Site of the Conservatoire du Littoral managed by the Department of Calvados, Mount Castel is a limestone plateau located at the top of marly and limestone cliffs. Overlooking the fishing port of Port-en-Bessin, the site offers a panorama on the rocky foreshore and on the Normandy coast, from the Cotentin peninsula to Le Havre.
Mostly on a limestone substratum, it presents a strong interest for the flora and in particular the orchids. The open areas punctuated with brambles allow the nesting of meadow birds, while the southern slope shelters numerous species of butterflies specific to dry areas.
By prefectural decree, the coastal path is closed to the public for safety reasons. In order to offer an alternative way of discovering the site, the Conservatoire du littoral and the Département have created a 2 km path, set back from the cliff crest and accessible by the Chemin de l'Artillerie (at the end of the Rue René Hommet). It is recommended that visitors park at the port and walk along the basin to reach this path.