In Grainville-la-Teinturière, local history and landscape come together. The Colombier stands on the site of the former castle, Notre-Dame preserves parts of an older church, and the nickname “la Teinturière” is associated with a reference dating from 1292. Les Basses Eaux reveal another side of the area: meadows, woods and ponds shape the Durdent valley. When planning your trip, you can explore architecture, the history of the name and nature as separate highlights.
Buildings with Distinct Timelines
In the centre of the commune stands the Colombier de la Motte Féodale, on the former feudal motte, at the site of the former castle of Grainville. This castle was destroyed around 1580. The Colombier is thought to date from the late 17th to early 18th century, meaning it was built after the castle was destroyed. Its base is made of sandstone; brick and flint alternate in the walls, and the roof is eight-sided. At this site, the older history of the castle can be distinguished from the Colombier’s later architecture.
The parish church of Notre-Dame preserves other traces of its architectural history. The surviving parts of the former church include the base of the bell tower, built by Simon Vitecoq in the first half of the 16th century, and the west wall of the nave. Reconstruction began from 1700 onwards. The year 1714 is inscribed on the south and north doors; the upper parts of the bell tower were renovated in the 19th century. Patronage was held by the Abbey of Saint-Wandrille in the Seine-Maritime department. The church thus brings together surviving older structural elements and later periods of construction and renovation.
A Place Name and a Story Reaching the Canary Islands
The nickname “la Teinturière” also points to an earlier history: it comes from “Tinctuaria,” mentioned in 1292. The name is probably connected with dye works on the banks of the Durdent.
The Musée Jean de Béthencourt explores another historical subject. It tells the story of the Norman nobleman Jean de Béthencourt, who undertook the conquest of the Canary Islands at his own expense in 1402. The exhibits also cover knowledge about the Canary Islands today and the special ties Grainville-la-Teinturière maintains with them. The museum thus looks at both a historical expedition and the islands in the present day.
Ponds, a Hillside and a Long-Distance Trail
Les Basses Eaux covers 45 hectares in the Durdent valley between Le Hanouard and Grainville-la-Teinturière. Meadows, woods and ponds define the landscape. Orchids, bats and invertebrates can be found along the Les Basses Eaux circular trail. The path follows ponds where fish, insects and herons can be found. This landscape brings together open meadows and woodland with habitats along the water.
The Catelet, a hillside south of Grainville, offers a different view of the commune. From the church, a stone path leads across roads to its plateau. From there, you can take in a 180-degree view of the commune. While Les Basses Eaux comprises meadows, woodland and ponds, the Catelet plateau offers a view across the settlement.
The GR211 long-distance hiking trail also passes through Grainville-la-Teinturière, on the route between Caudebec-en-Caux and Veulettes-sur-Mer. Those exploring the area on a hike can see it as part of this named route.
The Grotte du Trou de Marie Marot, also known as the “Trou à Pierrot,” consists of three caves carved into the cliff below the Bois de la Roquette. The entrance is on the Route du Colombier. As conditions on site may vary, please check accessibility before visiting.
Discover more destinations: Sainte-Adresse, Londinières, Criquiers, Ry, Bonsecours, Canteleu, Manehouville, Fecamp
For the broader travel overview: Seine-Maritime.
