Saint-Vaast-la-Hougue is a small harbor lying 1.8 miles SW of Pointe de Saire. Ile de Tatihou, lying 1 mile E, fronts the harbor. A conspicuous tower, with a turret on one side, stands on the S extremity of the island. Fort de l’Ilet, a low fort, is situated close S of this tower.
Fort de la Hougue, high and surmounted by a turret, stands 1 mile SSW of the harbor and is conspicuous. It is joined on the N side to the mainland by a breakwater. This fort, which is marked by a light, is situated at the end of a drying rocky bank extending from the coast. The harbor is used by fishing vessels and pleasure craft. The approach is indicated by a lighted range. Local knowledge is required. The harbor consists of a drying outer basin and an inner wet basin. A gate, 16m wide, provides entry to the wet basin, which has a least depth of 2.3m.
A conspicuous water tower stands about 2 miles inland, 5.5 miles SSW of Sainte-Vaast-la-Hongue. A church, with a prominent pointed belfry, is situated at Quinville, 1.7 miles E of the water tower. Another church, with a prominent pointed belfry stands at Les Gougins near the shore, 5.2 miles S of Sainte-Vaast-la-Hongue.
Anchorage.—Rade de Saint-Vaast consists of two anchorages and provides shelter from W winds. The bottom is formed by sand, mud, and clay, and provides good holding ground.
Onshore winds can cause heavy seas within this roadstead.
Grande Rade, with a depth of 14m, lies about 1.5 miles S of Ile de Tatihou and close NW of the N end of Banc de la Rade.
Petite Rade, with depths of 2 to 6m, lies about 0.7 mile S of Ile de Tatihou.