of Saint Martin de Bréhal, Bréhal, and Coudeville sur Mer, share a stretch of golden sands north of Granville on the west coast of la Manche. The area is renowned for its shellfish, especially mussels, and oysters. This particular beach is home to a few of these ocean farms, whose traditional methods stretch back generations.
The environment is perfect for a plethora of fauna and flora, most notably (for me) the great variety of shoreline birds and waders. With the sandy dunes leading up to the shoreline, you are bound to see many species of bird, from skylarks to barnacle geese, oyster catchers to stints and dunlins.
In Aquaculture for farming shellfish, there are three main methods, all of which are evident at this beach. Oyster beds, Mussel beds both on and off shore. Bringing in wading birds in the colder seasons. Be sure to catch oyster catchers, dunlins, sandpipers, and sandlings! As well as more rare curlews and migratory geese.
This area is perfect to visit all year round as a walking destination, and equestrian spot as well as being a perfect beach in summer. Dogs are permitted during the off-season and make a great treat! (My dog rates this beach 11/10).
If you would like to know more about this historic place and other relevant places, head over the tourism site for Normandie and Calvados!
As always, thanks for reading and have a wonderful day!
