Destination : Port-en-Bessin-Huppain, 1st fishing port in Normandy
As Normandy's leading fishing port, this typical village remains close to its traditions and open to the world.
Once a Gallic oppidum, a Roman camp under Julius Caesar, port of the bishops of Bayeux, then an oil port supplying Allied troops in 1944, but also a film location for French and international films such as ‘The Longest Day’, Port-en-Bessin-Huppain has kept the traces of a rich history linked to fishing.
For decades, its seascapes of colourful trawlers and cliffs have inspired painters and writers in search of authenticity and raw beauty.
The Normandy Scallop: Pride and Tradition
Today, Port-en-Bessin lives to the rhythm of traditional fishing renowned for its fish and seafood products - in particular the scallop, emblem of the town and pride of Normandy. This exceptional product certified ‘Label Rouge’ is renowned for its quality. Every year in November, the port celebrates the scallop during the ‘Goût du Large’ festival. This festival gathers lovers of the sea and gastronomy around tastings, cooking demonstrations and meetings with the fishermen themselves. The festival highlights the skills of sailors and their deep connection with the sea.
The end of the year is also marked by the event « Back From Fishing ». At nightfall, a line of illuminated boats offers a unique spectacle. The trawlers unload their boxes of scallops that are quickly transported to trucks in a race in which the fishermen demonstrate their strength and skill. Every December, the event “Back From Fishing” offers an immersive experience guided by experts to celebrate Norman heritage.
Between land and sea : a protected natural setting
The cliffs of the fishing village offer a breathtaking view of the coastline, a sight that invites you to stroll and explore. Hikers come to enjoy the coastal paths, and yachtsmen to discover a harbour where they can moor alongside the local trawlers. This proximity to the world of fishermen makes each stopover unique, guaranteeing an immersion in maritime life.
An Authentic Place in the Heart of the D-Day Beaches
Just 9 kilometres from Bayeux Tapestry - a UNESCO “Memory of the World” telling the story of William the Conqueror's landing in England in 1066 - is Port-en-Bessin-Huppain, the first Allied oil port in June 1944. Port-en-Bessin-Huppain is a central location for those interested in the history of Normandy and the Second World War.
A blend of tradition and modernity, this port is one-of-a-kind destination where every detail tells a little of the story of Normandy and its treasures.
