Canapville: Trails, Wetlands and Heritage

Canapville brings together the natural features of the Pays d’Auge and architectural history. The Campigny Trail, the wetlands and the Coteau de la Cour Cucu represent different aspects of the landscape; the Saint-Aubin parish church and the Manoir de Canapville add architectural heritage. You can plan your trip according to whether you are mainly interested in nature, historic architecture or both.

Landscape, trail and seasonal nature

The Campigny Trail runs from the peat meadows in the Touques valley to the ridge of the hillside, taking in two remarkable natural areas of the Pays d’Auge. The transition from the valley to the ridge shapes its route. The season matters when planning: the Campigny Trail is open from April to October. If you plan to take this trail, schedule your visit during that period.

The Campigny wetlands have lush vegetation and are home to many unusual butterflies in summer. The trail is open from April to October; the butterflies add their own seasonal highlight in summer. The Coteau de la Cour Cucu is a two-hectare sensitive natural area in Canapville and is owned by CEN Normandie. The nature attractions therefore differ in the details relevant to planning: the Campigny Trail is distinguished by its route and opening period, while the Coteau is described by its size and classification as a sensitive natural area.

Church and manor house: architectural history in Canapville

The Saint-Aubin parish church features building work dating from the 15th century, as well as later repairs and restorations from the 19th and early 20th centuries. Its origins may date back to the 11th century; the lavabo niche in the choir may also date from the 13th century. These early dates therefore remain possibilities, while the later work is attributed to the centuries specified.

Its architectural features include a brick bell tower with a polygonal spire, a nave and choir made of rendered stone, and a brick sacristy with a polygonal hipped roof. The church brings together different materials and structural elements. Canapville’s heritage also includes the Manoir de Canapville: the residential building has a flat-tile roof, the coach house and stable are made of asbestos cement, and other outbuildings have slate roofs. While the church is notable for its building phases and possible earlier dates, the materials at the manor house vary from one building to another. These offer two specific perspectives on the town’s architectural heritage.

Horse riding in the Pays d’Auge

For rides in the Pays d’Auge, Ranch de la Boscraie offers three duration options: one hour, half a day or a full day. The three options can be compared directly by duration. Other activities at the ranch include introductions to Western riding, riding sessions adapted to participants’ ability levels, and progressive small-group sessions working with cattle. As the activities on offer may change, check in advance which options are available for your preferred date.

Discover more destinations: Flers, Domfront, Heugon, Rémalard, Essay, Longny-au-Perche, Gacé, Saint-Aubin-De-Bonneval

For the full travel overview: Orne.