La Pommeraye offers two distinct ways to explore: the fortification remains at Château Ganne and activities centred around horses. There are also hiking trails, an equestrian theatre and opportunities for a quieter break. When planning your visit, the main decision is what to focus on: would you like to explore historic structures, spend time in the saddle, or combine both with a cultural visit?
Château Ganne: Fortification Remains and Festival Date
Château Ganne includes the remains of a gatehouse dating from the 11th and 12th centuries, as well as three earth enclosures surrounded by fortification ramparts and ditches. The archaeological landscape park is part of the Calvados Department’s Espaces Naturels Sensibles network. This means that the site focuses both on the remains of a structure and on several fortified earthworks. History enthusiasts will find more here than just a single gatehouse: the earth enclosures, ramparts and ditches are all part of the overall picture.
A particular date to look out for during the year is the medieval festival held on the grounds of Château Ganne. It takes place every year on the weekend closest to 14 July. Since the date depends on this calendar reference, check the specific event date before your trip.
The “Entre Histoire et légende” walking trail also starts at the Château Ganne car park in La Pommeraye. If you plan to take this named route, you have a specific starting point to help you find your way. La Pommeraye is also the starting point for numerous hiking routes that can be explored on foot, by mountain bike or on horseback. These different ways of getting around offer various options for incorporating the routes into your plans; you do not need details of individual trail layouts to choose between them.
Horse Riding and Trails: Different Time Frames
Écurie Alice & Antoine Castillon offers individual riding lessons for advanced riders, those with some experience, and beginners. Lessons are available to children and adults. If you would rather go on a ride or a horseback trek than take a lesson, you can choose from individually arranged options lasting half a day, a full day or several days. These time frames can help you gauge how long you would like the activity to last, without assuming a particular route or itinerary.
The routes around La Pommeraye and the offerings at the Écurie address different planning needs: the hiking routes can be used on foot, by mountain bike or on horseback, while rides and horseback treks are arranged individually. You can first choose between a route and a tailor-made riding experience, then decide which time frame suits your trip.
The Écurie also organises riding courses on weekdays or on selected weekends upon request. If you are planning one, confirm the current arrangements directly in advance. This makes it clear when planning your trip how these courses, organised upon request, differ from the regular offerings.
Equestrian Arts and a Behind-the-Scenes Look
The Théâtre équestre de La Pommeraye is a venue for performances in a rural setting and can accommodate 300 spectators. If an event is important to your plans, we recommend confirming the current capacity. The audience can also request a behind-the-scenes look at the equestrian theatre. Check the current visitor arrangements before your trip if you would like to plan for this.
Performances and the opportunity to go behind the scenes offer a different focus from lessons or rides: here, the equestrian theatre as a venue takes centre stage, while those activities give you time in the saddle. This comparison may help you choose whether you would rather experience equestrian arts as a performance or plan to take part in riding yourself.
A Break with a Spa and Crêperie
The Spa du Domaine de la Pommeraye offers a hammam, a sauna, a heated swimming pool at 30°C and a relaxation area. If these facilities are important to your plans, check the latest information before your visit, as spa offerings may change. These facilities give your stay a distinct wellness focus alongside the area’s historical and equestrian attractions.
For a culinary addition, there is the Crêperie La Route des Crêpes, which uses local produce where possible and works with local artisans where possible. Together with the historic structures, equestrian offerings and trails, this provides a choice of activities to suit different interests, without requiring every part of your itinerary to have the same focus.
Discover more destinations: Fourneville, Caumont-L'éventé, Saint-Germain-De-Livet, Le Tourneur, Vaux-Sur-Seulles, Campandré-Valcongrain, Giberville, Saint-Laurent-Sur-Mer.
See the overview of the wider travel region: Calvados.
