Monfréville: Aure Marshes, Church and Château

Monfréville brings together the marshes of the Aure Valley and opportunities to discover the landscape and local architectural history. A water tour, the Les Marais de l’Aure cycling route and Église Saint-Martin each offer a different focus. If you are looking for a hotel in Monfréville, you can first consider whether nature, activity or historic architecture will shape your stay. The activities and buildings offer concrete points of reference.

The Aure and its marshland

A paddle, canoe and kayak tour on the Aure starts and ends at Pont de Monfréville. Along the way, you can experience the marsh ecosystem and its migratory birds and mammals. The tour thus combines movement on the water with experiencing the marsh ecosystem. Dates and availability may change; check both before making plans.

Those who would rather take in the marshland without travelling by water can find a landscaped viewpoint in front of Église de Monfréville. From the heights of Monfréville, Église Saint-Martin overlooks the marshes of the Aure Valley. The water tour and viewpoint thus offer different perspectives on the landscape.

Église Saint-Martin and Château de Monfréville

Église Saint-Martin in Monfréville dates from the 12th century. Its restoration lasted from 1879 to 1890. These are two distinct dates relevant to its history: the 12th century indicates the building’s origins, while 1879 to 1890 marks a later period of restoration. This distinguishes its medieval origins from its restoration in the late 19th century.

The manor house Château de Monfréville dates from the late 16th century. Its conical, slate-roofed tower is a notable feature. Here, alongside its date, a specific architectural feature stands out. The buildings differ clearly in comparison: for Église Saint-Martin, its 12th-century origins and later restoration are noteworthy; for the Château, its late 16th-century date and distinctive tower.

Les Marais de l’Aure cycling route

The Les Marais de l’Aure cycling route follows the road between La Cambe and Monfréville. This stretch of road can be flooded in winter. If you plan to ride the route during this season, take the seasonal restriction into account and check conditions before setting off. The Aire de repos de Monfréville is also located along the route.

Different considerations apply when choosing between cycling and a water activity. On the cycling route, note that the road section may be flooded in winter. The tour on the Aure, by contrast, starts and ends at Pont de Monfréville and includes the marsh ecosystem as part of the experience. This lets you assess the activities according to mode of travel and season.

Discover more destinations: Manvieux, Blangy-Le-Château, Houlgate, Biéville-Beuville, Canton of Saint-Sever-Calvados, Cricquebœuf, Saint-Léger-Dubosq, Castilly.

For the overview of the wider region: Calvados.