Pirou Beach (Plage de Pirou)
About Pirou Beach (Plage de Pirou)
Plage de Pirou stretches for 6 kilometers along the western Cotentin coast in Normandy, featuring fine sand, natural dunes, and a working fishing harbor. The beach includes three distinct sections: the central supervised beach at Cale Louis Robert, the wild Armanville beach to the north, and the dune-backed Bergerie beach to the south. A unique seawater reservoir allows swimming even at low tide when the sea retreats several kilometers. The town is known as 'la capitale du bulot' (whelk capital) with active whelk fishing, oyster farming, and direct seafood sales from local producers. Water quality is rated 'Very Good' by French health authorities, and lifeguards supervise the central beach during July and August. The medieval Château de Pirou, one of the oldest Norman fortresses, sits just 4 km inland.
Interesting Facts
Every last weekend of April, Pirou hosts the Foire aux Bulots (Whelk Fair), a festival celebrating the start of whelk fishing season that attracts over 18,000 visitors. The event has been running for more than 20 years and features fresh whelk tastings, seafood cooking demonstrations, and maritime traditions.
Pirou whelks received Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) status from the European Union in 2000, recognizing the exceptional quality of shellfish harvested from these cold Cotentin waters. This makes them one of the few shellfish varieties in France with this official designation.
Near the beach plaza stands an unusual 24-hour seafood vending machine stocked by local oyster and mussel farmers. Visitors can purchase fresh oysters, mussels, and other shellfish at any hour, a modern solution that has become a local curiosity and practical convenience for late arrivals.
Planning Your Visit
Opening Hours
Location & Practical Info
Address
Boulevard de la Mer, 50770 Pirou-Plage, Normandie, France
Website
https://www.tourisme-cocm.frDay Routes
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