Le Rozel: Archaeology and Coast

Le Rozel brings together archaeological history, protected architectural and garden features, and a coastal landscape with a beach and headland. Early human traces, a seasonal bathing area and a named hiking route each offer their own points of reference when planning your stay.

Archaeological site: early human traces

The Le Rozel archaeological site is considered a site of national archaeological interest. Neanderthals regularly inhabited it around 80,000 years ago. This date is approximate; together with the evidence of regular habitation, it provides a timeframe for the site's early settlement.

At least 2,900 human footprints have been found there since 2012. Most are footprints, with knee and handprints also found. Further excavations may increase the number, so 2,900 should be understood as a minimum. Alongside the approximate dating, the different types of prints bring the human traces to life: they include not only feet, but also knees and hands.

Historic estate and protected features

The Domaine du château du Rozel offers a different cultural focus. It is partially protected as a historic monument. The protection covers the façades and roofs of all the estate's buildings, as well as the garden with its boundary walls and pavilions. The listed features therefore extend beyond a single building and also include parts of the garden. The word “partially” remains important: it does not mean that every part of the estate is protected across the board.

As cultural points of interest, the archaeological site and the Domaine are quite distinct: the former focuses on traces of early settlement, while the latter centers on protected buildings and garden features. Together, they offer two different historical perspectives on Le Rozel.

Beach and Cap du Rozel

During the summer months, there is a supervised bathing area on Le Rozel beach. It can be up to 200 m long and 100 m wide; the exact dimensions may vary. Both the location and size of the area also change depending on the tides, water pools, rocks and weather conditions. Keep these changing conditions in mind when planning your visit; the maximum dimensions do not define a fixed area year-round.

Cap du Rozel is a rocky headland that rises to 130 m. From there, you can look out over Sciotot Bay, as well as Surtainville and its beach. At the summit stands the statue Maris Stella, also known as the “Vierge des marins,” a work by Joseph Bataille. The two names refer to the same statue; the artist's name provides further context for this artwork at the summit.

Planning a hike on the GR®223

The Sciotot–Hatainville section of the GR®223 is 18.2 km long and rated difficult. The stated elevation gain is 302 m and the duration is 4 hours and 40 minutes. These figures go together: the route length alone does not convey the same information as the stated difficulty, elevation gain and duration. When factoring the hike into your travel plans, you can consider these four key details together; the duration is the estimated planning time given for this section.

Discover more destinations: Les Loges-sur-Brécey, Plomb, Orglandes, Doville, Saint Planchers, Beslon, Le Teilleul, Montmartin-En-Graignes.

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