Maison Saint Nicolas
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Overview
Follow the footsteps of Victor Hugo and Paul Signac as you stay on the quayside in the heart of Barfleur, one of France’s ‘Plus Beaux Villages’, located on La Manche’s Cotentin peninsula.
Sleeping up to 7 guests, this authentic 4-bedroom townhouse has remained in the same family for generations since the 18th century – it used to be the owner’s childhood holiday home. Completely renovated yet retaining historic charm, it was originally a fisherman’s house - just the harbourfront road separates you and the waterfront. Barfleur’s beach is less than 100m away – reap the many health benefits of the salty sea air.
Listen to the church bells chime as you enjoy your morning coffee overlooking the harbour and gather for delicious evening meals using produce picked up from the twice-weekly market only 200m away. This area is loved for its seasonal mussels, crab, lobster, cheese, butter, cream and cider of course.
Admire Barfleur’s beautiful light that has inspired artists over the years as you stroll along the quayside in this traditional Normandy fishing port, soaking up the bustling yet authentic ambience with narrow lanes, granite houses and glorious views. Stop off at Café de la France for a typical French lunch of moules-frites and a glass of wine, before wandering to the rocky beach where you can catch a glimpse of France’s second highest lighthouse in the distance (a coastal walking trail will lead you there).
Elsewhere, experience the Cotentin peninsula’s wild beaches with sailing, sand-yachting and coastal walks. Try oysters in the pretty fishing village of Saint-Vaast-la-Hougue, just 10 minutes away by car, and take the amphibious boat across to Tatihou Island during low tide.
Appreciate the wild beauty of the coastline around La Hague, embrace the charm of Barneville-Carteret and visit Cherbourg, home to La Cité de la Mer with its fascinating exhibitions, submarine and aquarium. Furthermore, the D-Day landing beaches of Utah and Omaha are easily reached whilst the famous Bayeux tapestry is just a 90-minute drive away in this captivating part of Normandy.
What you should know…
- Guests need to be able to manage fairly steep stairs inside Maison Saint Nicolas.
- In the heart of one of France’s most loved villages, just the road in front of the house separates Maison Saint Nicolas to the harbourfront.
- In an atmospheric setting, the bells of the church next door ring every quarter of an hour.
- Do note that events and festivities sometimes take place on the quayside including a funfair in August and a music festival in late August/early September.
Property Features
Townhouse Interiors (with steep stairs)
First Floor
- Lounge and dining area
- Kitchen, well-equipped
- Bedroom with double bed (160cm) and en-suite bathroom with shower
- Bedroom with double bed (160cm) and en-suite bathroom with bath and shower
- Bedroom with large single/small double bed (90cm)
Second Floor
- Bedroom with double bed (160cm) and en-suite bathroom with bath and shower
- Bedroom with single bed (90cm) and en-suite bathroom with shower
Location
About the surrounding area of Maison Saint NicolasOn the Cotentin peninsula, half an hour from Cherbourg’s ferry port, Maison Saint Nicolas is located in the authentic fishing port of Barfleur, officially classified as one of France’s ‘Plus Beaux Villages’.
Once a fisherman’s house, this 4-bedroom townhouse is located next to a 17th century church with regular chiming bells. You are right on the quayside here – only the road in front of the house separates you from the harbourfront. It’s wonderful to be able to step out of the front door and stroll by the water with such glorious scenery. Just 100m away is the beach where you can breathe in the highly iodised sea air, reaping its many health benefits.
Wander to cafes and restaurants along the quayside including the atmospheric Café de la France which serves wild harvested moules de Barfleur when in season. The twice-weekly market takes place 200m away showcasing delicious regional produce such as crab, lobsters, cream, butter, cheese, vegetables, fruit, cider and so much more. The village is home to shops, restaurants, a small supermarket and everything you should need.
Bike hire can be arranged in the village and keen walkers note there are some fantastic routes from the village including a beautiful path to Le Phare de Gatteville, France’s second tallest lighthouse, part of Le Manche’s GR223 coastal hiking trail.
To the south, Saint-Vaast-la-Hougue (11km) is another picturesque town with old houses, an attractive marina and excellent restaurants by the port serving oysters when in season. It is also home to the Vauban Tower, a UNESCO World Heritage site reached on foot. An amphibious boat drives past the oyster beds towards Tatihou Island in low tide.
The maritime town of Cherbourg (28km) is a fantastic day out – don’t miss La Cité de la Mer museum and aquarium. Meanwhile, a wealth of historic sites connected to WWII await across the area as well as Quinéville’s World War II Museum (20km) and the Utah Beach Landing Museum (35km). A little further afield, the famous D-Day Landing Beaches of Arromanches-les-Bains (100km) and Omaha (80km) can be reached within a 90-minute drive.
| Local Amenities | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Nearest Ferry Port |
Cherbourg
(29km) |
||
| Nearest Airport |
Cherbourg-Maupertus Airport
(18km) |
||
| Nearest Airport 2 |
Caen-Carpiquet Airport
(116km) |
||
| Nearest Train Station |
Gare de Valognes
(26km) |
||
| Nearest Village |
Barfleur
(0km) |
||
| Nearest Restaurant |
French restaurant with terrace
(Within 100m) |
||
| Nearest Supermarket |
(1.1km) |
||
| Nearest Beach |
Barfleur
(Within 100m) |
||
| Nearest Tennis |
On edge of Barfleur
(1km) |
||
| Nearest Golf |
Golf De Cherbourg-En-Cotentin
(28km) |
||
Region
History and gastronomy go hand-in-hand in Normandy, making it a great choice if culture and fine dining are what you’re looking for in a holiday! There’s still plenty on offer besides the food and tales of yesteryear, however – you can take a tour around some of the beautiful inland towns and villages or head to the coast, where you’ll find a mixture of wide sandy beaches and rugged, romantic cliffs. If you’re not already convinced to head to one of our villas in Normandy (or maybe if you’ve already booked) you’ll find a wealth of great things to do, see and eat in our ultimate Normandy travel guide!
Kids
Best Suited For: All AgesOnce the owner’s childhood holiday home, you really are in a prime location in this authentic yet bustling fishing port. Step out of your front door and only the quayside road separates you from the waterfront. Next to a church, it is great as a family to be able to stroll to café terraces and shops as well as Barfleur’s little beach. Look out for festivities across the year including funfair alongside the quayside in the height of the summer.
If your family loves walking, follow the coastal trail from Barfleur up towards Phare de Gatteville, France’s second tallest lighthouse. The most energetic can climb the steps to admire incredible views across the English channel and peninsula. Cycling is also popular across the Cotentin peninsula and bike hire can be arranged locally.
Heading south, there are wild beaches dotted along the coastline around Barfleur, Saint-Vaast-la-Hougue and beyond. Look out for sailing near Barfleur, sand-yachting around Utah Beach and many WWII memorials and sites as well as museums across the peninsula. Also note the famous D-Day Landing beach at Omaha is just over an hour away.
From Saint-Vaast-la-Hougue, take the amphibious boat across the shores at low tide to Tatihou Island, home to a maritime museum and botanical garden, or walk to Tour Vauban, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Elsewhere, discover tree-top trails at Forest Adventure near Saint-Sauveur-le-Vicomte or, closer to home, spend time exploring Parc Animalier Saint Martin Montaigu La Brisette where you can feed the animals as you roam. If visiting Cherbourg for the day, La Cité de la Mer is one of the town’s main attractions with its aquarium, submarine and Titanic exhibition.
Baby and Toddler Equipment
- Cot(s)
- High Chair(s)
Kids Activities Close-by
- Animal farm
- Forest park/High-rope course
- Aquarium
- Beach Nearby
- Walk to Beach
- Walk to Village
- Walk to Restaurant
- <1hr to Airport
- Sailing
- Tennis Nearby
- Cycling
- Horse Riding
- Fishing
- Outdoor Pursuit & Activities
- Tourist Towns & Villages
- Historical Sites
Extras
At Oliver’s Travels we pride ourselves on going that little bit further for our guests. From private chefs to babysitters we can help you arrange those little extras that make it a truly memorable holiday. Simply fill in the concierge request form or contact the Oliver’s Concierge Team who will be happy to help. We can typically help you arrange any of the following:
- Maid service/extra cleaning
- Private chef/cook/catering
- Welcome hamper/pre-stocked fridge
- Local day-trips or tours
- Airport pick-up/drop-off
Please note that all extras are subject to availability and must be requested in advance of the holiday (prices on request). Due to some rural/remote locations, not all services will be available at all properties. However, we will always do our best to fulfil your requests!
Oliver's Travels Chef Service: A Gourmet Dining Experience
Make hosting a memorable dinner party at your villa an absolute breeze with our superb Chef Service. Our chefs will take care of everything for you from start to finish so you can just sit back and enjoy the gastronomic experience. They will bring all the necessary ingredients, cook and serve the food and even clean up afterwards. To find out more visit www.oliverstravels.com/chefs
| Security deposit | £500 charged to client's credit card as a pre-authorisation at least 2 weeks prior to arrival and refunded two weeks after departure, subject to full inspection. |
| Arrival time | 4.00 p.m. |
| Departure time | 11.00 a.m. |
Terms & Conditions
These terms and conditions may be amended from time to time.
| Security deposit | £500 charged to client's credit card as a pre-authorisation at least 2 weeks prior to arrival and refunded two weeks after departure, subject to full inspection. |
| Arrival time | 4.00 p.m. |
| Departure time | 11.00 a.m. |
| Energy costs included? | Yes. |
| Heating costs included? | Yes. |
| Linen & towels included? | Yes, changed once for stays over 14 nights. |
| Beach towels included? | No. |
| End of stay cleaning included? | Yes and mid-stay cleaning for stays of more than 14 nights also included. However, guests are required to leave the accommodation clean, tidy and in the same condition as on their arrival. Any extra cleaning, laundry, maintenance and/or rubbish disposal required will be charged against the security deposit. |
| Tax | French Visitors Tax is included. |
| Changeover day | Saturday. All other changeover days on request. |
| Minimum stay | 5 nights. |
| Smoking Allowed? | No. |
| Pets welcome? | Not allowed. |
| Other Ts and Cs | A cot and highchair can be requested. |
| Other Ts and Cs | Weddings and stag/hen parties are not allowed. Other special events/celebrations are on request only and subject to prior arrangement with the owner and additional charges. |
| Other Ts and Cs | Please note that church bells next door ring every quarter and half hour. |
| Other Ts and Cs | Various other events and festivities take place on the quayside including a funfair in August and a large music festival at end-August/early September. |
Rental Rates
Prices based on an occupancy of 7 people:
| Rental period | 5 Nights | Weekly |
|---|---|---|
| Nov 26th 2024 - May 15th 2025 | £1,850 | £2,590 |
| May 15th 2025 - May 30th 2026 | £1,850 | £2,590 |
Please note that these prices/rates are a guide only and may not be correct at the current date. For an accurate quote, please enquire.
How long have you owned the property? The house has been in the family since the late 19th century. Generations have succeeded one another since.
What was it ...
Read moreOwner Profile
How long have you owned the property? The house has been in the family since the late 19th century. Generations have succeeded one another since.
What was it about the property that you first fell in love with? The house is literally surrounded by the sea and is located in the heart of a small fishing port that is historic, very active and authentic. Situated opposite the port, less than 50 meters from it, the house offers a ballet of boats coming and going. This harbour situated at the end of a peninsula is one of the last remaining beaching harbours in France, offering a view that permanently changes with the tides and the light.
Are there any interesting stories in its history? The Barfleur port facing England was very important in the 12th century, during the reign of the Dukes of Normandy. Barfleur also marked the end of the line of descent of the Dukes of Normandy, with the dramatic sinking of Henri Beauclerc's ship. The house is very close (less than an hours drive to the landing beaches of the D day – 6th June 1944).
Have you ever had any famous guests staying? Numerous painters have always been attracted to this port situated at the end of the Cotentin peninsula, and have appreciated its wonderful play of light. Signac was one of them and stayed in Barfleur. Victor Hugo also passed through before his exile to Guernsey.
For anyone coming to stay, is there anything you suggest that they really…
Must do? Visit the D-Day beaches, visit Cherbourg and its beautiful and interesting Musée de la Mer, and stroll along the magnificent customs trails of La Hague, which offer breath-taking views of the sea.
Must eat? Fresh fishes, oysters, lobsters, bread, butter, cream and all cheeses of this region… Go to Saint Vasst La Hougue and visit the famous grocery named Gosselin.
Must see? All beautiful chateaux located around: Tocqueville Nacqueville laeux
What insider tip would you pass on about the property or the area? Go swimming every day - the beaches are less than 100 metres away !! - and enjoy a glass of cider at the Cafe de France.
Don't miss out! Reserve now and get a full refund if you change your mind within 48hrs.
