A trip to Annoville can be explored through three specific themes: the “À l’ombre des dunes” route, the dune area, and the architectural heritage of the church and château. If you’re looking for a hotel in Annoville, you can plan your stay around the landscape or cultural heritage. The route has a specified length and passes through several communes; the dune area is described by its approximate area and dimensions, while the church and château offer insights into the history of the buildings and the area.

Landscape and route

The “À l’ombre des dunes” route is 22 kilometres long. It passes through Lingreville, Annoville, Hauteville and Montmartin, connecting coastal and bocage landscapes. The route can therefore be considered a distinct, multi-commune highlight. Its length describes the distance; no walking time or level of difficulty is given. The transition between coastal and bocage landscapes is a notable feature when deciding which themes you’d like to shape your stay.

The Dunes d’Annoville are located in Tourneville-sur-Mer, the merged commune formed from Annoville and Lingreville. The area covers around 100 hectares and extends for approximately two kilometres in length and around 500 metres in width. These measurements give the dune area a different spatial scale from the 22-kilometre route. A sensitive natural area, the Dunes d’Annoville are home to remarkable biological diversity.

The history of its protected status also has several milestones. The ecological importance of the Annoville dune massif has been recognised since 1966, when the state designated this communal area under the 1930 law. This is distinct from the inclusion of the Dunes et marais d’Annoville area in the “Littoral Ouest du Cotentin de Bréhal à Pirou” site: through this inclusion, it has been part of the Natura 2000 network since 2007. The information on recognition and Natura 2000 status therefore describes different milestones.

Church and château

The Église Notre-Dame d’Annoville brings together architectural elements from the 11th century and later furnishings. Its bell tower was built from leftover granite cut for the Château d’Annoville. The church also houses two reliquaries from the first half of the 18th century. A large 15th-century Christ stands in the transept. Those interested in architectural history will find several distinct traces of different periods in one place: early architectural elements, a connection to the château through the granite, and objects from the Middle Ages and the modern era.

The Château d’Annoville was built in the 18th century from Chausey granite. It belonged to the Michel d’Annoville-Tourneville family for a long time, until the beginning of the 20th century. It once hosted lavish celebrations attended by the Norman nobility, including the Tourville family. These historical details give the château a different role from the church: its construction, family history and social life take centre stage. A tourist description updated in 2021 lists the Château d’Annoville as private property; check access before visiting.

Discover more destinations: Agneaux, Maupertus-Sur-Mer, Brouains, Saint-Pierre-Eglise, Angoville-Sur-Ay, Saint-Georges-De-La-Rivière, Torigni-Sur-Vire, Ger

For the broader travel overview: Manche.