In Boucé, cultural history and floodplain landscapes can be explored as two distinct themes. The feudal motte, the Grosse Forge metalworks and the statue of Saint Peter lead visitors to fortified architecture, historic metalworking and sacred woodcarving. A marked nature trail draws attention to floodplain meadows, river dynamics and rare aquatic plants. The range of themes thus extends from a structure and a religious object to habitats and landscape processes.

Heritage: Motte and Statue

The feudal motte in Cordey, Boucé, is a fortified structure. It dates from the 10th or 12th century and measures 180 metres in circumference at its base. It has been protected as a historic monument since 10 June 1975. Its date of construction, dimensions and protection date mark different aspects of its history: the circumference refers to the base of the structure, while the date 1975 refers to its historic-monument protection.

The statue of Saint Peter represents another form of cultural heritage. The 200-centimetre-high sculpture is carved from wood and dates from the 19th century. It was listed as protected movable cultural property on 17 June 1981. It was displayed in the presbytery of the church of Saint-Pierre-Saint-Paul in Boucé. Unlike the motte, it is not a structure but a single religious art object; its date of creation and the later listing date mark two different points in time.

Chronologically, the motte from the 10th or 12th century and the statue from the 19th century belong to different periods of creation; 1975 and 1981, by contrast, are protection dates. For the Grosse Forge, 1641 marks the documented presence of the industrial components, and 1865 the end of operations.

Industrial History of the Grosse Forge

The Grosse Forge adds the history of metalworking to these cultural themes. The metalworks comprised a blast furnace, a refining forge and a rolling mill, all documented in 1641; operations ceased in 1865. Two restored workers’ houses also remain on the site. The industrial components and preserved houses thus represent different aspects of the history of the factory site.

Natura 2000 Site FR2500099

Natura 2000 site FR2500099 includes Boucé. Wet semi-natural and mesophilous meadows account for 80 percent of the area; inland waters make up 10 percent. Marshes, fens and peat bogs account for a combined 4 percent. The proportions show a clear emphasis on meadows, complemented by aquatic and wetland habitats.

Nature Trail Around Boucé

The marked nature trail around Boucé is 2.6 kilometres long and explains the importance of floodplain meadows. You can also learn about dragonflies, European pond turtles and rare aquatic plants. An information board at a former fairground explains the dynamics of the Orne River and how the meadows were used to produce fodder in the 18th century. This brings together nature-related themes and a historical perspective on meadow use. Check local signage before setting out.

Discover more destinations: Carrouges, Saint-Maurice-Lès-Charencey, Marchemaisons, Saint-Siméon, Tinchebray-Bocage, Saint-Aubin-d'Appenai, Domfront, Marcei

For the broader travel overview: Orne.