Saint-Maurice-En-Cotentin: Church, History and Walking Trail

Saint-Maurice-En-Cotentin offers a range of attractions for a stay: ecclesiastical architecture, historic buildings, places of remembrance and a walking trail through the surrounding countryside. When planning your trip, be sure to allow enough time for the walk; the other sights offer their own points of interest.

Church and architectural history

A protected tombstone for Guillaume Cuquemelle and his family, dating from 1613, is located on the north wall of the nave of Saint-Maurice Church. The church building also brings together several periods: a transept arm from the 15th century supports the massive, squat bell tower from the 17th century. The sacristy was built in 1725. This makes it possible to distinguish several phases of construction in a single religious building.

Manor house and historic architecture

The Manoir de la Cour was the centre of the seigneurie of Saint-Maurice. Its features include elements of Flamboyant Gothic architecture, including moulded windows with tracery and a projecting corner tower with four loopholes. Delicately divided windows and distinctive tower details sit alongside the building’s historic role.

Another building dating from the 16th century is the Hôtel Fauvel. It retains a monumental fireplace and two doors with curved lintels. These specific architectural features add to the picture of the village’s architecture.

Walking trail and landscape

The Côte des Isles walking guide includes the Circuit du bouilleur de cru, which starts in Saint-Maurice-En-Cotentin. The easy walking route is 17.3 kilometres long and takes about four hours and 15 minutes on foot. It passes through the countryside and along shaded paths, by washhouses, traditional regional houses and stone walls. Seasonal conditions may vary.

The waterways can also be placed in their geographical context: the stream La Grise, also known as Le Gris, rises near Hôtel-au-Mière in Saint-Maurice-En-Cotentin. The coastal river Gerfleur flows through the commune before emptying into the Havre de Carteret.

Pepper farming and trip planning

Guided tours are offered at Plantation Petite Rivière. Visitors learn about pepper farming and can sample products from the farm. Plantation Petite Rivière describes itself as a pepper farm in Normandy and as the first pepper producer in Normandy.

A tour of the pepper plantation and farm grounds is available by reservation. You can learn about cultivation and harvesting, as well as the animals that help maintain the fields. Two different conditions are relevant to your plans: allow about four hours and 15 minutes of walking time for the Circuit; the tour of the pepper plantation and farm grounds is available by reservation.

Places of remembrance and local history

The monument to the 9th US Infantry Division stands on the D42, between the Fierville mill and the centre of Saint-Maurice-En-Cotentin. It commemorates 14 American soldiers and officers who were killed nearby on 17 June 1944.

The Fontaine du Bienheureux Thomas Hélye was inaugurated on 28 May 1860. In 1977, a celebration in honour of the Bienheureux Thomas Hélye was set for the Sunday closest to 19 October. The programme established at that time included a Mass in the church, the veneration of the relics and a procession to the Fontaine du Bienheureux.

Discover more destinations: La Chapelle-Cécelin, Hauteville-la-Guichard, Benoîtville, Lithaire, Contrières, Montfarville, Chérencé-Le-Roussel, Mobecq.

For the broader travel overview: Manche.