Margueray offers two clear starting points for planning a trip: the Tancray rises in the commune, and Margueray is part of the continental ZNIEFF Type 2 area “BASSIN DE LA SIENNE”. One identifies a specific geographical feature, while the other places the village within a larger landscape. There is also a rich Protestant and ecclesiastical heritage. If you are looking for a holiday rental, you can weigh nature and history as different priorities when choosing your destination.
The BASSIN DE LA SIENNE landscape
The INPN entry dated 11 June 2024 describes the ZNIEFF area as having narrow river valleys, wooded slopes and a bocage landscape with closely divided hedgerows and plots. These features describe the “BASSIN DE LA SIENNE” area as a whole; Margueray is part of this broader landscape. Its protected status is also important: under the 1930 law, the area is designated both as a “site inscrit” and a “site classé”.
The Tancray and fishing
The Tancray rises in Margueray. According to the 2021 management plan of the AAPPMA La Sienne, its entire course is part of the managed fishing waters. Separately, the INPN record dated 11 June 2024 lists fishing as one of the human activities in the ZNIEFF area. Fishing therefore appears in two different contexts: as part of the management of the Tancray’s waters and as an activity listed for the wider landscape. If you would like to include fishing in your travel plans, check the current fishing regulations separately.
Protestant history at Le Chêne Guérin
A cemetery was established in 1612 at the Protestant site of Le Chêne Guérin, on the boundary between the communes of Le Chefresne, Margueray, Montabot and Gouvets. The temple at Le Chêne Guérin was destroyed in 1679 during the persecution. The two dates give the Protestant history a clear chronology: the cemetery was established several decades before the temple was destroyed. For a history-focused stay, Le Chêne Guérin is therefore a specific historical point of interest.
Notre-Dame-et-Saint-Gorgon Church
Notre-Dame-et-Saint-Gorgon Church is dedicated to Notre-Dame and Saint Gorgon. Its main altar dates from 1712. A 17th-century granite baptismal font has a flat cover. Eight stained-glass windows by Gabriel Loire have illuminated the church since 1951. The church also contains a statue of the Virgin and Child with a trompe-l’œil niche. The statue dates from the early 19th century and the niche from the 18th century. Both have been listed as protected movable objects since 24 August 1990. These dates help place the altar, baptismal font, stained-glass windows and statue in the context of the church’s furnishings.
Getting around and finding accommodation
The D975 departmental road runs through Margueray. Its name provides a specific reference point for map orientation when locating the village before searching for a holiday rental.
Discover more destinations: Beaubigny, Chérencé-Le-Roussel, La Vendelée, Brécey, Sourdeval, Théville, Moon-Sur-Elle, Acqueville.
For the wider travel guide: Manche.
