Varneville-Bretteville: Churches, Crafts and a Circular Walk

Varneville-Bretteville brings together church architecture, local history, an archaeological site, crafts and a circular walk. For planning your trip, these themes can be clearly distinguished: Le Bourg Joli is a walking option with a specified distance, while the Atelier du Bel Évent combines design with group visits by appointment. Churches and the Camp de la Bouteillerie add historical perspectives to your stay.

Churches and Local History

Varneville-Bretteville was formed in 1823 through the merger of Bretteville-du-Petit-Caux and Varneville-aux-Grès. This founding year and the two former communes provide a clear reference point for the local history.

The portal of the Church of Saint-Vincent-et-Saint-Médard has two turrets, added in the first half of the 16th century. The choir of the Church of Saint-Vincent in Le Bourg Joli dates from around 1240 and has been preserved. A statue of Saint Francis of Assisi is located in the Church of Saint-Médard. The statue of Saint Clotilde is made of carved, polychrome-painted wood. The details highlight different aspects: the choir and the turrets on the portal draw attention to construction dates and architecture, while the statue of Clotilde highlights the material and multicolour finish of the carved wood.

The Camp de la Bouteillerie preserves traces of a Gallo-Roman camp near former sandstone quarries. This archaeological theme complements the village’s architectural and ecclesiastical history.

Le Bourg Joli Walk

Le Bourg Joli is an 8.5-kilometre circular walk that starts in Varneville-Bretteville. The walk is listed as taking two hours and having a moderate difficulty level. The duration gives an indication of the time required, while the rating describes the difficulty of the walk.

Along the way, the route passes through beech forests and embankments typical of the Pays de Caux. Two fountains along the route are described by information panels from the Office de Tourisme Terroir de Caux. You can also see the Church of Saint-Médard on the route. The landscape and named cultural landmarks give the walk a variety of highlights.

Crafts and Produce

At the Atelier du Bel Évent, fashion or decorative accessories are designed, drawn and made in keeping with French tradition. Free visits for groups are available year-round by appointment. Design, drawing and production refer to different stages of the work in the studio and illustrate both its creative and crafts-based character.

Kiwis and kiwiberries are produced at La Printanière. A 2023–2024 producer directory lists farm-gate sales of kiwis and kiwiberries at GAEC du Printemps. If you plan to buy directly, check the current sales arrangements before visiting.

Practical Information

The Church of Saint-Vincent-et-Saint-Médard is listed as accessible to people with reduced mobility. Check the current access arrangements before your visit.

Discover more destinations: Saint-Léger-du-Bourg-Denis, Angiens, Belmesnil, Préaux, Trouville, Veauville-Lès-Quelles, Mailleraye Sur Seine, Thérouldeville.

For the regional travel overview: Seine-Maritime.