In Criel-sur-Mer, the coastal river Yères flows into the English Channel. The waterside landscape, paths through the Yères Valley and striking historic buildings offer different ways to shape your stay. You can focus your visit on the beach and coast, walks in nature or the history of the area.
Yères Valley: walks and trails
Behind the Manoir de Briançon, a walking trail crosses the park to the Yères and showcases the flora of the Yères Valley. Another route, the wetland trail behind the manor, offers the chance to watch ducks. Donkeys and cows can be found there seasonally; they are used for ecological grazing. The trails therefore offer different highlights: the walking trail focuses on plant life, while the wetland trail also lets you observe animals.
From Criel-sur-Mer, you can cycle along small country roads into the Yères Valley. For hiking, the Chemin des Soupirs is a starting point for the long-distance GR 21 trail. The marked Sang-Roy hiking trail passes through Criel-sur-Mer and the Yères Valley. These details offer different reference points for planning: a cycling trip into the valley, access to the GR 21 or a marked trail that runs through the town and valley.
Manor, church and château
The Manoir de Briançon dates from the late 16th century. La Grande Mademoiselle converted it into a hospice for sailors’ orphans. The building therefore offers a glimpse both of its age and of its later social role.
The Église Saint-Aubin is a protected historic monument and features Gothic elements inside. The former parish gardens are also open to visitors: you can visit the church and gardens independently. As visiting arrangements may change, it is best to check access before your trip.
The Château de Chantereine can only be viewed from the outside. Its chapel, built in 1776, is still visible. This offers a different perspective on the heritage from that of the church: the visit is limited to the exterior, while the preserved chapel stands out as a notable detail.
Pebble beach and cider
Criel-Plage is a family-friendly pebble beach with colourful beach huts. If you would also like to spend time on the coast during your stay, the beach provides a clear contrast to the walking trails in the valley and the historic buildings. Beach facilities may change; check the current situation before your visit.
A stop at Les Près also combines several activities: a visit to the cider house and orchard, as well as a tasting of cider products. The marked Sang-Roy hiking trail leads to a possible stop at the Les Près craft cider house. You can combine this with the trail’s route through Criel-sur-Mer and the Yères Valley, while keeping it distinct from a visit to the beach or historic buildings.
When choosing what to focus on, the main consideration is what kind of discovery you are looking for: time on the coast at the pebble beach, nature watching and trails in the Yères Valley, or the history of the buildings and their uses at the manor, church and château. The cider house adds a culinary stop to the mix. This way, you can plan your stay around your interests rather than trying to fit all the places into a fixed itinerary.
Discover more destinations: Hugleville-en-Caux, Vatteville-la-Rue, Saint-Pierre-en-Val, Ancretteville-sur-Mer, Daubeuf-Serville, Bacqueville-En-Caux, Bernières, Auppegard
For the broader travel overview: Seine-Maritime.
