Discover Gouberville

When planning a stay in Gouberville, you can consider its historic landmarks and natural surroundings as separate points of interest. The church tells the story of several building phases through its surviving features; Gilles de Gouberville is associated with a multi-volume journal. The Étang de Gattemare, meanwhile, is important for migratory and breeding birds.

The church and its building history

The oldest surviving traces of the church in Gouberville probably date from the early 13th century. These include the west gable with its portal and window, the base of the tower, and three windows in the chancel. These specific features provide evidence of the church’s early history, distinct from later changes to the tower.

The bell tower has its own, longer building history: construction began in the 14th century. It remained unfinished until 1780, when work resumed. A height of about 19 metres was planned. This figure refers to the intended height, not necessarily the tower’s actual height. The sequence of an early start, a long interruption and renewed work adds another historical layer to the church.

The tombstone of Hervé de Crosville, once Seigneur de Gouberville, can also be seen in the chancel. It connects a visit to the church with a specific historical person and former title.

Gilles de Gouberville and his journal

Gilles de Gouberville is considered a Norman nobleman and Seigneur de Gouberville. The Journal de Gilles de Gouberville is available in three volumes: the first covers 1549 to 1553, the second 1554 to 1558, and the third 1559 to 1562. These periods make clear that the edition spans a longer stretch of time and does not cover just a single year.

An entry in the journal records a visit to Gouberville to graft trees. This detail adds another perspective on the town’s past to the church’s building history. Anyone interested in historical records will find here, alongside names and dates, a specific activity associated with Gouberville.

Étang de Gattemare and its birdlife

The Étang de Gattemare lies within the communes of Gouberville, Gatteville-le-Phare and Néville-sur-Mer and is open to the public. It is ornithologically important for both migratory and breeding birds.

The Étang is part of the Natura 2000 site “Caps et marais arrière-littoraux de Barfleur au Cap Lévi”. Its protected-area status and importance for birds shape how the lake is classified; they add a nature theme to the historical focus on the church and journal.

Distinguishing hiking routes when planning

The published 2026 hiking route includes a 5-kilometre section from Réthoville to Gouberville. If you plan to hike this particular section, check the route details against the edition relevant to your trip. This ensures the distance remains tied to the specific route edition.

Separately, the path from Bas de la rue de Gouberville northwards to the Étang de Gattemare passes through a protected area of the Conservatoire du littoral. Hikers are required to stay on the GR223 there. Take this route guidance into account when planning and remain on the designated path.

Discover more destinations: Tocqueville, Marchésieux, Heugueville-Sur-Sienne, Valognes, Annoville, Raids, Saint-Germain-De-Tournebut, Néhou.

For the broader travel overview: Manche.