Colleville: Hiking, Nature and Heritage in the Valmont Valley

Colleville lies at the bottom of the Valmont Valley. Trails, ponds and historic buildings shape the character of the town and help you plan your trip. Two circular hiking trails start in the commune and are almost the same length, at eight and 8.1 kilometres respectively. There is also a leisure route, opportunities to observe nature and local sights, each offering a different focus. This lets you explore Colleville according to your interests in scenery, outdoor activity or local history.

Ponds and scenery in the Valmont Valley

Les étangs de l’Épinay consist of former gravel pits on both sides of the Valmont. Since gravel extraction ended, the area has regained a high degree of natural character. The continental Type 1 ZNIEFF area also extends into Colleville; it is also one of the few inland wetland areas for waterbirds in the Pays de Caux. Former land use and its renewed natural character together shape the landscape here.

The Promenade des étangs at the Étangs de Gredolle is accessible via a footbridge over the Valmont, from the stadium or from the Véloroute du Lin. At the Étangs collevillais, you can fish for trout alone or with your family. Check the current local fishing regulations in advance.

Hiking: two circular trails of similar length

Circular trail No. 5, which is suitable for walking, starts in Colleville behind the town hall. It is 8.1 kilometres long and takes about two hours. Along with 18 other hikes, it is included in the PDESI. Le Torp is another circular trail starting in Colleville, with a length of 8 kilometres. The routes are similar in length; an approximate duration is also given for circular trail No. 5.

Le Torp passes through agricultural landscapes and the wooded hills of the Valmont Valley. The view over the valley from the church is one of the highlights of the circuit. Along the way, you can observe local flora and fauna. The viewpoint and scenery give this hike a different focus from the information on the starting point and duration of circular trail No. 5.

Véloroute du Lin

The Véloroute du Lin passes through Colleville and is a multi-use leisure route between Dieppe and Fécamp; it runs parallel to the Véloroute du Littoral. Most of it is a voie verte, reserved exclusively for non-motorised users, including pedestrians, cyclists, inline skaters and people with reduced mobility. Check the current route before setting out.

Local history and buildings

The former sugar factory is visible at the entrance to the town; it is now closed. A path on the plateau offers views of the village heights and the former sugar factory basin. Former watermills can still be seen along the Valmont, although most have since been converted into homes.

The Château d’Hougerville combines Renaissance and Norman architecture, with half-timbering and Saint-Jean bricks. Its features include medieval moats and small pavilions near the main entrance, built in the 17th century. The Church of Saint-Martin was rebuilt in the 19th century on a former pagan place of worship. The municipal media library is open to everyone and is located in the Espace Culturel Paul Delahaye, 855 rue de la Sucrerie.

Local services

Tourist services in Colleville include gîtes, a café, a discount store and a farm shop. As local services can change, we recommend checking the latest information before your visit.

Discover more destinations: Sotteville-Sur-Mer, Criquetot-Sur-Longueville, Montmain, Le Petit-Quevilly, Valliquerville, Villainville, Yerville, Turretot.

For the main travel overview: Seine-Maritime.