Barneville and Carteret evolved into resorts during the Belle Epoque, when seaside holidays came into vogue. In 1921, the area was classified as a "tourist town" (an official designation in France). Since 1995 it has been recognized as a Blue Flag beach, a designation awarded to seaside areas adhering to specific environmental standards. The towns of Barneville-sur-mer and Carteret were combined into one municipality in 1965.

In June 1940 Carteret and Barneville were occupied by the German army, and Carteret became an important point on the Atlantic Wall. The fortifications of Barneville-sur-mer, Hatainville, Beaubigny and Carteret bore the codes "Wn 329", "Wn 326", "Wn 325", "Wn324d" and "R 612", and most of the reinforced-concrete structures are still visible.

The city was liberated during the invasion of Normandy. On June 18, 1944 an armored column of the 69th Regiment of the U.S. 9th Infantry Division entered Barneville, and after ten days of fighting the city was freed. U.S. troops remained until autumn 1945.

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