Hermival-les-Vaux is a commune in the Calvados department, in the Normandy region, a few kilometers northeast of Lisieux, which it borders.
Its 13 km² territory belongs to the natural and traditional region of the Pays d'Auge, renowned for its discreetly undulating bocage landscapes, its wooded areas covering hills overlooking grassland, orchards and crops and its specialties (cheeses, cider...).
The locality itself has retained a very green environment, with 54% of its area consisting of grasslands, 18% forests and 25% agricultural areas.
Crossed during Antiquity by a Roman road, Hermival-les-Vaux has always been oriented towards agriculture, the town having absorbed its neighbor Les Vaux in 1825 and then in 1960 part of the locality of Saint-Jacques.
Nowadays, there are some 800 inhabitants on Hermival-les-Vaux which has a heritage of interest and which has become famous for its zoological park created in 1986. Some 300,000 visitors visit it each year!
In terms of heritage, in the center of the village, the castle of Hermival is the jewel of the town. In its current form, it dates from the 16th and 17th centuries. First square towers were built with an exterior decor forming a checkerboard of pink bricks and stones. They have machicolation cornices, ultimately more decorative than having a military function. In fact, in the following century, a main building in freestone was built. Its facade is slightly set back from the towers, but it has an entrance in the center framed by raised pilasters (i.e. protruding), two floors lit by a single window, the whole being surmounted by a triangular pediment.
With the outbuildings, the whole overlooks a park. Owned by various noble families over time, the castle housed a religious community for some time in the 20th century. Listed in the Inventory, the estate was recently bought: guest rooms have been fitted out and the site also hosts private receptions or seminars. The park is occasionally open to the public and cultural events are scheduled there. Information on +33 2 31 32 72 10.
Near this castle with characteristic Norman architecture, stands the Saint-Germain church. It was built in the 19th century on the site of a Romanesque building from the 12th and 13th centuries. It was then a question of welcoming the faithful of the parish of Vaux which had been absorbed by Hermival. In fact, at the same time, the Notre-Dame des Vaux church was destroyed. The Saint-Germain church has a simple and sober architecture, following a Latin cross plan which ends with a flat chevet. Note, however, the bell tower-porch composed of three levels. A statue of Saint Germain is sheltered at the entrance in a niche. Inside, the furniture is contemporary but of Gothic inspiration, like the three stone altars.
A final piece of heritage should be mentioned: this is the Saint-Laurent manor, whose origins date back to the 17th century and which features traditional half-timbered architecture, built in stone and brick. However, it is now included in the perimeter of the zoological park also known as CERZA for Center for Study and Zoological Reproduction Augeron. It was created in 1986 on 80 hectares northeast of the town. There are 1,500 wild animals living in semi-freedom in a green setting made up of forests and valleys. 120 species (tigers, wolves, bears, alligators, monkeys, etc.) from 5 continents are represented. The park aims in particular to preserve wildlife and presents visitors with animals that for many are threatened with extinction. As such, the establishment participates in operations within the framework of the European Program for Endangered Species: the birth of an Indian rhinoceros (a first in France) was observed there in 2013, but also lion cubs and pandas. ginger. It should also be noted that two polar bears are housed there in a large enclosure (two hectares).
The animals are to be discovered via two pedestrian routes but also a "safari train" dedicated in particular to photography enthusiasts. The opportunity to approach giraffes, lemurs or "loriket" parrots... The park offers entertainment (conferences, treatments), activities specifically reserved for young people and includes a 3D cinema. In addition, it is possible to stay there (tents of African inspiration located near the animals in a secure setting, or lodges). The zoological park of Hermival has become the first leisure park in the Normandy region and welcomes some 300,000 visitors a year. Restaurants, picnic areas are accessible. Open from February to November. Price: from 15 and 22 euros. Information on +33 2 31 62 15 76.
If the site has become a major and essential asset of the town, it should nevertheless be emphasized that before or after a visit, a hike is possible on the territory. Green paths bordering hedgerows and orchards are accessible, loops also allowing you to reach Lisieux (on foot or by mountain bike). Maps and information on +33 2 31 48 18 10.
