Discover Saint-Martin-Des-Champs

The Vallée de la Bourdonnière showcases the landscape around Saint-Martin-Des-Champs, while the Église Saint-Martin and Château du Quesnoy offer insights into the area’s history. Nature trails, a spring festival or historic buildings may help you choose where to stay.

Walks in the Vallée de la Bourdonnière

The valley is characterised by bocage hedgerows, old woodlands and flowering meadows. A small, winding stream runs through the Vallée de la Bourdonnière. Wooden walkways, steps and benches make it a pleasant place for walks and relaxation. Clearings lie between wooded sections; some walkways and steps have been renovated, while others have been replaced. Shelters provide hikers with a meeting point and a place to rest and picnic.

There is a circular or out-and-back route of about 2 km along surfaced paths. The walk is rated very easy and is accessible to everyone. The Vallée is open for walks year-round and free of charge, and is also suitable for families and occasional walkers. Visitors can therefore enjoy both a short, clearly defined route and the chance to relax in the valley.

The Groupe Ornithologique Normand (GONm) has recorded more than 60 bird species in the Bourdonnière. Nature outings, wellness walks and educational activities are also organised there regularly. The combination of stream, meadows, woodland and hedgerows shapes the character of the valley; the recorded bird species add a specific focus for wildlife observation.

Another route: Autour d'Avranches

The Autour d'Avranches circular route leads through the bocage and includes a technically challenging section at Chemin de la Butte in Saint-Martin-Des-Champs. The two route descriptions therefore differ: the Vallée de la Bourdonnière route is rated very easy and covers around 2 km on surfaced paths, while the challenging section at Chemin de la Butte is an important point of reference on the Autour d'Avranches circular route.

Fête du muguet and local history

The Fête du muguet is a spring event held in the green surroundings of the Vallée de la Bourdonnière. It includes an annual flea market in the valley. Founded in 1966, the Comité des fêtes de Saint-Martin-Des-Champs considers the Fête du muguet one of its main events. If you are planning your stay around this event, check the dates and participation requirements separately.

The Église Saint-Martin stands on a hillside in the centre of the village. The present-day church was built between 1803 and 1805. Its historic furnishings include an 18th-century bas-relief depicting the denial of the Apostle Peter. The church also has a First World War memorial window signed by Mazuet. The building date, relief and window refer to different periods and themes in the local church’s history.

Another historic site is Château du Quesnoy. The estate in Saint-Martin-Des-Champs was built in its present form during the Restoration, between 1815 and 1830. It stands on a steep slope opposite the Bay of Mont-Saint-Michel. Together with the Église Saint-Martin, it complements the nature and events on offer with two distinct points of cultural and historical interest.

Discover more destinations: Beaubigny, Valcanville, Bretteville-Sur-Ay, Angoville-Au-Plain, Carnet, Équeurdreville-Hainneville, Savigny-Le-Vieux, Fresville

For the wider travel overview: Manche.