Gorges: Moorland, Church and Chapel

Explore Gorges through several specific themes: the Tourbière de Sèves, religious buildings and designated routes. For your travel planning, it helps to consider these aspects separately. The moorland offers a broad natural setting; the Église Notre-Dame, the Chapelle Sainte-Anne and the Manoir de Camprond represent different architectural and religious details. There is also an annual celebration and two routes for different activities.

Moorland and birdlife

The Tourbière de Sèves is part of a large peat-marsh complex in the valleys of the Taute, Sèves and Gorget rivers. It covers more than 1,500 hectares and is one of the largest peat bogs in Western Europe. In the past, it was also called the Tourbière de Baupte or Tourbière de Gorges. If you come across one of these older names, it refers to the same peat bog. The area is home to 50 breeding species, including 33 species of waterbirds. These ecological population figures may change as new surveys are conducted. The area figure describes the extent of the peat bog, while the bird numbers reflect one aspect of its wildlife.

Chapelle Sainte-Anne and annual celebration

The Chapelle Sainte-Anne des Marais de Gorges is located in the Marais du Cotentin. It is signposted from the center of Gorges; it is also 2 km east of the center and can be reached via the RD 530. A large celebration in honor of the chapel takes place every year on the last Saturday in July. If you are planning a trip for it, check the exact event date for your travel year.

Church and heritage

The Église Notre-Dame de Gorges is located in the heart of the Marais du Cotentin. The church houses a 15th-century Pietà. The central Vierge de Pitié, depicting the dead Christ, has been listed as a Monument historique since 1908. Historically, the church was divided into three sections, each served by its own priest. A specific sacred artwork and the former division of the church thus represent two distinct aspects of its history.

At the Manoir de Camprond, the focus is on the layout of the grounds. The manor is arranged around a large square courtyard, which opens to the west onto extensive plots crossed by the Briquebost stream. The courtyard is the focal point of the described grounds. Its western opening illustrates the relationship between the courtyard, the plots and the stream: the arrangement of the buildings, their orientation and the course of the stream form a cohesive spatial picture.

Walking and cycling

For a walk, the 8.0 km “Chapelle et tourbière de Gorges” circular trail is listed as easy. Check the route details again before setting out. Another activity is the “Périers – Gonfreville – Gorges” bike ride, listed as 10.2 km. The different distances can be considered by mode of travel: 8.0 km on the circular trail and 10.2 km on the bike ride. If you plan to walk, the circular trail’s stated difficulty rating is a useful guide; for the bike ride, the distance is provided here.

Discover more destinations: Digosville, Montpinchon, Lessay, Marigny, Sourdeval, Carnet, Liesville-Sur-Douve, Varouville

Back to the regional travel overview: Manche.