Saint-Léonard: Source de Grainval and Coastal Routes

Saint-Léonard offers several specific points to help you plan your trip: a spring at a distinctive rock formation, access to a small beach, marked walking and cycling routes, and places with cultural significance. When looking for a hotel, consider which of these themes you want to shape your stay. This can help you choose your destination based on the activities and experiences that interest you.

Source de Grainval and Coastal Landscape

Saint-Léonard is known for the Source de Grainval. Its water emerges at the rock formation known as “la roche qui pleure” (the weeping rock). The spring and rock provide a distinctive landmark in the landscape, setting them apart from the town’s coastal attractions. Those considering Saint-Léonard as a destination will find both a striking natural feature and routes connected to the coast.

The Valleuse de Grainval provides access to a small beach. From the valleuse, there is also a view of the Bay of Fécamp. Beach access and the view are two different reasons to include this stretch of coast in your plans: one leads down to the water, while the other draws your gaze to the bay. If you want to focus your stay on coastal scenery, these local features are a helpful starting point for your plans.

Walking and Cycling

The GR®21 long-distance trail passes through Saint-Léonard. Another specific option is the “Sur les pas des ramendeuses” walking trail: it runs from Saint-Léonard through the village of Criquebeuf-en-Caux to the seaside resort of Yport, then continues along the GR®21 to Fécamp. The route therefore links several named places and follows part of the long-distance trail. Its description was updated in February 2026; check the route details before setting out, as they may change.

The name “Sur les pas des ramendeuses” refers to the women who repaired the fishing nets of the Terre-Neuviers (Newfoundland fishermen). So, in addition to its route, the trail has a historical connection to work related to fishing. If you want your walk to reflect not only a route but also its cultural theme, you can take this background into account when choosing.

The Vélomaritime / EuroVelo 4 also passes through Saint-Léonard. This route is another point of reference for a cycling trip, separate from the walking trails. Before setting off, check whether there are roadworks or temporary diversions. This helps you plan for the activity you have in mind, rather than treating the walking trail and cycling route as interchangeable options.

Chapels, Church and Events

Église Saint-Léonard has a lantern tower, a distinctive architectural feature of the church. The stained-glass windows in Chapelle de Grainval feature maritime themes. Both offer a cultural dimension to your choice of destination: the lantern tower is an architectural element, while the windows depict a maritime theme.

Chapelle Notre-Dame-de-Lourdes was built in 1923. The association Les Amis de la Chapelle de Grainval works to protect cultural heritage, enhance the Valleuse de Grainval, and maintain Chapelle Notre-Dame-de-Lourdes. In collaboration with the municipality, it organizes cultural events there throughout the year. These include exhibitions, concerts, talks, cinema and theatre. If you would like to attend one of these events, check the current programme before your trip.

“Grainval en fête” takes place every year in June. If you want to plan your trip around this event, check the specific dates before finalizing your plans. This lets you plan around the actual dates without assuming that the annual event takes place on a particular day.

Choosing Saint-Léonard as a Destination

These differences can help you plan your trip around your own interests. A specific event may be just as important to your decision as a route or a particular landscape feature.

If you are still choosing between several destinations, consider which of these themes matters most to your trip. Saint-Léonard brings together nature, coastal attractions, routes and cultural heritage in the offerings described here. When looking for a hotel in Saint-Léonard, this selection provides a practical guide: you can first decide what you want from your stay, then compare the options that suit your trip.

Discover more destinations: Grainval, Caudebec-En-Caux, Bordeaux-Saint-Clair, Blainville-Crevon, Bardouville, Beauvoir-En-Lyons, Bouelles, Le Tilleul.

For the broader travel overview: Seine-Maritime.