Notre-Dame-de-Courson can be explored through a range of interests: the town’s history dates back to a mention in 690, while its manor houses and parish church offer a glimpse into architectural and art history. For active days, there is also a horse-riding stage and the “Haute Vallée de la Touques” circular trail. The routes differ in activity, length and the details available to help with planning.
Local history and architecture
Notre-Dame-de-Courson is the oldest known commune in the area; it is mentioned as early as 690. Another historical reference point is the Manoir de Courson: its façades and roofs have been protected as a Monument historique since 1 December 1955. The protected elements specified here are the façades and roofs. Thus, an early mention of the commune and a precisely dated heritage listing for specific parts of a building stand side by side as distinct historical reference points.
The Manoir de la Chapelle has a half-timbered residence built around 1580. A large part of the historic timber structure has been preserved, along with the infill panels, fireplaces and some 16th-century carpentry. Infill panels are the sections between the timbers of a half-timbered building. The term complements the description of the timber frame by naming the surfaces between its beams, helping to explain a distinctive feature of this building style.
The Manoir de Belleau-Belleau has a different emphasis: this cohesive brick-and-stone building dates from the early 17th century. It includes a 17th-century chapel and later-built stables adjoining a courtyard flanked by two symmetrical buildings. The main house, chapel and later stables mark different construction phases. The contrast in materials with the half-timbered residence at the Manoir de la Chapelle is also evident.
The parish church of Notre-Dame houses the 18th-century terracotta statue “Vierge à l’Enfant”. Alongside the buildings, it offers a distinct focus on religious art: the material, subject and date of the statue are all specified.
Horse-riding stage and circular trail
The “La Chevauchée du Pays d’Auge à la Seine” riding route includes a stage from Le Billot to Notre-Dame-de-Courson. It is listed as 22.0 kilometres long, with a duration of four hours and an “easy” difficulty rating. The distance, time and rating provide practical information when planning a ride. Check the route’s operating conditions before setting out.
The “Haute Vallée de la Touques” circular trail starts in Notre-Dame-de-Courson and is 12.7 kilometres long. It offers a different type of route from the riding stage. You can compare the two routes by length; however, the four-hour duration and “easy” rating apply to the riding stage. When choosing, you can therefore first consider which type of route you prefer, then the distance of each one.
Motorhome facilities and brewery
The Aire de Courson offers seven free motorhome pitches in Notre-Dame-de-Courson. Its service area provides water and electricity, as well as vehicle waste disposal. There is also a picnic area and horse paddocks for riders on long-distance rides. The information about pitches and facilities applies to 2026; check it again before your trip.
Brasserie La Voie Lactée is located at 3 route des Moutiers Hubert in Notre-Dame-de-Courson. Since 2019, it has produced five ranges of craft-brewed top-fermented beers. “Top-fermented” describes the brewing method; together with the craft approach and five ranges, it offers a specific insight into local production. If you are planning a visit, check the current visitor arrangements in advance.
Discover more destinations: Écrammeville, Fontaine-Henry, Saint-Rémy, Clarbec, Blonville-Sur-Mer, Honfleur, Vaucelles, Genneville.
For the wider travel overview: Calvados.
