Campervan Holiday Villers-sur-Mer France

13/01/2023 John 9 min read 1331 Views

Villers-sur-Mer Campervan Holiday

Villers-sur-Mer, with all the charms of the Côte Fleurie coast. Long fine sandy beach, elegant architecture and attractive town centre.
The resort’s emblem is a dinosaur, for it stands at the foot of the age-old Black Cow Cliffs, renowned for their palaeontological and geological interest. You can join one of the guided tours organised by the Tourist Office, and also pay a visit to the palaeontological museum presenting many of the fossils discovered on the site.
You can also discover the fauna and flora of the Villers marshes, covering a surface area of 30 hectares.

Located in the very heart of the Côte Fleurie coast, the seaside resort of Villers-sur-Mer offers a subtle medley of Pays d’Auge and Normandy bocage charm and the elegance of the fine sandy beaches so characteristic of this part of the coast. A resort you cannot miss when travelling between Houlgate and Deauville, Villers is a concentration of Normandy in one resort and a pleasant surprise for many visitors.

Villers-sur-Mer Market Day

We came across the market in the middle of the town while walking from Bonnville-sur-Mer, which is about a 40-minute walk. The market is in the heart of Villers-sur-Mer, on the Place du Marché, located just behind the Town Hall, held every Tuesday and Friday. They had all sorts of stalls from homeware to clothing and a very impressive array of food stalls, fresh bread, vegetables, meat and cheese. We stopped across from the market and had a coffee at La Pétrisane, a local cafe and a bakery too. We took away a quality traditional baguette for later in the day.

In summer, the stalls of the traders extend to the Osmont du Tillet and Armistice streets and to the parking lot of the Saint-Martin church.
In addition to the large market, producers and subscriber fishmongers are present under the square’s hâlettes on Tuesdays, Fridays, holidays, Saturdays and Sundays.

Villers sure Mer Market opening times

Open from 01 Jan 2023 to 31 Dec 2023

Tuesday : 07: 00 à 13: 00

Friday : 07: 00 à 13: 00

On Saturday: 07: 00 à 13: 00

Sunday: 07: 00 à 13: 00

Tourist Office for Information

Vaches Noires Cliffs Villers-sur-Mer France

If you walk past Villers-sur-Mer, you can collect fossils on the beach when the tide is out. I found a few in the sand at low tide. They are quite small, about the size of a sweet. Someone said the top one could be a meteorite. They sometimes have gold in them; it looks like a bit of gold to me. I am no expert, though.

Easily accessible at low tide, the famous 110 metre-high Black Cow Cliffs stand proud yet vulnerable against the Channel waters. A genuine open-air museum, these naturally friable clay and chalk cliffs gradually erode to unveil millions of years of natural history. Indeed, a great many fossils have been, and continue to be, revealed after successive rock falls. Most of these fossils, essentially marine mammals, can be seen at the Paléospace visitor centre, a Museum of France also located in Villers-sur-Mer, in the heart of another natural protected area, the marshes.

Meteorite France Villers-sur-Mer — French Fossil Villers-sur-Mer

More than 100 meters high, the cliffs of the Vaches Noires extend over more than 4 km between Houlgate and Villers-sur-Mer

If you want to try your hand at fossil hunting, keep this in mind:

Excavation is prohibited, but the collection of fossils at the foot of the cliffs, on the shore, is authorised

Treasure hunting is practised at low tide.

Bring good shoes, a bottle of water, sunscreen and… a magnifying glass!

The name of the “Black Cows” comes from the words of sailors. The presence of large blocks of chalk covered with algae evoked, seen from the sea, a herd of cows grazing at the foot of the cliffs.

Accommodation in Villers-sur-Mer, France

Top 10 Things to Do in Villers-sur-Mer

Normandy has many pretty seaside towns. However, Villers-sur-Mer feels wonderfully relaxed. It sits between grand neighbours, yet keeps its own charm. Expect wide beaches. Expect colourful villas. And yes, expect sea air that makes you walk further than planned.

Here are the top experiences you simply should not miss.

1. Stroll Along Plage de Villers-sur-Mer

The beach is the star attraction. It stretches for miles. Soft sand meets rolling Channel waves. Colourful beach huts line the promenade. Meanwhile, families build sandcastles as the tide drifts in.

At low tide, the shoreline seems endless. Therefore, it is perfect for long coastal walks. Sunsets here are glorious. The sky turns pink and gold. You will stop for photos. Everyone does.

2. Explore the Falaises des Vaches Noires

Just outside town rise the dramatic Falaises des Vaches Noires. These black cliffs look wild and moody. They feel prehistoric.

Fossils have been discovered here for centuries. In fact, it is one of France’s richest fossil sites. Walk carefully at low tide. The scenery is striking. The geology is fascinating. And the views back towards the town are superb.

3. Discover the Paléospace l’Odyssée

Rainy afternoon? No problem. Head to Paléospace l’Odyssée. This modern museum tells the story of dinosaurs and local fossils.

Interactive displays keep things lively. Children love it. Adults secretly love it too. Moreover, the planetarium adds a cosmic twist. It is educational. Yet it never feels dull.

4. Wander the Belle Époque Villas

Villers-sur-Mer blossomed in the 19th century. As a result, elegant villas still line its streets. Wooden balconies. Decorative brickwork. Turrets that look like fairy-tale towers.

Take your time. Look up. Every house has personality. Consequently, a simple walk becomes a charming architectural treasure hunt.

5. Relax on the Promenade Roland Garros

The promenade is perfect for people-watching. Locals cycle past. Visitors pause for ice cream. The sea sparkles beside you.

Benches face the horizon. Therefore, it is easy to sit and simply breathe. Early mornings feel peaceful. Evenings feel romantic. It is classic Normandy seaside living.

6. Visit the Marais de Villers-Blonville Nature Reserve

Nature lovers should head to Marais de Villers-Blonville. This protected marshland is calm and green.

Wooden walkways guide you through reeds and waterways. Birds nest quietly. Butterflies drift lazily. It feels far from the busy coast. Yet it is only minutes away.

7. Explore the Town Centre Market

French markets always delight. Villers-sur-Mer is no exception. Fresh cheeses. Warm bread. Local cider that tastes dangerously good.

Chat with stallholders. Sample generously. Then pretend you only meant to buy one thing. It never happens.

8. Take a Day Trip to Deauville

Just along the coast lies Deauville. It is chic. It is glamorous. It has famous boardwalks and elegant boutiques.

However, returning to Villers feels refreshingly calm. Therefore, you enjoy the best of both worlds. A splash of glamour. Then back to seaside simplicity.

9. Visit Houlgate for Coastal Views

In the opposite direction sits Houlgate. The coastal path between the towns offers splendid views.

Clifftop walks reveal sweeping panoramas. Wild flowers grow in spring. Meanwhile, the sea stretches endlessly below. It is invigorating. Bring sturdy shoes.

10. Enjoy Fresh Seafood by the Sea

Finally, indulge in Normandy’s flavours. Order moules marinières. Try local oysters. Pair them with crisp cider.

Seafood tastes better with sea views. That is a fact. Restaurants here keep things simple. Fresh ingredients shine. You will linger longer than planned.

Why Visit Villers-sur-Mer?

Villers-sur-Mer blends nature, history, and coastal beauty effortlessly. It feels authentic. It feels welcoming. Moreover, it never feels rushed.

Therefore, if you crave fresh air and gentle charm, this Normandy gem delivers. Pack comfortable shoes. Bring your appetite. And let the tide set your pace.