22. Old Valley Trail – Starting point: Colletot Town Hall

This route takes its name from an exceptional valley: the Old Valley (Vieille Vallée) unfolds its charm along a small road lined with hornbeam hedges and pollarded hornbeam trees woven into embankments, gently descending towards the Risle River. On the western slope lie open pastures dotted with a few hedgerows, while the eastern side is covered by a forest dominated by conifers, whose appearance is more reminiscent of the Vosges Mountains than of Normandy. An unexpected change of scenery.

The remainder of the route offers equally varied landscapes: open farmland on the plateau, well-preserved bocage with traditional hedgerows and half-timbered houses, and woodland bordering the valley. Magnificent trees line the trail, including chestnuts, beeches, cedars and oaks, creating a diverse and impressive natural heritage.

The architectural heritage is equally remarkable. The 17th-century Saint-Denis Church, whose half-timbered porch served as the town hall during the 19th century, overlooks the valley alongside its old cemetery and half-timbered rectory. Nearby, a manor house built of brick, stone and timber stands beside a large pond. A half-timbered and brick dovecote behind the town hall, along with a former barn converted into a reception hall, complete a remarkably harmonious ensemble.

A walk through bocage, woodland and Norman stonework—best enjoyed at a leisurely pace.