Port en Bessin

Campsite Port en Bessin

Just 10 minutes from the Camping Reine Mathilde ***, discover Port-en-Bessin-Huppain, an authentic fishing port in Calvados and the leading shellfish port in Normandy. Nestling between limestone cliffs, this charming seaside village has preserved its authentic character and traditional fishing activity. Stroll along the lively quays, watch the fishing boats return, sample freshly landed seafood or climb the cliffs to admire the exceptional panoramic views over the bay. With its maritime heritage, gastronomy and breathtaking scenery, Port-en-Bessin offers you a typically Norman getaway.

port en bessin

The leading small-scale fishing port in Calvados

Port-en-Bessin-Huppain is the Calvados' leading small-scale fishing port and Lower Normandy. Its motto: "Res nostra mare" (the sea is our law). This natural harbour wedged between two cliffs was Bayeux's "Port des Évêques" until the Revolution. Today, the port is home to one of the most modern fish auctions in France, with over 9,000 tonnes of fish landed every year. The town of Bayeux is particularly famous for its scallops.

camping port en bessin
port en bessin

Scallop country

Fished since the Middle Ages off the coast of Bessin, in the Bay of Seine, scallops are the pride of Normandy's fishermen. The scallops have also been awarded the Label Rouge, which recognises their freshness and flavour. Every year in November, an emblematic festival marks the start of the scallop fishing season and celebrates the Normandy scallop during the Le Goût du Large festival.

port en bessin

Discovering the heritage of Port-en-Bessin

Founded by the Dukes of Normandy The city of Port has a rich heritage and history that dates back over 1,000 years. In the heart of the city, Saint-Pierre church in Huppain is dedicated to sailors lost at sea. Inside, you can see a large number of ex-votos, models of boats donated by sailors who have escaped shipwreck.

On the cliff at the entrance to the port, the Vauban tower is also well worth a visit. It was built in 1694 to keep an eye on English and Dutch ships. Every Friday in the summer, it hosts the Vauban Tower fireworks display.

Scenic view of Yport beach with fishing boats and cliffs in Normandy, France.

Just outside Port-en-Bessin, on the route des landing beachesThe museum of underwater wrecks brings together all kinds of military objects and vehicles found under the sea after the war.

to discover

All about Port En Bessin

An authentic fishing port

As the leading fishing port in Calvados, Port-en-Bessin is still a lively maritime centre with its fleet of trawlers and small coastal boats.

Every day, the boats return to port laden with fish, scallops (in season from October to May) and other seafood. Don't miss the fish market on the quayside, where you can buy the day's catch direct from the fishermen.

Early risers can attend the morning fish auction and find out how this traditional auction works. At weekends, the market is at its liveliest, with colourful stalls and a friendly atmosphere as regulars come to stock up on fresh seafood.

Cycling stopover Port en Bessin

Port-en-Bessin is an ideal stop-off point on the Vélomaritime for cycle tourists staying at Camping Reine Mathilde ***. A secure cycle path links our campsite directly to the port, making it easy to reach this charming town by bike in around 30 minutes.

On site, you can park your bike in one of the many cycle parks available on the quays and explore the historic centre and cliffs on foot. For the more sporty, the customs path (GR®223) offers magnificent routes along the cliffs, with breathtaking views of the sea and the D-Day landing beaches.

To the west, the path leads to the Pointe du Hoc, while to the east it reaches the beaches of Arromanches. Shorter walking loops are also signposted around the port to discover the surrounding countryside.

Seafood tasting and restaurants

Port-en-Bessin is a paradise for lovers of seafood and fresh fish.

The restaurants lining the quays offer menus featuring products from the local fishery: seafood platters, scallops (a speciality of the region), sole, sea bass, turbot, lobster... Depending on the season, savour these maritime delights prepared according to traditional Norman recipes.

For a romantic moment, treat yourself to a sunset dinner with a view of the boats and the reflections in the basin. Not to be missed in autumn is the Scallop Festival in November, when Port-en-Bessin celebrates this emblematic product with tastings, cookery demonstrations and musical entertainment.

Romantic sunset by the sea

For an unforgettable romantic moment, take to the cliffs of Port-en-Bessin at sunset. From the vantage point of the Tour Vauban, admire the enchanting spectacle of the sun plunging into the sea, tinting the colourful facades of the fishermen's houses and the boats anchored in the harbour pink and gold. From this exceptional vantage point, you can also observe the entrance to the port, protected by two imposing breakwaters.

After this contemplation, head back down to the illuminated port and extend the evening on the terrace of one of the seafront restaurants, where you can enjoy a seafood platter by candlelight.

A romantic experience for two, far from the hustle and bustle of the big tourist resorts.

Tips for visiting Port-en-Bessin

Port-en-Bessin is about 10 minutes' drive from Camping Reine Mathilde ***. There are several free car parks around the port, but they can be very busy in high season.

Make sure you arrive early to watch the return of the fishing boats and take advantage of the fish market. In summer, shuttle buses run between Port-en-Bessin and the D-Day landing beaches for a car-free visit. For golf enthusiasts, the Golf d'Omaha Beach, with its two 18-hole courses offering spectacular sea views, is close by.

The Tourist Office, located on the Quai Félix Faure, offers guided tours of the port and the old fortifications. For families, the fine sandy Bessin beach to the west of the port is ideal for swimming in summer.