Torigny-les-Villes is a town in the center of the English Channel in the Normandy region, bordering the Calvados department. It is located about a dozen kilometers south-east of Saint-Lô.
This is a new town born of the merger on 1 January 2016 of Torigni-sur-Vire, Brectouville, Giéville and Guilberville.
The city thus created counts therefore near 4,400 inhabitants and has four distinct villages within a landscape typical of the Norman hedgerow.
Torigny-les-Villes which was one of the strongholds of the descendants of William the Conqueror was strongly impacted during the fighting after the Allied landing in 1944. However, a significant part of its historical heritage has been preserved. Taking advantage of a rich natural environment, this makes Torigny-les-Villes, where agricultural and commercial activity is dynamic, a welcome step.
It is the castle of the Matignons which constitutes the centerpiece of the heritage of Torigni and now of Torigny-les-Villes. Dating from the 16th century, classified Historical Monument since 1840, formed of three wings that frame a court of honor, it was damaged during the Revolution. Acquired by the city in 1817, it rebuilt a wing for the edifice to recover its balance. The ensemble is Louis XIII style. There is a contrast between the northern façade where red volcanic rocks (from a quarry in the region) alternate with white limestone stones, and the south façade where white dominates, with the retreating main body completing its harmony at the castle. Despite the 1944 bombings, the restorations initiated since then have allowed the castle to retain its majesty.
The building now houses the town hall and temporary art exhibitions.
During the visit, we will also admire the Cannon Court, now used as a public garden, which was originally a terrace inspired by the Renaissance to admire the city and the landscapes from the castle.
Adjacent to the complex, ponds formerly included in the defense system of the castle are now open to fishing and are popular places to walk. Information on +33 2 33 77 42 22.
The Arthur Le Duc, an animal sculptor born in Torigni (1848-1918), is also part of the castle's former chapel. One of his works is visible in the Jardin du Luxembourg in Paris. He was also awarded the equestrian statue of Du Guesclin in Caen. Besides works by the artist, the museum presents tapestries and furniture from Normandy. Information at +33 2 33 56 71 44.
In Torigni, the church of Saint-Laurent (13th century) and the church of Notre-Dame-du-Grand-Vivier (12th century), whose pulpit and paneling are Are also worth a visit.
As far as the former commune of Guilberville is concerned, you will be able to stop at the Saint-Mathurin church (15th century) and appreciate the green paths inviting you to take a walk along the footbridge over the river Aunelle.
In Giéville, a stop is possible at the Saint-Martin church, flanked by a bell tower of the 18th century.
But it is at Brectouville that the other remarkable points of Torigny-les-Villes are located. Beginning with the church of Saint-Pierre (18th century), which houses an interesting pulpit and font, one of the stained-glass windows made after the second war reminds us that it is in this small village that the neighbors of Torigni came to take refuge during the bombardments...
Another site not to be missed, that of the rocks of Ham: a high cliff of 100 m which dominates one of the meanders of Vire. It is the river which, with time, has dug this high curve. It remains an astonishing natural setting: a rocky cliff that seems to oppose vertically to the flat grove.
These Ham rocks like all the other remarkable points of the new commune of Torigny-les-Villes can be included in footpaths, footpaths, bike or horse. Information on +33 (0) 2 33 77 42 22 and for equestrian events in +33 6 87 54 66 42.
For sports enthusiasts, note that the municipality has a bowling alley and tennis courts. Information on +33 2 33 56 71 44.
To discover and appreciate the products of the Norman terroir (cheeses, charcuterie, fruits of the orchard), there is nothing like the Monday morning market in Torigni and Thursday evening (from 17h) in Guilberville.
On the first Sunday in April, the Rue du Livre is a literary fair that takes place at the château. Meeting with many authors, book signings and readings.
During the first half of December, the Salon d'hiver brings together works by painters and sculptors at the château.
Exposition "Les Artistes Créateurs" - 3e Édition
- From 20 to 21 april 2024
- Place du Général De Gaulle, Torigni-sur-Vire
- 3rd edition of the "les artistes createurs" exhibition at the Château de Matignon in Torigni-sur-Vire. - 29 exhibitors : painters, sculptors, ceramics, jewelry, "handpan" musical instrument maker, book folding. - In the grand gallery and ballroom of Château Matignon. Free admission.
Sortie Nature de Printemps aux Roches de Ham > Sortie "Tous Connectés"
- On 25 april 2024
- Brectouville, Route des Fosses
- On Thursday April 25,2024, from 2:30 to 4:30 pm, L'écureuil Activités Nature and the Département de la Manche are organizing a "Tous connectés" outing to reconnect with others, with ourselves and with nature. - Activities offered by the Département de la Manche. - Meet at the crêperie des Roches in Ham
Vide-Grenier de Guilberville
- On 12 may 2024
- Guilberville
- Join us on May 12 in Guilberville (Torigny-les-Villes) for the local garage sale.
Camp Notley
- From 18 to 19 may 2024
- Guilberville, La ferme du bois
- Reconstruction of a military camp and display of civilian life in the 1940s.
Sortie Nature > Balade aux Roches de Ham
- On 18 may 2024
- Brectouville, Route des Fosses
- Come and discover the trees, flowers and animals of this breathtaking site. - Guided walk by the AVRIL association. - Approx. 2.5 km - Rdv at the crêperie des Roches de Ham
Concert > la Liberation en Chanson
- On 19 may 2024
- Place du Général de Gaulle
- Songs from the 40s and 50s. - Free entertainment. - Meet at 3pm at Château des Matignon. - Information on 06 31 91 95 59
Vide-Grenier de Torigny-les-Villes
- On 2 june 2024
- Torigni-sur-Vire
- Join us on June 2 in Torigni-sur-Vire (Torigny-les-Villes) for the town's garage sale. - 120 exhibitors
Feu d'Artifice et bal
- On 14 july 2024
- Place de l'Orangerie, Torigni-sur-Vire
- See you on July 14 in Torigny-les-Villes for the traditional fireworks display.
Mémorial Train
- From 15 to 19 july 2024
- Torigni-sur-Vire
- Visit and memorial trail with the Nebraska National Guard in the footsteps of the 35th Santa Fe. - Torigni-sur-Vire, Saint-Lô, Le Mesnil-Rouxelin, La Meauffe, Condé-sur-Vire, Domjean.
At Brectouville, commune now part of Torigny-les-Villes, crosses the river Vire, once navigable. A touristic place called the rocks of Ham, gives, from the cliffs of schists, a superb panorama on the Vire below and on the surrounding hedgerow. It is also the rendezvous of walkers because many paths crisscross the surrounding countryside. At the end of the walk, the local small crêperie, hidden in the rocks, will offer you Normandy cakes and local cider.
