In Sacey, cultural history, fishing, a historic circular route and seasonal wetlands reveal different sides of the destination. Chapelle Notre-Dame-de-Pitié stands beside Étang du Pont au Roy. The “Visite patrimoniale en campagne” circular route invites you to discover the canton’s small-scale historic heritage. Marais de Boucey et d'Aucey complete the picture with open bocage landscapes and a rich variety of birdlife. You can therefore decide in advance whether architectural history, an activity with a clearly stated duration, fishing or nature should be the focus of your stay.

Fishing pond and chapel by the water

For the 2023–2027 management period, the created and maintained Étang du Pont au Roy is considered a fishing pond of the first fishing category, covering about one hectare and suitable for trout and coarse fishing. Check the current conditions before planning your fishing trip.

Chapelle Notre-Dame-de-Pitié stands beside the pond and is the only surviving evidence of a château once built at this site. The chapel and the moats surrounding it were partially protected as a Monument historique by decree dated 31 March 1992. The same site thus brings together the history of the former château and heritage protection with a specific date.

Architectural history and surviving traces

Chapelle was created from the guardhouse of the former castle. Some archaeologists believe that the former guardhouse by the main gate was used for this purpose. Its tower-like shape, thick walls and roof opening are associated with a guard keeping watch over the castle entrance. Its origins in the guardhouse should be distinguished from the more specific theory about the former guardhouse’s location by the main gate.

Église Saint-Martin dates from the 11th century and has been extensively altered. Today, only the remains of a square fortification survive at Château de Charuel. The historical evidence therefore differs significantly: the church is notable for its early date and alterations, while Château de Charuel is notable for the shape of its surviving fortification.

Circular route with two time estimates

The “Visite patrimoniale en campagne” circular route is 11 km long and invites you to discover the canton’s small-scale historic heritage. It is marked in yellow and is described as an easy circular route. The two time estimates can be compared directly when planning your day: the walk takes about three hours, while cycling takes 45 minutes. Before setting off, check the local markings, trail conditions and difficulty rating.

Seasonal wetlands and birdlife

Marais de Boucey et d'Aucey consists of very open bocage pastureland and seasonal wetlands. These areas serve as temporary retention basins and natural filters; they are flooded in winter. Their rich birdlife includes ducks, waders and birds of prey. Fishing is the main activity at the pond, while the marshes play a different role in relation to water: temporary retention, natural filtration and habitat for birds. Check local conditions before visiting.

Discover more destinations: Saussey, Tollevast, Périers, Barfleur, La Rochelle-Normande, Coulouvray-Boisbenâtre, Les Loges-sur-Brécey, Hudimesnil

For the main travel overview: Manche.