The Abbey of Savigny-le-Vieux can be explored via an interpretive trail that explains the history of the site, leads to the ruins and explores the surrounding landscape. Savigny-le-Vieux is in the Norman bocage, and this landscape is explicitly one of the trail’s points of interest. The interpretive trail includes a model of the abbey that conveys its former grandeur. The term bocage refers to a landscape divided by hedgerows. On the trail, this focus on the landscape complements the local history and abbey ruins, extending the view beyond the history of the building.
Abbey: History and Visiting
The abbey was the birthplace of the Savignac Order. Towards the end of the 12th century, it joined the Cistercian Order. This sequence offers two historical points of interest: the origin of the Savignac Order and its later joining of the Cistercians.
The abbey is open to visitors free of charge all year round; check access information before your trip. Guided tours are offered in summer or on request. If a guided tour is important to you, ask specifically about one and plan around its availability. The site has an uncovered picnic area, family parking and toilets. These facilities may change; check the information before you arrive.
The Church and Its Details
The church of Savigny-le-Vieux was built in the 11th century. About fifty different modillions adorn the upper part of the exterior walls. Two granite columns from the abbey partly support the church; their capitals are decorated with grapevines and grapes. The columns provide an architectural link to the abbey, while the modillions and capitals offer insights into the church’s exterior design.
The church houses an 18th-century cenotaph of Saint Vital, the front of which depicts a miracle attributed to him. A cabinet in the style of Louis XIV contains relics of the abbey’s saints. The tomb in the form of a recumbent effigy of Jean Le Verrier, the 38th abbot of Savigny, is also located in the église de la Nativité in Savigny-le-Vieux. Architectural forms and religious memorials can thus be viewed as different aspects of the local heritage.
Hiking and Temporary Art
Art et Sentiers combines a hiking trail with temporary artworks. The event takes place every summer, with the host communities changing for each edition. In 2021, a circular route from the programme was offered in Savigny-le-Vieux. The year is important for planning: the circular route’s local connection was specific to that edition, not necessarily to every subsequent one. If you would like to combine exercise and art, check the community and dates for the edition that coincides with your trip.
Discover more destinations: Carentan, Les Veys, Montbray, Perriers-En-Beauficel, NĂ©greville, Vains, Laulne, Portbail.
For the main travel overview: Manche.
