The Church of Saint-Rémy, historic buildings and the Vallée de Ganzeville offer different ways to experience a trip to the village. Architectural history can be traced here through specific features and dates, while the valley landscape and two walking routes turn your attention outdoors. When planning to see the historic sites, however, accessibility is also a consideration: the Manoir de Ganzeville and the Maison des Templiers are privately owned and not accessible to visitors.
The Church of Saint-Rémy and Architectural History
The Church of Saint-Rémy was built in the 11th century and rebuilt after it was looted in the 16th century. Its tower porch has an octagonal stair turret and a stone spire dating from the 17th century. This means one building offers evidence of several centuries: its early construction, its rebuilding after the looting and a later architectural feature.
The cemetery around the church also contains a feature that can be dated: a 16th-century cemetery cross in the Flamboyant Gothic style. The church, tower and cross thus offer different ways to explore local history through architectural forms and historical periods.
Historic Sites and Their Limitations
The present-day Manoir de Ganzeville was built by Charles de Cauquigny during the reign of Henri IV. One of the five towers of the former fortified enclosure remains. Traces of moats are also present, connected to the river by a system of sluices. The manor itself is privately owned and not accessible to visitors; its history and surviving architectural features must therefore be considered without visiting the building.
The Maison des Templiers is a former Templar commandery, also known as the “grande ferme.” It is likewise privately owned and not accessible to visitors. Around it are the remains of a small watchtower, the gable wall of a tithe barn, and a fortified enclosure with loopholes and narrow firing slits. These features give an impression of the fortified site, even though it cannot be entered.
Another historical trace is the Canal de la Voûte, which is still visible today. Monks from an abbey built it to channel running water into the monastery. The canal’s purpose shows how a waterworks structure was connected to the monastery’s water supply.
The Vallée de Ganzeville and Walking Routes
The Vallée de Ganzeville is a designated protected area known for its forests and biodiversity. Its landscape and habitats led to its designation in 1986. This gives the nature aspect of the trip a specific focus: alongside the historic buildings is a valley protected for its habitats and landscape.
For a hike, the 2023 route description lists the 12-kilometre circular trail “Circuit 13: Au cœur des deux vallées,” which takes about three hours. The route passes right in front of the Church of Ganzeville. As route details may be updated, check the current route before setting out. There is also a pleasant walking path along the banks of the Ganzeville River in the village. This gives you a choice between a circular route with a stated distance and approximate duration, and a riverside walk.
Getting to Ganzeville
Ganzeville can be reached from Paris via the A13 motorway. You can travel from Paris by train on the Paris–Le Havre line, getting off at Bréauté-Beuzeville station. Check the current timetable before departure. It helps to plan your journey separately from your choice of activities: the circular trail has an approximate time estimate, while the historic sites cannot be planned as places to visit because they are privately owned and inaccessible.
Discover more destinations: Yvetot, Le Tilleul, Tourville-les-Ifs, La Chapelle-Sur-Dun, Auberville-la-Renault, Saint-Clair-sur-les-Monts, Saint-Martin-l'Hortier, Tôtes.
For the regional travel overview: Seine-Maritime.
