Well-known for the excellent oysters, Gosselin delicatessan, Ile Tatihou, Saint-Vaast-la-Hougue is a member of the elite circle of places listed as Unesco World Heritage.
The Network of Major Sites of Vauban is an association representing 12 exceptional sites designed by architect Vauban. These sites come as a package.
Among these sites are the towers on Ile Tatihou and the Fort de la Hougue in Saint Vaast-la-Hougue.
Military towers that have become part of the landscape
It is always amazing when you arrive in Quettehou, from Valognes and catch a glimpse of the superb bay of La Hougue. Out at sea, you'll see the two watchtowers and Ile Tatihou. After the Battle of La Hougue in 1692, Vauban wanted to build a big port next to this exceptional natural harbour, where boats could sail in complete safety. Louis XIV only authorised the construction of two twenty-metre-high towers for defence and to observe the coastline. These two military towers have been listed as World Heritage sites by Unesco since 2008, and have now become a part of the landscape. In the 19th century, painters such as Antoine Guillemet came here. I must admit that I have a slight preference for the tower in La Hougue, which I find more elegant than its twin on Ile Tatihou. To be able to see both of them, I like taking visitors to the Chapelle des Marins, that was once the heart of the village. Then, we take a boat to the adorable Ile Tatihou, with its incredible maritime vegetation such as the famous chamaerops, the palm trees of Val de Saire. Or a walk around the Fort de La Hougue, shrouded in mystery behind the Porte aux Dames.
Annick Perrot
Historian and volunteer guide in Saint-Vaast-la-Hougue
