Sand yachting in Normandy: 9 must-see spots
With its immense beaches, steady winds and landscapes steeped in history, Normandy is one of France’s top destinations for sand yachting. From the coasts of Calvados to the beaches of La Manche, the region offers exceptional playgrounds for this water sports activity, which is accessible to everyone. Whether you’re a beginner or an enthusiast, you’re bound to find the perfect spot to glide across the sand in the wind. Here is our selection of 9 not-to-be-missed places to go sand yachting in Normandy.
See also the Caen guide:
- Visit Caen in 1 day: 22 things to do and see on foot
- Top 5 things to do in and around Deauville
- The 9 best places for canoeing in Normandy
- Discover the most beautiful villages in Calvados
- 6 of the most beautiful villages around Rouen, hidden treasures of Normandy
- 15 châteaux and manor houses to visit in Normandy
- Top 11 culinary specialities in Rouen
1. The D-Day landing beaches
Symbols of world history, the D-Day landing beaches offer much more than a place of remembrance. Omaha Beach and Utah Beach, with their miles of fine, compact sand, are exceptional grounds for sand yachting. The historic setting adds a unique dimension to your gliding session.
On Omaha Beach, in Colleville-sur-Mer, the Eolia Normandie centre offers supervised two-hour sessions. Prices generally range from €35 to €50, depending on your age and the package you choose. At low tide, the immense expanse of sand becomes a veritable natural circuit where you can pick up speed in complete safety. Utah Beach is home to the Utah Mer Loisirs base, which offers introductory courses from the age of 8 (€35 for children, €40 for adults).
Make the most of your visit to Caen, less than 30 kilometres away, and discover its exceptional heritage, from the ducal castle to the abbeys.
2. The Bay of Mont-Saint-Michel
Sand yachting in the Bay of Mont-Saint-Michel is an unforgettable experience. Facing the mythical rock, on the Hirel beach, you can glide across one of the most beautiful bays in the world. The view is breathtaking: on one side, the Mont rises majestically, on the other, the horizon stretches as far as the eye can see.
The wind conditions are often ideal, with regular sea breezes allowing sessions for beginners and experienced pilots alike. Local clubs offer supervised sessions, which generally begin with a theoretical briefing on safety and handling the float, before you take to the water on this spectacular expanse. The experience is all the more magical at high tide, when the sea retreats for several kilometres.
3. Saint-Aubin-sur-Mer
Located on the Côte d’Albâtre in Seine-Maritime, the beach at Saint-Aubin-sur-Mer is the largest sandy beach in the department. Its proximity to Dieppe (around 20 kilometres) and Paris (2 hours’ drive) makes it a very accessible spot for a weekend sand yachting getaway.
After the tides, the sea largely withdraws, creating an immense natural runway perfect for sand yachting. The Pôle Sport de la Côte d’Albâtre offers sessions all year round, depending on tide times. Allow around 2 hours for the activity, supervised by a state-qualified instructor. Conditions are ideal for making rapid progress, with a constant wind and compact sand.
4. Sciotot cove
Head for the Cotentin with the Sciotot cove, located between the Flamanville and Le Rozel capes, in the commune of Les Pieux in the Manche department. This four-kilometre beach offers a wild and unspoilt setting, and was ranked the fifth most beautiful beach in Europe by Le Monde in 2019. You’ll be able to practise your favourite activity in a picture-postcard setting!
The Centre d’Activités Voile et Vent de Sciotot welcomes sand yacht enthusiasts from the age of 8. The wild aspect of the beach, its unspoilt dunes and fine sand make it an exceptional playground. Offshore winds blow regularly, providing excellent sailing conditions. It’s the ideal place to combine thrills and immersion in Norman nature.
Download the audio tour to discover Caen on foot and on your own
If you’re staying in the region to go sand yachting, be sure to discover Caen on the Navaway audio tour. In 4.6 kilometres and 1 hour 50 minutes, you’ll visit the most emblematic sites in the Norman capital: the castle of William the Conqueror, the Men’s Abbey, the Ladies’ Abbey and the Vaugueux district. Each point of interest is accompanied by a captivating audio commentary that immerses you in the history of this thousand-year-old city.
5. Trouville-sur-Mer
Trouville-sur-Mer embodies the elegance of Normandy’s seaside resorts. The oldest resort in the region, it offers 1.2 kilometres of fine sandy beach ideal for sand yachting. The Club Nautique de Trouville Hennequeville (CNTH) organises sessions for beginners and advanced sailors, supervised by qualified instructors.
One of the special features of the site is that you can also discover the Beach Karts, small remote-controlled sand yachts that follow the codes of sand yachting on a variety of routes. The perfect way to introduce the youngsters to sand yachting before moving on to the real thing! The proximity of Deauville, accessible via the Pont des Belges, means you can combine a sporting activity with discovering the heritage of the Côte Fleurie.
6. Jullouville
Eight kilometres from Granville, Jullouville ‘s long beach stretches for around two kilometres from Saint-Pair-sur-Mer to Carolles. A family beach par excellence, it is accessible to pushchairs and offers plenty of entertainment in season. At low tide, it becomes a paradise for sand yacht enthusiasts.
The Jullouville sailing base is the nerve centre of sand yachting in the south of La Manche. With direct access to the bay, the wind conditions are ideal for getting up to speed. The instructors will help you learn, whether you’re a beginner or an experienced pilot. It’s also an ideal spot for fishing between two windsurfing sessions.
7. Cabourg
Between Caen and Deauville, Cabourg boasts almost four kilometres of fine sand facing the English Channel. With its Family Plus label, this seaside resort is a perfect blend of Belle Époque heritage and water sports activities. The Grand Hôtel, the casino and the impressive Promenade Marcel Proust, the longest pedestrian promenade in Europe, offer a unique setting for your stay.
The Prestavent Cabourg sand yacht school (Avenue Durand-Morimbau, Plage De Cap Cabourg, 14390 Cabourg, +33 6 48 15 07 38) offers introductory lessons and courses all year round. The beach’s hard sand makes it easy to pick up speed, even for beginners. While you’re gliding along, children can enjoy the beach clubs, making Cabourg an ideal destination for all the family.
8. Ouistreham
Ouistreham Riva-Bella beach, nicknamed the “Pearl of the Côte de Nacre”, has been awarded the 3-star Station Nautique label. This recognition testifies to the quality of the facilities and the optimal conditions for practising water sports, including sand yachting.
At low tide, the stretch of sand is wide enough to accommodate beginners and experts in a safe environment. The dunes that line the beach create a changing, protected landscape, ideal for getting away from the hustle and bustle of the city. Local clubs offer a wide range of courses, from beginners to advanced. Take the opportunity to discover the heritage of Caen, just 15 kilometres away.
9. Bretteville-sur-Ay
For lovers of the great outdoors, Bretteville-sur-Ay is a destination of choice. Ten kilometres of beach stretch between the harbours of Saint-Germain-sur-Ay and Surville, with the added bonus of a breathtaking view of the Isle of Jersey. This beach is one of the most unspoilt on the Normandy coast, far from the hustle and bustle of tourism.
The Ay-ole sand yacht centre welcomes enthusiasts to this exceptional setting. The town is on the D650, also known as the “tourist route”, which runs along the Normandy coast from Cherbourg to Coutances. This legendary route will take you from spot to spot for a real tour of Normandy in a sand yacht. The wind conditions are excellent, with regular sea breezes that will delight sensation-seeking pilots.
Practical information about sand yachting in Normandy
The activity
Sand yachting is an accessible sport that involves navigating the sand in a three-wheeled machine propelled by the wind. Using a sail, you harness the force of the wind to gain speed and steer your sand yacht. You’ll learn quickly: in just a few minutes, you’ll master the basics of steering and be able to take full advantage of the sensations of freedom that this activity has to offer.
The float can be a single-seater or a two-seater. The tandem version is particularly suitable for children (who can sit on an adult’s lap) or for beginners who want to be accompanied by an instructor on their first outings.
Practical conditions
You can go sand yachting from the age of 7-8 (depending on the club) and you don’t need to be in any particular physical condition. The activity is best enjoyed at low tide, when the sea retreats to reveal vast stretches of compact sand. A minimum force 3 wind is required to sail comfortably.
Sessions generally last between 1h30 and 2 hours and include a theoretical briefing on safety and handling the chariot. Prices vary according to age and duration: expect to pay between €30 and €50 for an introductory session. The clubs operate all year round, with bookings made according to tide times.
The equipment you need
To make the most of your sand yachting session in Normandy, make sure you bring warm clothes (jumper, fleece or sweatshirt), an old pair of closed-toe sports shoes that don’t mind sand and water, sunglasses and gloves to protect your hands. Clubs generally provide helmets and waterproof or waxed wetsuits.
Don’t forget to pack a complete change of clothes in your car. Even if you don’t fall over, the wind-blown sand and sea spray can get you wet. Don’t forget your sun cream, too, as the sun’s reflection is strong on the beach.
In conclusion, Normandy offers an exceptional playground for sand yachting enthusiasts, whether beginners or experienced. From the historic D-Day beaches to the wild expanses of the Cotentin, via the elegant seaside resorts of the Côte Fleurie, each spot has its own unique character. Accessible to everyone from the age of 7-8, this activity guarantees thrills in breathtaking landscapes. Make the most of your stay to explore the region, and in particular to visit Caen with the Navaway audio-guided itinerary, which will help you discover the treasures of this city steeped in history. So, are you ready to let the Normandy wind blow you away?
FAQ – Sailing in Normandy
When is the best time to go sand yachting in Normandy?
You can go sand yachting all year round in Normandy. The best period is from April to October, when the weather is more pleasant, but winter often offers excellent wind conditions. The activity depends mainly on the time of low tide, which varies from day to day. Contact the clubs to find out what times are available.
Do you need to know how to sail to go sand yachting?
No, no previous experience is necessary. Sand yachting is a very accessible activity where you can learn the basics quickly. The instructors will train you in piloting techniques and safety rules during a briefing before the session. After just a few minutes’ practice, most beginners are able to sail independently.
What are the best beaches for getting started?
For a first experience, choose beaches with structured clubs such as Omaha Beach, Cabourg, Trouville or Jullouville. These spots offer quality supervision and safe conditions for beginners. Beaches that are wide at low tide, such as Bretteville-sur-Ay or Saint-Aubin-sur-Mer, also offer plenty of space for calm learning.
How much does a sand yachting session cost in Normandy?
Prices vary depending on the club and the age of the participants. You should generally expect to pay between €30 and €40 for children (aged 8-12) and between €40 and €50 for adults for a session lasting around 2 hours. Some clubs offer packages of several sessions or courses at reduced rates. Equipment (tank, helmet, wetsuit) is included in the price.
Can you go sand yachting as a family with children?
Absolutely! Sand yachting is an ideal family activity. Children as young as 7-8 years old can enjoy single-seater sand yachts adapted to their size, or as young as 5-6 years old on two-seater sand yachts with an adult. Resorts like Cabourg and Jullouville are particularly well-equipped to cater for families, with children’s clubs and facilities close to the sand yachting spots.
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