Discover Gavray: River Landscapes, Trails and Culture

Gavray brings together river landscapes, hiking trails and historic sites with art and food experiences. This offers different ways to plan your stay: trails and nature, heritage, a seasonal fair, or visits with tastings.

Landscapes and trails around Gavray

The ZNIEFF “La Sienne et ses principaux affluents-frayères” includes the commune of Gavray-sur-Sienne and describes deeply incised waterways in a hilly bocage landscape. One specific spot on the Sienne is the Carrefour des randonneurs: a wetland typical of the riverbanks. There is a fishing platform there for people with disabilities.

Le Jardin de la Chevallerie is in Sourdeval-les-Bois, within Gavray-sur-Sienne. The garden has more than 400 plant species. Alongside river landscapes and hiking trails, plant diversity and a garden visit are therefore also interests in their own right.

Hiking trails and the Quartier de la Planche

The Quartier de la Planche lies along the 14.5-kilometre hiking trail No. 9, “Entre Sienne et Bérence”. A number of traditional houses and a washhouse can be seen in the neighbourhood. The named trail thus combines a specific distance with a glimpse of the local built heritage.

The “Les chemins de Gavray” loop runs along the Bérence towards La Baleine and the Sienne Valley. Northeast of Gavray, it becomes technically demanding and particularly difficult; the level of difficulty may vary depending on conditions. The route information provided therefore differs: trail No. 9 has a stated distance, while a particularly difficult section is described on the loop.

Historic sites and art

The Château Ducal ruins stand on a rocky outcrop 80 metres above the Sienne and Bérence rivers. The site of the Vestiges du Château Ducal is mentioned in a document dating from 832. In 2026, the ruins are free to enter and freely accessible; guided tours take place in summer. The Chapelle Saint Jean Baptiste dates from the early 17th century and is located in the cemetery of Gavray-sur-Sienne.

Le ravitaillement is a place for art and rural practices, founded in Gavray-sur-Sienne in 2021. From April to November, its programme includes contemporary art exhibitions, as well as performances, artist residencies and workshops. It complements the historic attractions with contemporary art and artistic practice.

Foire Saint-Luc and regional tastings

The Foire Saint-Luc has been held since 1198. The commune of Gavray-sur-Sienne organises the three-day autumn fair. Friday includes a horse and foal show; local products are also available for tasting. If you want to plan your stay around the fair, check the exact dates before booking your hotel.

During a tour of Andouillerie La Baleine, visitors learn about how andouille is made and its secrets; a tasting follows. Andouillerie is one of the last traditional producers of Andouille de Vire. Distillerie Montjoie is open year-round; tours with tastings are also available year-round by reservation. The distillery produces gin, pastis and numerous liqueurs.

The timings differ: the Foire Saint-Luc is an autumn fair, guided tours of Château Ducal take place in summer, and a visit to the distillery requires a reservation. If you are looking for a hotel in Gavray, these dates and your interests—hiking, heritage or tastings—can help you plan your stay.

Discover more destinations: Brévands, Montfarville, Percy, Le Mesnil-Tôve, Montgothier, Beuvrigny, Le Mesnil-Ozenne, Notre-Dame-De-Cenilly.

For the broader travel overview: Manche.