12. Saint Lawrence Trail – Starting point: Village Square, Selles

Between bocage countryside and woodland, this hilly route winds alongside streams that flow into the Risle, revealing charming wooded landscapes and beautiful half-timbered houses typical of the Norman countryside.

For centuries, water was far more than a scenic feature in these valleys. During the 19th century, the Tourville Stream (also known as the Barbottes Stream) powered the wheels of a cotton mill that employed around forty workers. Today, this once-thriving industry has vanished, leaving only traces in local memory.

The village of Selles also has a surprising artisanal heritage. In the 1830s, around one hundred weavers worked in the hamlet of La Girotterie, producing textiles that were transported to the markets of Lisieux. This activity continued for nearly three-quarters of a century and played an important role in the local economy.

The village is also marked by remarkable stories of generosity. Célestin Drou, the son of local farmers, made his fortune in Le Havre before becoming a shareholder in the Cusenier company in Paris. In 1890, he left part of his wealth to his native village. Thanks to this donation, the town hall and school were built in 1904, and the village square was completely redesigned, with several houses even being relocated for the project.

A walk where every step reveals a community that, through the centuries, has combined hard work, ingenuity and solidarity.