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Avranches

Ducey-Les-Chéris

Attractions and Places To See around Ducey-Les-Chéris - Top 20

Best attractions and places to see around Ducey-Les-Chéris include a variety of historical sites and natural viewpoints. This region in Normandy is characterized by its proximity to the Sélune and Sée rivers, offering diverse landscapes from riverbanks to salt meadows. The area provides opportunities to explore historical architecture and enjoy panoramic views, including those of Mont-Saint-Michel. It features a mix of man-made monuments and natural settings for outdoor exploration.

Best attractions and places to see around Ducey-Les-Chéris

  • The most popular attractions is Pontaubault Bridge, a bridge dating back to the 15th century. This structure spans the Sélune and played a significant role during World War II, allowing the passage of troops and vehicles.
  • Another must-see spot is La Roche Torin, a viewpoint located at the mouth of the Sélune. Visitors can observe salt meadows where sheep graze and enjoy views of Mont-Saint-Michel on clear days.
  • Visitors also love Montgommery Castle, a 17th-century castle with Renaissance architecture. It has historical ties to the Montgommery family and offers insights into the region's past.
  • Ducey-Les-Chéris is known for its historical castles, significant bridges, and natural viewpoints. The area offers a variety of attractions to see and explore, from architectural heritage to scenic landscapes.
  • The attractions around Ducey-Les-Chéris are appreciated by the komoot community, with 360 upvotes and 42 photos shared by visitors.

Last updated: May 5, 2026

Pontaubault Bridge

Highlight • Bridge

J'ai de la chance, le jour de mon passage, une commémoration de la seconde guerre mondiale est présente sur ce chargé d'histoire. On s'y croirait.
Un Oradour évité:
Dans le village une plaque rappelle l'héroïsme de l'Alsacien François Mutschler qui réussit à sauver la vie de nombreux habitants. On peut lire7 : « Le 3 février 1944 à trois heures du matin, les soldats allemands réveillent la population endormie qui sera dirigée et enfermée dans l'église à la suite des déraillements de trois trains de munitions et de troupes près du pont de la Sélune.
Les absents seront désignés comme suspects. Des otages seront choisis et exécutés. Il manque treize personnes. Les habitants doivent leur salut à un soldat allemand qui servait d'interprète. Son cœur battait français. Il parvient à escamoter les noms. Il bredouille en lisant et annonce finalement qu'il ne manque personne. Les Allemands renoncent. Ils laissent les habitants rentrer chez eux.
Par son courage, ce soldat sauva plusieurs vies humaines ; celles de gens qui auraient dû être fusillés sous prétexte que des sabotages venaient du village.
Dans une lettre datée du 25 septembre 1945, cet humble et courageux soldat écrivait : « Ce que j'ai fait dans votre village était normal puisque j'étais alsacien et enrôlé de force dans la Wehrmacht, j'ai fait mon possible pour la France tant que j'ai pu car sous l'uniforme vert battait le bleu, le blanc et le rouge ».
Libération: Le 25 juillet, à la suite de l'opération Cobra, les troupes américaines après avoir piétiné pendant des semaines dans le bocage, progressent rapidement vers le sud du Cotentin. Elles atteignent Avranches le 30 et le lendemain, le Brigadier General Dager envoie des éléments du Combat Command B de la 4e division blindée américaine sur Pontaubault10. Ils découvrent alors que le pont sur la Sélune est endommagé mais utilisable11. Ce pont est la voie d'accès vers la Bretagne. Ils franchissent le pont et repoussent une attaque allemande de la Kampfgruppe Bacherer10. Le général Patton allait prendre officiellement le lendemain le commandement de la 3e armée américaine qui avait débarqué quelques jours plus tôt en Normandie. Apprenant la nouvelle de la prise du pont, il ordonna au général Middleton de le faire franchir par la 4e et la 6e divisions blindées. Il fera passer dans les jours suivants sur le pont toutes ses troupes disponibles10. Plus de 8 divisions vont ainsi le franchir en 72 heures.
fr.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pontaubault

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La Roche Torin

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The Torin rock is located at the mouth of the Sélune. The grass of the numerous salt meadows grows abundantly on the polders. The sheep that feed on it will have meat with a very desirable taste. Another advantage, the view of Mont-Saint-Michel is superb here.

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Montgommery Castle

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Montgommery Castle was rebuilt in the 17th century. At the beginning of the 16th century, the castle took the name of the Montgommery family. Famous, Gabriel I of Montgommery, owner of the castle, took part in the rue Saint-Antoine tournament and, by bad luck, mortally wounded King Henri II in the eye. Interestingly, this did not result in his own death. It was his conversion to Protestantism that led to his execution and the confiscation of his castle. Two years after his death, Henry III authorized Gabriel I de Montgommery's son, Gabriel II, to reoccupy the castle.

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Château d'Avranches

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The Château d'Avranches was built around 950 by Onfroi Le Dane, on the remains of the old Roman walls. Located on a rock, the fortress could monitor the bay of Mont-Saint-Michel and the various invaders made no mistake and occupied it; Celts with the Abrincates, Romans, Saxons, then Franks. A succession of enclosures and ditches were added to it. The Roman keep unfortunately disappeared in the last century. The top of the curtain forms a platform at the same level as the terrace. A diagram, made by Canon Pigeon, shows how keep and curtain wall were connected. This is also verifiable in a document kept in the Calvados Archives. Another detail should be noted, it is impossible to access the terrace from inside the building. Passages were obstructed after a collapse of the upper level of the building, at an undetermined time. Today, at the top of a crenellated curtain wall, one discovers a panorama over the bay and the valley of the Sée, in the heart of the various Avranchinese districts.

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Kirche Notre-Dame-des-Champs

Highlight • Historical Site

This church was consecrated in 1892. This church, like two others in Avranches, was built to replace the cathedral destroyed during the French Revolution. The cathedral itself was not rebuilt as the diocese was suppressed and eventually moved to Coutances.

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From pink granite to the Opal Coast — cycle France’s la Vélomaritime

Cycling around Ducey-Les-Chéris

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From pink granite to the Opal Coast — cycle France’s la Vélomaritime

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Vincent Reboul

Tips from the Community

Bernd 🌲🦌🍄🥾
October 6, 2025, La Roche Torin

La Roche Torin is a prominent vantage point in the Bay of Mont Saint-Michel. This spot offers a unique view of the bay and is a popular destination for hikers and photographers, especially during strong tides (coefficient over 100). The tidal coefficient is the most important indicator for assessing the dynamics of the bay. A coefficient over 100 indicates spectacular tide conditions and a natural spectacle. Here in the Bay of Mont Saint-Michel, the highest tides in Europe occur, with a tidal range of up to 15 meters between high and low tide. Tidal range Mont Saint-Michel: https://tides4fishing.com/fr/basse-normandie/le-mont-saint-michel#_tidal_coefficient

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Snowie
February 7, 2025, La Roche Torin

Beautiful view of the Klosterberg and an easy path to ride.

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A bridge with a long history! Even the Romans passed along here! And at the end of World War II, American troops passed through here to liberate France. Today, people make pilgrimages past the bridge on their way to Mont St. Michel.

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Vincent Reboul
December 14, 2023, La Roche Torin

The Torin rock is located at the mouth of the Sélune. The grass of the numerous salt meadows grows abundantly on the polders. The sheep that feed on it will have meat with a very desirable taste. Another advantage, the view of Mont-Saint-Michel is superb here.

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Montgommery Castle was built in the 17th century by the Montgommery family, prominent Protestants involved in the death of King Henry II of France. The castle is Renaissance style, with a terrace, a balcony and a chapel dedicated to Saint Marguerite. You can explore the castle and its surroundings, and learn more about its history and architecture. You can also play a game of Ducey-Code, a live investigation game that mixes puzzles and history in the castle. The castle is open from Wednesday to Sunday, from 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.

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The “Pont de Pontaubault” is a beautiful work of art, the construction of which dates back to the 15th century. It is the first bridge to cross the Sélune, between Saint-Quentin-sur-le-Homme (right bank) and Pontaubault (left bank). It is located on the old road from Avranches to Rennes, via Saint-James. Since the arrival of the A84 motorway it has mainly been used locally. The bridge has eleven arches and is built with stone masonry. There is a picnic area at the bridge, near the railway viaduct of the Caen-Rennes line, not far from the salt meadows where sheep graze. During big tides many spectators and kayakers come to enjoy the spectacle provided by the tide. The bridge has a rich history. It was bombed several times during World War II but withstood these attacks, allowing 100,000 men and 1,500 vehicles to cross. A memorial plaque recalls that "the fate of the war lay on this bridge".

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Kevin
August 24, 2023, Pont de Pontaubault

Friendly cafe at the entrance of the city next to the bridge

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The old Notre-Dame des Champs church was located, as its name suggests, outside the city, to the south. This very simple church, known from a photo and a few engravings, dates from the end of the 17th century. Having become too small and work becoming necessary, the idea was accepted, around 1855, of constructing a new building, especially after the collapse of the Saint-André cathedral. Plans and an estimate were drawn up by the architect Nicolas Théberge, architect from La Manche and “child of the parish”. We also owe the latter other buildings in the neo-Gothic style such as Saint-Patrice du Teilleul in 1851, Saint-Hilaire-du-Harcouët in 1855, Saint-Pair de Sartilly or Sainte-Croix de Saint-Lô in 1860. However, it was not until April 12, 1863 to witness the laying of the first stone. The "neo-Gothic" style decided on by the architect involves the construction of a building with bold proportions that completely break with those of the modest church that we wish to replace. The means of the city and the parish were insufficient, especially since the reconstruction of Saint-Gervais had been very expensive, and in 1865 the mayor of Avranches and the archpriest traveled to Paris to seek help state finance. This long-requested aid was not finally granted until 1876 and the consecration of the church by Bishop Germain took place on November 13, 1892. The slow construction of the building was marred by many sometimes tragic events such as, in 1868, the death of a twenty-seven-year-old mason who fell from the height of the rose window where he was working. The architect Théberge, who died in 1866, was replaced by Cheftel. Delayed by the First World War, which mobilized all the workforce, the two towers of the facade were completed between 1926 and 1937; at this time, the large organs were also installed, the wind tunnel of which immediately benefited from electricity. In June 1944, the church was seriously damaged by a fire following the bombardment of the city. Restoration work lasted several years and the reopening to worship only took place in February 1962. The church is in the form of a nave with a façade with two towers (unfinished arrows), a projecting transept, and an ambulatory choir with an axial chapel (never built)1. The church had been provided with a set of windows signed Duhamel-Marette, destroyed by the bombings of 1944

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Frequently Asked Questions

What historical sites can I visit around Ducey-Les-Chéris?

The region offers several significant historical sites. You can explore the 15th-century Pontaubault Bridge, which played a crucial role during World War II. Another notable site is Montgommery Castle, a 17th-century Renaissance castle with ties to the Montgommery family. Additionally, the Château d'Avranches, a 10th-century fortified castle, offers historical insights and panoramic views.

Are there any family-friendly attractions in Ducey-Les-Chéris?

Yes, Montgommery Castle is considered family-friendly and offers a 'Ducey-Code' live investigation game. The Château d'Avranches is also suitable for families, providing historical exploration and scenic views.

Where can I find scenic viewpoints or natural attractions?

For breathtaking views, visit La Roche Torin, a viewpoint at the mouth of the Sélune River. From here, you can observe salt meadows and enjoy superb views of Mont-Saint-Michel on clear days. The Château d'Avranches also provides beautiful panoramas over the Bay of Mont-Saint-Michel and the Sée valley.

What outdoor activities can I do near Ducey-Les-Chéris?

The area is excellent for outdoor activities. You can find numerous hiking, mountain biking, and cycling routes. For hiking, explore trails like the 'Château des Montgomery, along the Sélune and the Bois d'Ardennes' loop. Mountain bikers can tackle routes such as the 'Ducey – Pontaubault Bridge loop'. Cyclists can enjoy scenic rides like the 'Pontaubault Bridge – View of Mont Saint-Michel loop'. You can find more details on these activities in the dedicated guides for hiking, MTB, and cycling around Ducey-Les-Chéris.

Are there any easy walking trails suitable for beginners or families?

While specific 'easy' difficulty trails are not detailed in the provided data, many routes around Ducey-Les-Chéris are classified as 'moderate' and often follow riverbanks or greenways, which can be suitable for those looking for less strenuous walks. For example, the 'Voie verte de la Véloscénie' is mentioned in some cycling routes and often provides flat, accessible paths. Check the hiking guide for routes that might fit your preference.

What is the significance of the Pontaubault Bridge?

The Pontaubault Bridge is a 15th-century structure spanning the Sélune River. It gained significant historical importance during World War II, particularly during Operation Cobra in August 1944, when it allowed the passage of a large number of American troops and vehicles into Brittany, playing a pivotal role in the Allied advance.

Can I see Mont-Saint-Michel from Ducey-Les-Chéris?

Yes, on clear days, you can enjoy superb views of Mont-Saint-Michel from La Roche Torin, a viewpoint located at the mouth of the Sélune. The Château d'Avranches also offers views over the bay towards Mont-Saint-Michel.

What kind of architecture can I expect to see?

The region showcases a mix of architectural styles. You'll find the Renaissance architecture of Montgommery Castle, the medieval fortifications of Château d'Avranches, and the neo-Gothic design of Kirche Notre-Dame-des-Champs, consecrated in 1892.

Are there any specific cycling routes that offer views of Mont-Saint-Michel?

Yes, several cycling routes are designed to offer views of Mont-Saint-Michel. For instance, the 'Pontaubault Bridge – View of Mont Saint-Michel loop from Ducey-les-Chéris' is a moderate 43.9 km route. Another option is the 'View of Mont Saint-Michel – Chapelle Sainte-Anne loop from Ducey-les-Chéris', a more challenging 77.3 km ride. You can find these and more in the cycling guide.

What do visitors enjoy most about the attractions around Ducey-Les-Chéris?

Visitors frequently appreciate the historical depth and scenic beauty of the area. The Pontaubault Bridge is noted for its significant WWII history, while La Roche Torin is praised for its stunning views of Mont-Saint-Michel and the unique salt meadows. The historical narrative and architecture of Montgommery Castle also receive positive feedback.

Are there any circular hiking routes near Ducey-Les-Chéris?

Yes, there are several circular hiking routes available. Examples include the 'Château des Montgomery, along the Sélune and the Bois d'Ardennes — loop from Ducey' (11.4 km, moderate) and the 'Montgommery Castle – Along the Sélune loop from Ducey-les-Chéris' (9 km, moderate). These routes allow you to start and end in the same location, often passing by key attractions. More options can be found in the hiking guide.

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Most popular attractions around Ducey-Les-Chéris

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