Canapville offers points of interest for nature lovers and those interested in architecture. The Campigny trail runs from the peat meadows in the Touques valley to the ridge of the hillside, taking in two remarkable natural areas of the Pays d’Auge. Canapville’s heritage includes the parish church of Saint-Aubin and the Manoir de Canapville. The landscape, seasonal nature and varied architectural styles each add their own distinctive character.
Nature and the Seasons
The Campigny wetlands are rich in vegetation and are home to numerous unusual butterflies in summer. The Campigny trail is open from April to October. This means the time window for the route extends beyond summer, while the butterflies add a distinctively summery natural highlight. Check the trail’s opening information before your visit.
The area’s natural features also include Coteau de la Cour Cucu, a two-hectare sensitive natural area in Canapville owned by CEN Normandie.
Church and Architectural History
Several periods are represented in the history of the parish church of Saint-Aubin. Construction work from the 15th century, as well as later repairs and restorations from the 19th and early 20th centuries, form part of its architectural history. The church may date from the 11th century; the lavabo niche in the choir may also date from the 13th century. These possible earlier dates should therefore be distinguished from the later construction work and interventions.
The building’s design also offers specific points of comparison. The bell tower is made of brick and topped with a polygonal spire. The nave and choir are made of rendered stone; the sacristy is also made of brick and has a polygonal hipped roof. Brick is thus used for the tower and sacristy, while rendered stone is used for the nave and choir. The polygonal forms belong to different parts of the building: the spire and the sacristy’s hipped roof.
The Manoir de Canapville
The Manoir de Canapville is also part of the commune’s heritage. The residence has a flat-tile roof; the coach house and stable are made of asbestos-containing cement, while other outbuildings are roofed with slate. The different materials are therefore used for both the residence and the various outbuildings.
Those interested in historic architecture will find two different points of interest: the construction phases and architectural features of the church of Saint-Aubin, and the variety of materials used in the residence and outbuildings of the manor.
Horse Riding in the Pays d’Auge
In the Pays d’Auge, Ranch de la Boscraie offers rides lasting one hour, half a day or a full day. The three options differ in the amount of time they require. The ranch also offers introductions to Western riding and riding sessions tailored to participants’ skill levels. Progressive small-group sessions that include working with cattle round out the selection. Alongside the rides, there is a choice of different lesson and activity formats. As offerings may change, check the ranch’s current options in advance.
Discover more destinations: Moutiers-Au-Perche, Camembert, La Ferté-Macé, Cahan, Essay, Sainte-Honorine-la-Guillaume, Lonlay-L'abbaye, Alencon
Return to the main travel guide: Orne.
