Neuilly-La-Forêt combines medieval architectural history with a marshland shaped by water. Château de Neuilly provides a historic landmark; the signposted “Les marais de l'Elle” trail and a guided kayak trip reveal the landscape from different perspectives. There are also reminders of life around the port in Saint-Lambert and an insight into lactic acid fermentation at La Mare Mitonne.
Château de Neuilly: History and Architectural Features
Château de Neuilly served as a residence for the bishops of Bayeux from the late 11th century. It preserves Romanesque and early Gothic architectural features. These include a large lancet window, the arcades of a former residential tower and Gothic window openings in the chapel. These different elements make the various architectural styles tangible, rather than classifying the ensemble simply as medieval.
The grounds of the Château are an archaeological reserve of great importance for medieval secular architecture. This places the site’s former use as a bishop’s residence, its surviving architectural features and its archaeological significance at the heart of its story.
Walking through the Marshland
The “Les marais de l'Elle” trail is signposted from the village centre and starts at La Bouillotte. It leads through the marsh, past a long avenue of pollarded ash trees and along the dykes of the Vire and the Elle. Long, narrow plots separated by drainage ditches shape the landscape. The avenue, dykes and ditches provide different points of reference along the trail and illustrate how the marsh is divided up.
The trail description thus links distinctive landscape features with the shape of the land: the dykes and avenue form long lines across the terrain, while the narrow plots and ditches further divide the marsh. Those interested in the landscape will find not just a single viewpoint here, but several specific features along the trail.
The Elle by Kayak and in History
The guided excursion “Kayak accompagné dans les marais de l'Elle” starts in Neuilly-la-Forêt and explores the marshland ecosystem along the Elle. The route follows the river without climbs or rapids. Compared with the signposted walking trail, the focus here is more on the Elle and the marsh as seen from the water; the two activities therefore offer different perspectives.
Saint-Lambert is another historic landmark. The old port and hamlet lies above the confluence of the Elle and the Vire, and the associated saltworks. Saint-Lambert provided shelter for gabares and fishing boats. The mill, which is still visible, required massive weirs known as “vides.” The port, boats and mill thus offer insight into different aspects of the history of this place.
Lactic Acid Fermentation at La Mare Mitonne
La Mare Mitonne preserves its vegetables through lactic acid fermentation. Paid visits for individuals or groups include a tour of the garden, an introduction to the principle of lactic acid fermentation and a tasting. Introductory workshops on lactic acid fermentation are also available by reservation. Visits and workshops offer different ways to explore the subject. Confirm the availability of the visit before you travel; workshops are available by reservation.
Discover more destinations: Audrieu, Canchy, Ellon, Basseneville, Le Vey, Saint-Martin-Aux-Chartrains, Honfleur, Norrey-En-Auge.
For the broader travel overview: Calvados.
