Special tours: in the great outdoors

Since the introduction of tightened security measures since September 11, 2001, the site is no longer permitted to receive members of the public inside its facilities. In spite of these access restrictions, two schemes are open to the general public:

• the &uot;AREVA Information Point&uot; - a self-guided tour of the group's activities at the La Hague facility. 2005 was marked by the opening of a new, more spacious, modern and educational information area - now open all year round.

• &uot;Special tours&uot; - this tour idea was introduced in June 2002, combining industrial tourism and eco-tourism, enabling people to find out all about the company and this protected natural area.

During the presentation on board the coach, your guide will explain all about the recycling of used fuels while you go past both infrastructure and wonderful natural views, along with all the methods used by AREVA to preserve the environment. This is the chance for people of all ages to find out all about the many animal species and plants that flourish on this windswept heather and moorland.

Over 5,600 people visited the AREVA La Hague site in 2008.

The seven stages of the tour

• Meet at the Information Area

Your tour will begin here, with a presentation of the site's activity using an exhibition with commentary and a documentary film: to find out everything about the recycling of spent nuclear fuels.

• Les Moulinets Guesthouse

The exceptional view at Anse des Moulinets gives you an unbroken view over the coastal pathways that overlook the highest cliffs in continental Europe. A stop-off point provides the ideal opportunity to find out all about AREVA's monitoring of the marine environment.

• The AREVA La Hague site

Going alongside the AREVA site with a surface area of 300 hectares and a length of 3 kilometers, your guide will show you the social and economic involvement of AREVA in terms of employment and local life.

• Chèvres roundabout

During this first stage across the moor, where wild goats roam free, you will find out all about AREVA: its history and development to date.

• Auderville

AREVA regularly takes samples (grass, algae, plants, etc.) and monitors the water. At Auderville, on a clear day, you can see right across to the islands of Alderney,Jersey and Guernsey on the horizon.

• Saint-Martin Cove

Your guide will field any questions you may want to know about the global energy situation. Energy needs are set to double by 2030, with the need to reduce CO₂ emissions by half.

• Station-village of Digulleville

AREVA carries out continual monitoring of the air quality. 24/7, gas discharges are checked across several station-villages around the plant.

Tour practicalities

Practical information

Information AREVA
50444 Beaumont-Hague Cedex
Tel.: 02 33 02 73 04

Schedule and times

• April to September

Special tour on Monday and Thurday (reservation only)

• October to March

Special tour only for groups (reservation only)

Monday to Friday

Information area open 9.00am to 5.00pm

Closed week-end and public holidays

Arriving by car

From Cherbourg, follow the D901 towards Equeurdreville, then Beaumont-Hague. Carry straight on towards Jobourg leaving the AREVA plant on your right. The Information Area is 1 km further on, on the right.