The Calonne flows through Surville from east to west. Together with the history of pasture farming, the Église Saint Martin, the Confrérie de la charité and the washhouse, it offers different ways to explore the landscape, religious heritage and architectural history. The village can thus be understood both through its waterways and through the development of its culture and landscape.
Waterways and landscape history
The Douet Boulinguet is a tributary of the Calonne in Surville. The two waterways provide geographical bearings; the history of land use tells another story of the countryside. In the 18th century, as part of what was known as the revolution in pasture farming, some of Surville’s land was converted to pasture. This changed the landscape and made the bocage hedgerow landscape denser.
Bocage refers to a landscape divided by hedgerows. In Surville, this landscape type is associated with a specific historical change: the conversion of land to pasture in the 18th century. Those interested in rural history will find a clear starting point here for viewing the landscape not only in geographical terms, but also in the context of its former use.
The church and local history
The Église Saint Martin de Surville is dedicated to Saint Martin and dates from the 16th century. Its bell tower is square, set slightly back from the façade, and contains three bells. Its dedication, date of construction and tower shape offer different insights into local architectural history, without any single feature needing to stand for the whole.
Saint Martin connects two aspects of local heritage: the church is dedicated to him, and he is the patron saint of the Confrérie de la charité. This shared connection is a good starting point for considering architectural history and religious tradition as distinct themes, both rooted in Surville.
The Confrérie de la charité
The Confrérie de la charité was founded in 1453. Its own emblems include a cross, banner, chapron and torches. The year of its founding marks a historical point in time; the emblems also give the brotherhood its own distinctive, tangible features. Its patron saint is Saint Martin, who also gave his name to the Église Saint Martin.
The Charitons, also known as Brothers of Charity, continue to conduct funerals in Surville and attend all religious services. The details of their participation may change. The history of the Confrérie therefore encompasses both its early founding and an ongoing local practice. For travellers interested in religious heritage, it is a subject in its own right, alongside the church’s architecture.
The Lavoir de Surville
The washhouse brings together architectural history and a distinctive architectural feature. It was originally built in the 1860s and restored in the 2000s. Its roof is designed in the so-called impluvium style. The two dates distinguish the original construction from the later restoration; the roof design adds a specific architectural detail to its history.
There is also clear information for practical planning: the washhouse can be reached on foot, by bicycle or by car. It offers a specific point of interest for anyone wishing to include a building with a named roof style in their stay, alongside the history of the landscape and the church.
Discover more destinations: Bourgeauville, Le Vey, Épinay-sur-Odon, Cordebugle, Le Mesnil-Villement, Ryes, Bény-Sur-Mer, Méry-Corbon.
See the full travel guide: Calvados.
