The region and its surroundings
Located in the Normandy region, the city of Houlgate and its surroundings are one of the rare city where a rich and ancient history rubs shoulders with raw and wild nature. Wide open spaces, breathtaking panoramas, historical walks, gourmet tours ... So many good reasons to come and recharge your batteries
in this region which will offer you new travel sensations!
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Beaches and coastline
With its privileged geographical location along the Normandy coast, Houlgate offers you the opportunity to enjoy all the charms of this friendly and family seaside resort on a human scale. A corner of relaxation for some, a playground for others, on its long sandy beach, a gentle bowl of sea air awaits you. Lovers of the sea can try out many activities: kayaking, stand-up paddle boarding, kitesurfing… and even kite flying! Outdoor walkers can enjoy a beach of over 6 km at low tide, a source of happiness for all hiking enthusiasts. It is also here that one of the wildest corners of Normandy can be found: the cliffs of the black cows. Classified by the Ministry of the Environment since 1995, they are unique and incomparable! True! They are the result of a paleontological shift going back to the time of the earth's history. Today there are even traces of fossils dating back more than 150 million years! Incredible, right? Finally, we do not forget the people looking for sand castles and relaxation. The Normandy coast also offers you something to satisfy your desires for more tranquil relaxation and swimming, in this still wild and unspoiled landscape.
History & Heritage
Houlgate is also an essential place for its medieval historical past and its preserved seaside heritage. The city has retained its authenticity over the centuries, and it is pleasant to stroll around and stroll around the discovery of its many buildings of great architectural beauty. To start your visit of the city, you can stop by the Fisherman's House, the Moulin Landry or the William the Conqueror column, which bear witness to the city's medieval past. Then, you can continue your getaway by taking the Houlgate villas circuit. Real open-air museum. This circuit, to be done independently, brings together 41 villas from the XIXth century and guarantees you a journey through the streets and through time. For all insatiable travelers who do not want to miss anything during their visit to Houlgate, note that various guided tours are also available by reservation at the tourist office.
Well-being
You want to take advantage of your next vacation to recharge your batteries fully? Houlgate is also a unique destination for a wellness stay. In a soothing setting where Mother Nature is particularly generous, install you on its long sandy beach to recharge your batteries. Not room for boredom, however, because its spa and wellness center "Spa Deep Nature at heart of the Residence Pierre & Vacances Premium ”of 600m2 you will benefit from many treatment programs for a stay of rest and relaxation. Your body and mind will thank you!
A festive and varied program
Cinema, library, cultural events, concerts, reading and theater festivals, photo rallies for young and old, nature workshops, regional days, conferences, Heritage days ... Whatever the season, the town of Houlgate guarantees you an atmosphere festive and friendly all year round. And that's not all ! In addition to its ideal setting and its indisputable historical heritage, Houlgate hosts every year exhibitions and events expected throughout the region such as the Houlgate Plein Vent (a festival that celebrates wind and board sports), or again the European film festival in October. You will understand, on the cultural side, the city is not lagging behind!
WHAT TO SEE AND DO IN THE SURROUNDINGS
The flowered coast
Located in Calvados in Lower Normandy, from Cabourg to Honfleur, the Côte Fleurie is, without pretension, the little gem of the Normandy coast. Lively seaside resorts, eccentric villas, lush countryside and wild coast with long golden sand beaches… This is what awaits you just two hours drive from Paris. Among the must-sees, do not miss to make a jump in the towns of Cabourg (4 km from Houlgate), the famous Deauville (14 km), Villers sur-Mer and its tranquility (7 km), the green Blonville-sur-Mer (10 km) or the beautiful and colorful Honfleur (33 km), a source of inspiration for many artists. Let yourself be charmed by the allure of these cities of a thousand and one riches. Promised, you won't regret it!
The Pays d'Auge
Located in the hinterland of Calvados, another facet of the territory awaits you in the Pays d'Auge. While the coastline is jagged with beaches, cliffs, seaside resorts and small ports, the hinterland is made up of green hills, atypical half-timbered houses and a rich local soil. Notice to cider lovers! We invite you to discover the cider route of the Pays d'Auge. It crosses many villages located within a radius of 30 km around Houlgate among: Cambremer, Beuvron-en-Auge, Beaufour, Bonnebosq, Grandouet, Rumesnil, Victot-Pontfol, St Aubin-Lebizay, La Roque Baignard, Druval, Crevecoeur en Auge… Crossing this route will allow you, beyond tasting many local products (cider, calvados, pommeau, perry, jams, honey…), to soak up authentic and varied landscapes. As long as your stay allows it, take a little detour to the magnificent typical villages of Beaumont-en-Auge and Pont l'Evêque. Guaranteed wonder!
The landing beaches
Only 30 km from Houlgate, from Utah to Sword Beach, millions of visitors go to Normandy every year to visit the inevitable D-Day beaches, with the lot of testimonies of this decisive episode of June 6, 1944 in the liberation from France. Whether you are a history buff or not, the visit will remain an emotional highlight and allow you to learn more about this defining moment in the history of France. There are also other well-known World War II sites such as: the Caen Memorial, the Atlantic Wall Museum, military cemeteries, the port of Arromanches and Sainte-Mère-Eglise.
Gastronomy & markets
It’s impossible to be disappointed with Norman gastronomy. From Camembert, to Livarot, including scallops, cider or calvados, all the conditions are there to delight your palate. If you like to take advantage of the warm atmosphere of the markets and take this opportunity to interact with the many local producers in the region, we recommend in addition to the Houlgate market which takes place on Thursday, Saturday and Sunday mornings, some markets really nearby. typical of Normandy such as: the market of Dives-sur-Mer (3 km), Pont l'Evêque (22 km) or Caen (30 km).
The medieval sites of Calvados
By widening the perimeter of the historical and architectural register, we propose, less than an hour's drive from Houlgate, to follow in the footsteps of the lords by visiting their stone heritage. Calvados is full of must-see medieval sites with incredible architecture whose tales and legends will stimulate the imagination of young and old. Here are some of these places full of myths and history: the Ducal castle of Caen, the Abbaye aux Hommes, the Abbaye aux Dames or the Château de Crèvecœur.