If you’re planning a trip to Normandy, Domfront is a small medieval town well worth a visit. The remains of its medieval castle, its narrow streets lined with half-timbered houses and its original church are just some of the treasures that have earned the town the status of Petite Cité de Caractère.
Here’s our guide to the must-see places in Domfront, Normandy, and some useful tips for planning your visit.
This guide is completely independent, based on our experiences. We visited the region anonymously, making our own choices and paying our bills in full.
Is Domfront worth a visit?
The medieval town of Domfront-en-Poiraie is well worth a visit. We loved its cobbled streets, half-timbered houses and the remains of its medieval castle , with its panoramic view over the Varenne cluse. TheChurch of St. Julien, with its modern concrete structure, is original and surprising in these surroundings.
In our opinion, Domfront is one of the most beautiful towns in Normandy.
1. Remains of the medieval castle
Situated on a rocky outcrop overlooking the region, Domfront Castle endured 13 sieges before being dismantled in 1610 by Henri IV, on Sully’s orders. Its remains date back to the 11th century. These include the ruins of the Chapelle Saint-Symphorien and the imposing keep, which we photographed from every angle.
- Opening hours: daily, all year round
- Price: the tour is free and open to the public
- See the latest news on the official website here
- Discover the history of the château in an 8-part video series here
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2. The ruins of the 25m-high keep
The dungeon, set high above the Varenne valley, is a very romantic setting that impressed us greatly. All that remains are 2 high sections of wall over 4m thick and 25m high. Erected in the 11th century by Henry I of Beauclerc, it was once reinforced at the corners by small turrets that we found hard to imagine.
- Opening hours: daily, all year round
- Price: the tour is free and open to the public
- More info on the official website here
3. Sheathed curtain wall
We walked along the curtain wall. This is a narrow gallery built into the east wall of the château. It is pierced byarches and reinforced by towers. A remarkably well-preserved defensive structure, it dates back to the 13th century.
- Opening hours: daily, all year round
- Price: the tour is free and open to the public
- More info here
OUR ADVICE FOR RENTING A CAR IN Normandy
- Compare prices on our preferred platform: DiscoverCars – one of the best rated sites.
- Choose a car that is comfortable enough (distances can be long) but compact (some parking lots and villages are narrow).
- Think of thecomplete insurance (some roads are tortuous and narrow).
- There is a lot of demand, book it early.
4. The cobbled streets of the medieval town
The cobbled streets took us on a journey back in time. Narrow and winding, they wind between half-timbered houses and mansions. You’d think you were in the Middle Ages! We loved the sometimes covered passageways, inner courtyards and peaceful little squares. Domfront’s medieval atmosphere has earned it the title of Petite Cité de Caractère.
5. Marie-du-Rocher Court
It’s a hidden gem in the maze of Domfront streets. We fell under the spell of this small courtyard, accessed via a covered passageway. It is surrounded by stone houses and entirely paved with local sandstone. It owes its name to an ancient family of notables from Domfront, whose former mansion is nearby.
- Price: free access
- More info on the official website here
WHERE TO STAY IN Alençon
Hotel Château de Saint Paterne – view photos and availability
Hôtel Château de Sarceaux – see photos and availability
6. 13th-century towers and ramparts
Towers and ramparts mark the old town’sperimeter. These were the first remains we saw when we arrived in Domfront. They are impressive and immediately immersed us in the city’smedieval history. If you’d like to experience this immersion to the full, every 2 years the town organizes the famous “Médiévales de Domfront” and lives for a weekend in the time of the knights. Find out more here.
7. Grande Rue watchtower
We just had to look up to see this lovely slate-covered watchtower above the Grande Rue. This observation post is emblematic of medieval cities. They are strategically placed to keep watch over the city’s passageways.
8. Saint-Julien church
It’s a very original church that surprised us in the middle of a medieval town. It was built between 1924 and 1933 to plans by architect Albert Guilbert. It is distinguished by its circular shape and reinforced concrete structure. It is decorated in neo-Byzantine style and Art Deco. Inside, the choir is truly impressive, with splendid stained glass windows.
- Opening hours: daily from 9am to 7pm
- Price: free of charge
- See the latest news on the official website here
HAVE FUN WITH THESE activities in Normandy
- Helicopter flight over the cliffs of the Côte d’Albâtre
- Book your time to visit Mont-Saint-Michel Abbey
- Take a microlight flight over Mont-Saint-Michel
- Climb the Via Ferrata in Switzerland Normandy
9. Le Tertre Sainte-Anne
From the ramparts of Château de Domfort, we could see Tertre Sainte-Anne, just opposite. It’s a wooded promontory of Armorican sandstone with a breathtaking view of the château. It can be reached by an easy 4.5km hike marked out in yellow. The path first skirts a cliff before descending towards the town.
- Duration: 1h30
- Course: 4.5km
- Difficulty: very easy
- See the latest news on the official website here
10. Town Hall and Charles Léandre Museum
We saw Domfront’s Hôtel de Ville from a distance as we approached the town. It’s a tall building rising above the Varenne valley. It dates back to the 19th century and was built on the site of a former convent. It now houses the town hall and the Charles Léandre Museum, a painter and caricaturist from Normandy.
- Times: Visits are only possible during guided tours and by reservation by telephone on + 33 02 33 30 60 60.
- Price: €15 per visit (up to 5 people)
- See the latest news on the official website here
11. The former Palais de Justice
We were seduced by theclassical architecture of Domfront’s former tribunal de grande instance. Its solemn elegance contrasts with the town’s medieval charm. It is the subject of a controversial redevelopment project and could become a gourmet market. During the debates, it hosts temporary exhibitions.
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Other attractions in and around Domfront
Notre-Dame-sur-l’Eau Church
Below the town, on the banks of the Varenne, the church is a jewel of Romanesque art that owes its name to its proximity to the water. We liked its rugged yet simple elegance. Find out more here.
Le Manoir de la Guyardière
Less than 3km north of Domfront, we enjoyed the surroundings of the Manoir de la Guyardière and the water mirror in its moat. The exterior is free to visit. Find out more here.
Manoir de la Chaslerie
The manor house is typical of the Domfront bocage. It comprises several buildings: a dwelling with towers, stables and a dovecote. The outside of the building is free, while the inside costs €3. Find out more here.
How to get to Domfront + parking
Where is Domfront
- Between Mont-Saint-Michel and Alençon
- Alençon: 1h drive
- Caen: 1h20 drive
- Here is a map to help you find your way:
How to get there
- By car: take the D976 between Alençon and Mont-Saint-Michel or the D962 between Caen and Laval.
- By train: from Gare Montparnasse, take the Paris-Granville train to Flers de l’Orne, then bus line 25 to Domfront.
Parking in Domfront
During our visit, we left our car at Place du Panorama. Parking was free and provided direct access to the old town.
Useful tips for visiting Domfront
How long and when?
- Allow 2 to 3 hours to tour the city and see the main sights.
- From May to October, Normandy is a great place to visit. In summer, we advise you to visit in the morning, as it will be less crowded. In any case, check the weather forecast and try to avoid rain, as much of the tour is outdoors.
Tour directions, map and difficulty
We went straight up to the castle before strolling through the streets of the medieval town. The tours are free, so you can let yourself be guided by your own desires.
However, there are 3 tours you can download onto your smartphone: the Castle Tour, the City Tour and the Picturesque Tour. Find out more here.
Visiting with children
- The Tourist Office offers treasure hunt booklets to help you discover Domfront and the surrounding area in a different way. They can be collected on site and cost €3 each.
- If you’re coming for Christmas, there’s a medieval Christmas market set up for 3 days on Place Saint-Julien. Find out more here.
Restaurants
We didn’t have lunch in Domfront, but we had a look around:
- Le Bistrot Saint-Julien: enjoy Normandy-style tartines in a half-timbered house or on the terrace, on a small square that’s lively in fine weather.
- L’Echauguette: an Italian restaurant run by a Sicilian chef in a half-timbered house just opposite the Grande Rue watchtower. Hence the name.
PLAN YOUR TRIP TO Normandy
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Practice
- Where to stay in Normandy – best places and hotels
- See our tips for renting a car at CDG airport, Orly airport, Beauvais airport, Caen, Rouen, Bayeux…
SHE MADE THE TRIP Claire
