During your next vacation, practice sand yachting in Normandy! Here are 9 beaches for sand yachting in Normandy!
With sandy beaches as far as the eye can see, Normandy is the ideal region for sand yachting. The so-called “ship of the sands” was already used several millennia ago by the Egyptians! It was Europeans who made it a hobby more than a century ago. Between the wheeled car and the small sailboat, sand yachting in Normandy is an activity that quickly offers feelings of freedom and fun. At ground level, you use the force and direction of the wind to gain speed and move. This very accessible water sport does not require any particular physical condition.
1. Landing Beaches
Crédit Photo : Shutterstock – photoneye
Sword Beach, Juno Beach, Gold Beach, Omaha Beach, Utah Beach ... Welcome to the Landing beaches, rich in history and emotion! Here, you can combine the practice of sand yachting and visiting the museums dedicated to this military operation of the Second World War .
Also Read: 18 Most Beautiful Beaches in Normandy
Located on a protected natural site, the kilometers of Omaha Beach and Utah Beach are ideal for nautical leisure. Arromanches-les-Bains is also one of the unmissable beaches for sand yachting in Normandy. Nicknamed Gold Beach, it still bears the traces of the large artificial port which welcomed the Allied troops during the liberation of 1944. Providers offer sessions of two to three hours throughout the year.
2. Saint-Aubin-sur-Mer
Credit photo: Shutterstock - Christian Musat
Located very close to Dieppe on the Côte d'Albâtre, the sandy beach of Saint-Aubin-sur-Mer provides easy access to sand yachting, especially when coming from the Paris region. Dieppe is indeed just over two hours from Paris . Saint-Aubin-sur-Mer is the most imposing beach in Seine-Maritime.
Just after the tide, the sea recedes, gradually creating a huge race track. All year round, depending on the tide times, two-hour sessions are offered by local clubs.
3. Consider the Sciotot
Photo Credit: Facebook - Sciotot Sailing and Wind Activity Center
Among the Cotentin beaches, that of Sciotot is a perfect spot for sand yachting in Normandy. Between the Flamanville and Rozel capes, it is part of the commune of Les Pieux in the Manche. Its stretch of sand is four kilometers long. Its wild aspect and its size make it an excellent playground for all, from the age of 8 years.
Did you know that in 2019, the newspaper Le Monde ranked Sciotot fifth most beautiful beach in Europe ? All the more reason to consider a nautical leisure stay!
4. Trouville-sur-Mer
Photo credit: Facebook - Trouville sur Mer Tourist Office
To practice sand yachting in Normandy in a mythical place, you have to come to Trouville-sur-Mer. Located very close to Deauville, this seaside resort is the oldest in the region. Its large sandy beach stretches for 1.2 kilometers. It combines nautical leisure, relaxation and history.
In Trouville, you can not only try sand yachting, but also discover Beach Karts! These small remote-controlled vessels take up the codes of land yachting, on various routes. Finally, children's clubs and facilities allow the whole family to have fun at the same time.
5. Jullouville
Photo credit: Facebook - Jullouville town hall
Located 8 kilometers from Granville, the large Jullouville beach stretches from Saint-Pair-sur-Mer to Carolles for approximately 2 kilometers. Accessible by stroller, it is above all a family beach. Its numerous animations in season also help to delight young and old alike.
At low tide, it becomes the nerve center of shore fishing and sand yachting. The sailing base of Jullouville is also THE spot in the south of the Channel for this activity. Notice to thrill seekers: the beach is open to the bay, which gives it exposure to winds conducive to speed gain!
6. Cabourg
Crédit photo : Shutterstock – flydragon
Between Caen and Deauville, the "romantic beach" stretches over almost 4 kilometers of fine sand. Visiting Cabourg will give you the opportunity to practice sand yachting in Normandy, in a unique setting. TheGrand Hôtel Belle Époque , the casino and the Marcel Proust promenade are all attractions that can be observed from the beach.
The seaside resort also has the Family Plus Label: clubs specially dedicated to children are installed on the beach. If you come with your family, you can let your children have fun during your initiation to your new favorite hobby! What a pleasure also to reward his sporting efforts by eating an ice cream at the end of the afternoon on the longest pedestrian promenade in Europe.
7. Ouistreham
Photo credit: Facebook - Sweet Home Cabourg
Head for Ouistreham Riva-Bella beach! Labeled a 3-star Nautical Station, the Pearl of the Côte de Nacre is perfect for lovers of marine sports. Among the range of possible activities, sand yachting is a must.
Before setting off on the sand, take the time to observe the changing landscapes, capped by the dunes that separate you from the city…
8. Bretteville-Sur-Ay
Photo credit: Facebook - Ay-ole sand yachting center
Are you looking for a huge, wild and untouched place for tourism? Welcome to Bretteville Beach! Ten kilometers of beach between the two harbors of Saint-Germain-sur-Ay and Surville, a view of the island of Jersey : yachting aficionados will be delighted! The small town of Bretteville-sur-Ay is located on the D650, which locals also call the "tourist route".
From Cherbourg to Coutances, it runs along the Normandy coast and smells of holidays, the sun and the hot sand (in summer!). Taking this legendary route will take you to several sites of tourist interest ... and many sand yachting spots. Are you ready for the Normandy sand yachting tour?
9. The Bay of Mont-Saint-Michel
Crédit Photo : Shutterstock – 365_visuals
To practice sand yachting in Normandy in a mythical place, nothing better than the bay of Mont Saint-Michel. Very close to Mont Saint-Michel, on Hirel's shore, you will be introduced to the pleasures of sand yachting.
The session takes place in two stages: you will approach the sand yachting from a theoretical point of view during a briefing, then once the safety rules are understood, you can let yourself slip into this boat. Notice to thrill seekers!
Practical information for sand yachting in Normandy
The activity
Sand yachting is a hobby where you seek both to gain speed and to steer your craft, propelled by the force of the wind. You quickly manage to control your little ship and gain a very pleasant feeling of freedom. The tank can be single or two-seater . The tandem version is particularly suitable for taking a child on their lap or for feeling reassured by the presence of an instructor.
The conditions of practice
The sand yachting is accessible to everyone , from 7 to 77 years old. It is best done at low tide, when the beach is huge and you draw lines on the still wet sand. A minimum force 3 wind is required to propel and steer. The ideal is also to ride on a very compact sandbank.
The equipment
For a successful session, bring warm clothes (sweater, fleece), an old pair of closed shoes, sunglasses and gloves. Generally, clubs provide helmets and waterproof clothing (coveralls, waxed). Also think about your change of clothes!
So what are you waiting for to make sand yachting in Normandy?