Montgardon offers several distinct themes for a stay: the Church of Notre-Dame-de-l'Assomption, the cemetery cross, the history of the 1944 fighting and horse-riding activities. The 50-kilometre Circuit – Enfer des Haies also passes through Montgardon and is designated for cycling or driving. So the first question when planning your trip is whether to focus on cultural history, horse riding or the route.
Church and heritage
The Church of Notre-Dame-de-l'Assomption offers several specific points of interest for visitors interested in culture. Its portal dates from the 12th century, and the church also contains a 17th-century limestone baptismal font. The stained-glass windows were made by the Mauméjean workshops and depict Marie-Madeleine Postel and Saint Michael. The church was badly damaged during the fighting for liberation in 1944 and was restored by architects Bernard Lulé and Maurice Ploquin. The portal and baptismal font represent two clearly dated centuries; the windows add the figures depicted to the picture. The church can therefore be explored through both its architectural history and its furnishings.
The cemetery cross is also a heritage attraction in its own right. It is made of limestone and granite and has been listed as a protected cultural object since 9 March 1994. Its materials and protected status give it a different focus from the church's architecture and furnishings.
History and local traditions
The battle for the summit of Montgardon lasted two days. On 5 July 1944, the two leading regiments of the 79th US Infantry Division encountered the main German defensive line at the foot of Montgardon. The history can thus be explored from two different perspectives: the fighting for the summit and the encounter at its foot. This makes the historical story of 1944 a distinct reason to visit, alongside the church and architectural history.
Religious traditions offer another perspective. The Fontaine Saint-Eloi in Montgardon is credited with healing abscesses; Saint Mammès is associated with stomach complaints in Montgardon. These two traditions differ from the architectural and wartime history and can be considered a distinct strand of local devotion.
Horse riding and the route
Montgardon Equitation is a riding school and an equestrian tourism centre. Its activities include riding lessons and TREC on horseback and with a carriage. Before making an enquiry, you can decide whether you are looking for riding lessons or TREC on horseback or with a carriage. If horse riding is the reason for your trip, check dates and arrangements directly with Montgardon Equitation.
The Circuit – Enfer des Haies is a 50-kilometre route for cycling or driving that passes through Montgardon. This sets the route apart from the cultural and riding activities available locally: it has a fixed overall length and offers a choice of two modes of transport to factor into your plans. If you are considering the Circuit, you can assess it as a separate part of your trip rather than treating it as a single attraction.
Choosing hotels in Montgardon
Check the location and availability of individual hotels; arrange dates for riding activities directly with Montgardon Equitation.
Discover more destinations: Remilly-Sur-Lozon, Omonville-La-Rogue, Montabot, Saint-Georges-De-Bohon, Audouville-La-Hubert, Saint-Hilaire-Petitville, Carquebut, Le Dézert
For the wider travel overview: Manche.
