Notre-Dame-De-Courson: Manors, Church and Routes

Notre-Dame-De-Courson is the oldest known community in the area and was first mentioned as early as 690. For planning a trip, the town offers several clearly distinct themes: early local history, historic buildings, and routes on horseback and on foot. If you are looking for a hotel in Notre-Dame-De-Courson, these highlights can help you choose a destination. Consider whether architectural history, art or an outdoor activity should shape your stay. Manors, the parish church and a variety of routes bring these interests to life.

Manors, Architectural History and Art

The Manoir de Courson is protected as a historic monument: its façades and roofs have been listed since 1 December 1955. At the Manoir de la Chapelle, the half-timbering takes centre stage. The residence was built around 1580; much of its historic timber frame, infill panels, fireplaces and some of its 16th-century joinery has been preserved. The dates refer to different things: 1955 marks the start of protection for the façades and roofs, while around 1580 is the construction date of the half-timbered residence. This distinction helps you tell the date a building was listed from its approximate construction date.

The Manoir de Belleau-Belleau offers a different impression, with a unified brick-and-stone structure dating from the early 17th century. The complex includes a 17th-century chapel and later-built stables adjoining a courtyard flanked by two symmetrical buildings. The chronology is also distinct: the main house was built in the early 17th century, the chapel dates from the 17th century, and the stables were added later. The terracotta statue “Vierge à l’Enfant” (Virgin and Child), dating from the 18th century, is housed in Notre-Dame parish church. Together, the buildings and artworks trace a path from half-timbering and surviving 16th-century features through 17th-century manors to an 18th-century artwork. Materials, preserved building features, layout and period offer different points of interest for those interested in regional architecture and art.

Horse-Riding Route and Circular Walk

The outdoor routes differ in activity and length. The riding route “La Chevauchée du Pays d’Auge à la Seine” includes a stage from Le Billot to Notre-Dame-de-Courson. It is 22.0 kilometres long, takes four hours and is rated “easy.” The “Haute Vallée de la Touques” circular walk starts in Notre-Dame-de-Courson and is 12.7 kilometres long. You can therefore choose between a longer horseback stage with a stated duration and difficulty rating and a shorter circular walk. Check the current conditions for the riding route before setting out.

Local Drinks Production

Another local feature is Brasserie La Voie Lactée, at 3 route des Moutiers Hubert in Notre-Dame-De-Courson. Since 2019, it has produced five ranges of craft-brewed top-fermented beers. This adds local drinks production to the area’s architectural and local history. If you are planning a visit, check the current visiting arrangements in advance, as these may change.

Discover more destinations: Fourches, Pertheville-Ners, Courtonne-La-Meurdrac, Fresney-Le-Vieux, Thaon, Saint-Pierre-Tarentaine, Mittois, Firfol

For the broader travel overview: Calvados.