Saturday 27 September 2026
After breakfast at La Mare — a relaxed morning by the sea. No fixed end time; wander back when you have had enough sand and wind.
~5 min from La Mare
The nearest coast. Park at Pointe du Banc for the dune walk, or at the main village beach for Coffee Beach.
Easy & optional
Walk as far as you like, swim if you dare, or just sit with a coffee and watch the tide. No programme required.
Getting there
La Mare to Pointe du Banc.
Head to Plage de la Pointe du Banc at the mouth of the Ay — wide sand, big dunes and the GR 223 coastal path. On a clear day you can see Jersey across the channel. Coffee Beach on Rue de la Mer is a short drive north along the seafront.
Google Maps routeDrive to Pointe du Banc
~5 minutes from La Mare. Free parking at the dune car park.
Coffee at Coffee Beach
37 Rue de la Mer — right on the seafront. Coffee, salads, pizzas and seafood with a view.
Walk the dunes
Stroll north along the sand or try the 8 km Pointe du Banc loop through the dunes (GR 223).
Swim (optional)
Wide sandy beach, gentle slope. Water will be cold in late September — refreshing rather than balmy.
Coffee stop
Coffee Beach — seafront café & restaurant.
37 Rue de la Mer, Saint-Germain-sur-Ay
Coffee Beach
A relaxed beach spot steps from the sand — good for coffee, lunch or an early drink. Serves pizzas, salads, mussels and grilled fish. Generous portions, friendly staff, wheelchair accessible.
- Phone: +33 2 33 17 03 83 — worth calling ahead in shoulder season.
- Roughly Mon–Sat 11:00–23:00 in season (hours vary; check before you go).
Walk & swim
Beach, dunes and the customs path.
Saint-Germain-sur-Ay has 24 km of fine sand along this stretch of coast. The main beach is family-friendly with views toward Jersey. Further south, Pointe du Banc offers wild dunes on the GR 223 (Sentier des Douaniers).
Main beach
Wide, flat sand north of the harbour. Easy access, free parking. Dogs allowed year-round. Good for a gentle stroll and photos.
Pointe du Banc walk
7.9 km loop, ~2.5 hours, easy level. Crosses wild dunes and returns along the shore. Stairs over the dune at the car park.
Swimming
Allowed and pleasant on a calm day. Expect ~17–18°C water in September. Bring a towel; changing facilities are limited.
Bring
Windproof layer, comfortable shoes for sand, water, sunscreen. Sandals for the beach, trainers if you walk the dune trail.
Practical notes
Good to know.
Weather
Coastal wind picks up quickly. Layers beat a single thick jacket. Check the forecast before heading out.
Parking
Free at the main beach and Pointe du Banc. Can fill up on summer weekends — September is quieter.