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Painting of Saint-Vaast-la-Hougue, France, with boats in the harbour.
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Saint-Vaast-la-Hougue

A 760-berth gated harbour on the east coast of the Cotentin, facing the Île Tatihou: 80 visitor berths for boats up to 20 m and 2.3 m draught, gates open HW −2 h 15 to HW +3 h, VHF 9.

Harbour · International

Welcome to Saint-Vaast-la-Hougue

Saint-Vaast-la-Hougue is on the east coast of the Cotentin peninsula, about 8 miles south of the Pointe de Barfleur, facing the Île Tatihou. Ports de la Manche run the fishing and leisure harbour, which is sheltered from the swell by a long jetty.

The harbour has about 760 berths afloat, 80 of them for visitors, for boats up to 20 metres long and 2.3 metres draught. The harbour gates open from 2 hours 15 minutes before high water to 3 hours after. Call on VHF Channel 9.

Guide TypeHarbour Guide
CountryFrance
LocationSaint-Vaast-la-Hougue, Manche
RegionNormandy, east Cotentin
OperatorPorts de la Manche
AddressBureau du Port, Place Auguste Contamine, 50550 Saint-Vaast-la-Hougue
Telephone+33 2 33 23 61 00
Email[email protected]
Port VHFChannel 9
BerthsAbout 760 afloat
Visitor berths80
Maximum length20 m
Maximum draught2.3 m
AccessGates open HW −2 h 15 to HW +3 h
Fuel24 hours, card payment
Lifting54-tonne travelift for boats to 14 m
Getting ThereCap Cotentin bus line C to Valognes and Cherbourg-en-Cotentin

Arrival by Sea

Call the harbour office on VHF Channel 9. The gates open from 2 hours 15 minutes before high water until 3 hours after. With tidal coefficients under 50, or in high pressure, the gates can close earlier. Ports de la Manche publish the gate times for every day.

Facilities Afloat

Fresh water and 220 V electricity at the berth are included in the berth rate. There is free Wi-Fi on the quay, fuel 24 hours a day by card, a laundry and waste recycling.

The harbour has 20 showers, paid by token or key, and 18 free toilets, opened by code or key. The harbour is under video surveillance at night.

Marine Services

A travelift of up to 54 tonnes takes boats up to 14 metres, through Cotentin Nautic. The slipway is booked and paid through the Plaisance Manche app. The careening area is on the technical quay. Four electric-assist bikes can be hired from the harbour office.

Office Hours

April to June and September to October: Monday to Saturday 08:00–12:00 and 13:30–16:30, Sunday 09:00–12:00. July and August: every day 08:00–19:00. November to March: Monday to Saturday 08:00–12:00.

Ashore

The harbour is in the town, facing the Île Tatihou. Cap Cotentin bus line C links Saint-Vaast with Valognes, the Val de Saire and Cherbourg-en-Cotentin. Car and trailer parking is free.

Nearby Cruising

Barfleur and Cherbourg are to the north around the Pointe de Barfleur. The Baie de Seine, with Le Havre and Honfleur, is to the south-east.

Across the Channel

Saint-Vaast is a crossing from the Solent and Poole, and a coastal hop from Cherbourg.

Skipper's Notes

VHF 9. Gates HW −2 h 15 to HW +3 h, earlier closing with coefficients under 50 or high pressure. 80 visitor berths, maximum 20 m and 2.3 m draught. Fuel 24 hours by card. Telephone +33 2 33 23 61 00.

Contact and booking

The harbour office is on +33 2 33 23 61 00 and [email protected].

Frequently asked questions

What VHF channel does Saint-Vaast-la-Hougue use?

Channel 9.

When can I enter Saint-Vaast-la-Hougue?

The gates open from 2 hours 15 minutes before high water until 3 hours after. They can close earlier with tidal coefficients under 50 or in high pressure.

What size of visiting boat can Saint-Vaast take?

Up to 20 metres long and 2.3 metres draught. 80 berths are for visitors.

Is fuel available at Saint-Vaast-la-Hougue?

Yes, 24 hours a day, paid by card.

How do I contact the harbour office?

Telephone +33 2 33 23 61 00 or email [email protected].

Conditions

Tides

A quick look at the water around Saint-Vaast-la-Hougue before you set off. Always check the full forecast and tide tables.

Tide times official tables

Official tide predictions for the area. Times are local.

SHOM tide predictions

Find your way

Location

This map is provided for general orientation only and must not be used for navigation.

Cruise On

Where the water leads next

Portsmouth Harbour Guide

A practical harbour reference for entering Portsmouth, understanding controlled traffic and choosing visitor berthing.

Cowes Harbour Guide

A practical harbour reference for approaching Cowes, choosing a berth and navigating the River Medina’s ferry and commercial traffic.

Poole Quay Boat Haven

Poole’s town-quay visitor marina puts boats directly beside the Old Town, restaurants and harbour life, with VHF 80 berthing and strong demand in summer.

Local knowledge

Know this area?

Old Sea Dogs welcomes constructive feedback from local sailors, harbour users and cruising skippers. If you have spotted something that has changed, or have local knowledge that would improve this Guide, we would be pleased to hear from you.

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