Vittefleur is a commune in Seine-Maritime in the Normandy region in the Pays de Caux, a natural territory in the form of a plateau belonging to the Paris basin delimited by the Seine to the south and the cliffs of the Alabaster Coast to the west And to the north.
The village is located 25 km east of Fécamp and 5 km from the Channel coast in the Durdent valley.
The site and grounds of the parish of Vittefleur, inhabited since Antiquity, were properties of the abbey of Fecamp from the tenth century. The small town has grown prosperous through its milling and milling activities, as well as a vegetable farming that continued in the 20th century, before tourism became the major axis of the local economy.
With a lake and a leisure center, an interesting historical heritage and a green natural environment, Vittefleur which has about 650 inhabitants is now a popular stop or place to stay.
A visit to the municipality can begin with the main elements of built heritage. Like the church of St. Martin. Its choir dates from the 13th century but the nave and bell tower are from the 15th and the western portal was rebuilt in 1740. Note that at the end of the 17th century a chapel was added. On one of the internal pillars is a bas-relief with a crowned head. Information on +33 2 35 57 17 70.
It should also be noted that on the last Sunday in May or the first Sunday in June, the municipality offers an exceptional access to the bell tower of the church by a spiral staircase. Enjoy a bell with its mysterious origins and enjoy an unparalleled view of the heart of the village. Information on +33 9 15 18 63 29.
In the hamlet of Crosville, absorbed in 1824, the church of Saint-Pierre, which was the first church in the valley in the 12th century, will not be forgotten. It is now dedicated to hosting exhibitions.
Returning to the village, one notices the Calvary in sandstone, erected in 1647, whose sculptured barrel is decorated with flowers, fruits and religious drawings. The cross is made of stone, cut in the form of a sun, the rays of which form a wheel.
On the civil level, a passage is imposed at the Hotel de la Baronnie, a beautiful building of the thirteenth century with a facade in sandstone, flint and tuffeaux. The building was transformed into a citadel during the Hundred Years' War, and was then attached to the abbey of Fécamp until the Revolution, before being sold as a national property. Visits during the summer. Information on +33 2 35 57 17 70.
From a later period, the manor of the Guerrots (or manor of La Motte) dates from 1630. It was a seigneurial residence.
In another register, a witness to local economic history, but still active, the Vittefleur mill is one of the last in the region to still use the hydraulic power of the Durdent, via two water wheels that operate the wheels. Information on +33 2 35 97 51 10.
A route marked with explanatory panels has been set up which connects the main remarkable sites of the village. In addition, theme-based "discovery" walks on the theme of heritage are organized in July and August. For more information, please contact us at +33 9 61 34 79 64.
For relaxation, aquatic pleasures and many recreational and sporting activities, the 70 hectares of the leisure park of Lake Caniel, south of the village, will delight young and old alike. The park is open all year round for walking. Bathing is monitored in July and August only, and access to the beach is free.
For all other activities, the base is open from April to September. You can practice water skiing, canoeing, summer tobogganing but also enjoy a multi-sport field, an aquapark with facilities and play facilities... Access to these activities is subject to fees. Price: from 7 €.
On the site, you can also follow a nature and botanical route to discover the trees and the flora of the lake (free). It is allowed to ride it on mountain bikes. Bicycle rental possible. Information on activities and rates on +33 2 35 97 40 55.
Outside the lake and its surroundings, many hiking or mountain biking are possible on Vittefleur and its surroundings to discover the charms of the Pays de Caux, the elements of small heritage or rally the sea along the side roads. Brochures and information on +33 2 35 97 00 63.
July 14, torchlight retreat, ball and fireworks.
End of October or beginning of November, Foire au Tout. Flea market and craft market on the program, with entertaining activities.
Fête de la Musique
- On 21 june 2024
- Place de la Mairie
- Fête de la Musique in Vittefleur. Several music groups will be present. - Refreshments and food on site. - From 6.30pm, Place de la Mairie.
Visite Commentée du Patrimoine de la Commune
- On 6 july 2024
- Grande Rue, Place de la Mairie
- Guided tour of VITTEFLEUR ? S heritage, by Mr Daniel Lefebvre. - In the form of a tour, this will be an opportunity to discover the architecture and wealth of our village ? S main public and private monuments. - The main theme will be the discovery of the most beautiful elements of the village ? S heritage. - Starting at the Mairie (Town Hall), the former residence of the vicars, we'll visit the Presbytery, the Ostel de la Baronnie, the Eglise Saint-Martin, the listed Cross in the Cemetery, the Manoir de la Motte and the Moulin de l'An VI, now the Minoterie de VITTEFLEUR. We end our tour in Crosville, a former commune attached to VITTEFLEUR in 1824, where we visit the hamlet church. - This tour is free of charge, but it is advisable to register in advance by calling 06 31 21 26 25 - RDV 2pm in front of the town hall. Duration : 3 hrs.
Animation Nature : le Bal des Chauves-Souris
- On 12 july 2024
- 4 rue du dessous des Bois, Lac de Caniel
- Nature walk and storytelling to discover bats and other nocturnal animals. - Like many nocturnal animals, bats have a bad reputation. - Yet they have more than one trick up their sleeves to amaze us. Come and discover their fascinating lives. - 9pm to 11pm, RDV in front of the entrance to Lac de Caniel. - Free, but booking essential online or at the tourist office (number of participants limited). Children aged 6 and over.
Festivités et feu d'Artifice
- On 14 july 2024
- Centre village
- Entertainment, concerts, inflatables and fireworks (details to be confirmed)
Animation Nature : des Crabes et des Crevettes
- On 18 july 2024
- Casino, Promenade Jacques Couture
- Educational shore fishing. - Come and discover the flats with Elise. She'll teach you how to use a dip net or to fish "à la tâte" to discover amazing animals while respecting their fragile habitat. Bring appropriate footwear (sea boots or slippers). - From 3.30pm to 5.30pm, RDV in front of the Saint Valery-en-Caux casino. - Free, but booking required online or at the tourist office (number of participants limited). Children aged 4 and over.
Visite Commentée du Patrimoine de la Commune
- On 10 august 2024
- Grande Rue, Place de la Mairie
- Guided tour of the heritage of the village of VITTEFLEUR, by Mr. Daniel Lefebvre - In the form of a circuit, it will be the occasion to make you discover the architecture and the wealth of the main public or private monuments of our village. - The main theme will be the discovery of the most beautiful elements of the heritage of the village. From the Town Hall, former residence of the vicars, we will go successively to the Presbytery, the Ostel de la Baronnie, the Church of Saint-Martin, the classified Cross of the Cemetery, the Manor of La Motte and the Mill of the Year VI, today the VITTEFLEUR Flour Mill. We will finish the excursion in Crosville, a former commune attached to VITTEFLEUR in 1824 where we will visit the hamlet's church. - This visit is free, but it is recommended to register in advance by calling 06 31 21 26 25 - RDV 14h in front of the town hall. Duration 3 hours.
Animation Nature : Pêche Merveilleuse.
- On 20 august 2024
- Casino, Promenade Jacques Couture
- When the sea recedes, the people of the tide awaken : crabs, shrimps, fairies and periwinkles discreetly show themselves to those who know how to watch them. Put on your boots and discover their wonderful adventures with Élise from Entre Terre et Merveilles. - From 5.30pm to 7.30pm, RDV in front of the Saint Valery-en-Caux casino. - Free, but reservations required online or at the tourist office (number of participants limited). Children aged 4 and over.
Vide Grenier Nocturne
- On 24 august 2024
- Place de la mairie
- Night-time garage sale from 4pm to midnight. - Place de la mairie, free admission.