The Three Gorges of the Ailly

in Varengeville-sur-Mer

13.1 km

3h 15min

Medium

Located on Cape Ailly, this inspiring, archetypal Pays de Caux village, bathed in light, attracts artists and nature lovers alike.
This hiking route is laid out to make you discover all the different scenery around Varengeville-sur-Mer. Located on Cape Ailly, this inspiring, archetypal Pays de Caux village, bathed in light, attracts artists and nature lovers alike. It simply overflows with heritage sites and remarkable gardens. From the church and its sailors’ cemetery, your path will lead you towards the sea, from one hanging valley to the next, and take you through woods and plains, with an emphasis on discreet, in... Read more
This hiking route is laid out to make you discover all the different scenery around Varengeville-sur-Mer. Located on Cape Ailly, this inspiring, archetypal Pays de Caux village, bathed in light, attracts artists and nature lovers alike. It simply overflows with heritage sites and remarkable gardens. From the church and its sailors’ cemetery, your path will lead you towards the sea, from one hanging valley to the next, and take you through woods and plains, with an emphasis on discreet, in some cases very private, byways.

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Departure

Varengeville-sur-Mer
Difference in height

275.52 m
Documentation
GPX / KML files allow you to export the trail of your hike to your GPS (or other navigation tool)

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Points of interest

1 Saint-Valéry Church, Varengeville-sur-Mer

2 Petit Ailly Gorge

3 Ango Manor

4 Shamrock Hydrangea Collection

5 Le Vasterival Garden

1 Saint-Valéry Church, Varengeville-sur-Mer

Standing atop the Ailly bluffs, tucked away amongst the gardens and woods at the edge of the cliff, Varengeville’s church looks out over the sea. The side aisle made of sandstone dates from 1548. It was most likely built by Jehan Ango to expand the original shrine. The choir bathes in the blue light diffused by the abstract stained glass window by Raoul Ubac, one of Georges Braque’s disciples. Note the spiral column adorned with curious bas-reliefs inspired by maritime expeditions. The third column has five sides (with heads wearing Henri II-style hats). In 1998, Michel Ciry donated a large oil painting to the church entitled Christ the Redeemer.

2 Petit Ailly Gorge

3 Ango Manor

Ango Manor, the home of a famous shipowner from Dieppe named Jehan Ango, is one of Normandy’s most noteworthy monuments. Its Renaissance architecture is unique in the region, and its large, circular dovecote is one of the most beautiful in all of France. It has been a listed Historic Monument since 1862.