The Église Saint-Valery de Leuconaüs and Gonneville-sur-Scie’s inclusion in the ZNIEFF Vallée de la Scie give the area two distinct themes: architectural history and the regional natural environment. The 28-kilometre Circuit du Duché cycling loop also passes through the ponds of the Varenne Valley and the green landscapes of the Scie Valley. You can choose between church architecture, landscape and cycling as different points of interest.
Church and architectural history
The north transept and square bell tower of the Église Saint-Valery de Leuconaüs are made of 16th-century sandstone. The nave was rebuilt in 1737. The choir contains a tombstone depicting three people and bearing the year 1547. These dates refer to different things: 1547 is the date on the tombstone, while 1737 dates the rebuilding of the nave; the transept and tower are assigned to the 16th century. The materials, architectural features and tombstone therefore stand as distinct historical points of reference. For those interested in cultural history, this distinction is revealing: it shows the difference between a structural feature, a later rebuilding and figurative decoration, rather than reducing the church to a single date.
The natural environment of the Vallée de la Scie
The regional landscape includes wet valley floors, wooded or meadow-covered slopes, and biodiversity corridors with diverse natural habitats. The Scie is a calcareous river; its cool, usually oxygen-rich water provides suitable conditions for salmonids, lampreys and other migratory fish. Dry calcareous grasslands and gorse heathland are also among the habitats found in the Vallée de la Scie. A nature description updated on 11 June 2024 lists orchids, insects of warm habitats and birds as examples of the local flora and fauna. Wet valley floors and dry calcareous sites show different aspects of the natural environment; the river adds a perspective on the specific conditions for migratory fish.
Cycling the Circuit du Duché
The Circuit du Duché is a 28-kilometre cycling loop. It passes through the ponds of the Varenne Valley and the green landscapes of the Scie Valley. Its length and circular route give the ride a clear framework. If you want cycling to shape your stay, you can make the Circuit its own focus; church architecture and regional habitats offer other ways to explore the area.
Accommodation and visitor information
Gîtes de France – La Loge du Charretier is accommodation in Gonneville-sur-Scie, rated 3 stars and 2 épis. Its total capacity is eight people. This capacity is a useful guide when planning the size of your travel group; the ratings provide additional information about the accommodation. If it suits your stay, check availability for your travel dates.
The address of the Office de Tourisme Terroir de Caux is 1 Route de la Scie, 76590 Gonneville-sur-Scie.
Discover more destinations: Maniquerville, Daubeuf-Serville, Les Loges, Petiville, Bézancourt, Sainte-Hélène-Bondeville, Saint-Martin-Aux-Buneaux, Senneville-Sur-Fécamp
For the broader travel overview: Seine-Maritime.
