Maltot brings together church architecture, art and fruit growing in a distinct local profile. The choir of Église Saint-Pierre dates back to the 13th century; Château de Maltot was built in 1740. Verger de Sauvegarde Yves Fournière contains 202 pear varieties and 438 apple varieties. Other features include a gallery with a contemporary focus, a memorial stele commemorating the liberation in 1944, and a bus connection to Caen. Visitors planning a stay can get their bearings in Maltot through three main themes: historic architecture, art and fruit-growing culture.
Church Architecture and Remembrance
The choir of Église Saint-Pierre dates from the first half of the 13th century and has been listed as a historic monument since 19 January 1911. It consists of two bays, meaning two sections of the building’s spatial layout. Pointed arches and columns shape the choir both inside and out; grotesque corbels support the exterior cornices. This brings together a clear arch form and a striking ornamental detail. The Romanesque nave was destroyed in 1944 and rebuilt after the war. The two parts therefore reflect different periods: the medieval choir and the nave’s post-war reconstruction.
Another direct link to 1944 is the Dorset Regiment stele. It commemorates Maltot’s liberation by British troops on 23 July 1944. Together with the reconstruction of the nave, it brings two different aspects of that year into focus: the destruction of part of the church and Maltot’s liberation.
Château and Gallery
Château de Maltot offers a glimpse into another period: Jean-Jacques Fortin had it built in 1740. It stands in a wooded park covering several hectares. In contrast to the medieval church choir, the château represents a later period in the local history; the park adds a landscape dimension to the building.
Atelier Galerie de Maltot offers a counterpoint to the architectural history. Its programme covers abstract painting, artists’ books, writing and contemporary ceramics. Three exhibitions are held each year, featuring invited painters, sculptors and ceramicists. The programme thus encompasses a range of media and artistic practices, rather than focusing solely on painting. The gallery is open year-round by appointment. Plan your visit in advance by arranging an appointment.
Fruit Diversity and Planning Your Visit
Verger de Sauvegarde Yves Fournière contains 202 pear varieties and 438 apple varieties. It therefore has more than twice as many apple varieties as pear varieties. The orchard also produces apple juice and runs fruit-growing workshops. The workshops cover pruning and various grafting techniques. The orchard regularly welcomes schools and groups by appointment, so groups should arrange a time in advance.
Maltot is served by route 106 of the Nomad network’s Bus Vert service, providing a fast connection to Caen. Check routes and services before travelling. If you plan to include Caen in your stay, coordinate your visit with the current timetable.
Discover more destinations: Saint-Aignan-de-Cramesnil, Courson, Le Mesnil-Benoist, Courtonne-La-Meurdrac, GĂ©fosse-Fontenay, Livry, Crocy, Petiville.
For the wider travel overview: Calvados.
