The perched village ofHotot-en-Auge is located in the heart of the Dives valley, in the hinterland of Cabourg. South-west of Beuvron-en-Auge, Hotot stands on its little mount. Do not hesitate to go take a look. You will appreciate the atmosphere of the marshes and you will be able to admire various buildings classified as Historic Monuments, such as the Manor of the Chapel of the XVIIe century St. George's Church or the archaeological site of the fortified house of Ham.
Hotot-en-Auge, in the heart of the Dives marshes
The Dives marshes are the essence of the landscapes of Hotot-en-Auge. This wetland in the heart of the Calvados, covers 10 hectares, at the foot of the Pays d'Auge.
Classroom natural area of ecological interest, fauna and flora, the floodable territory is made up of small islands, more or less numerous depending on the weather.
The unique vegetation is made up of water-loving plants and the large areas of grassland facilitate livestock farming. The marshes have long been nicknamed the "meat granary" of Paris.
Hotot-en-Auge, heritage and treasure
Hotot-en-Auge was built on a small rocky outcrop at an altitude of 30 m. An ideal location to dominate the marshes of the Dives. Two feudal mounds still bear witness to this defensive activity. That of Hotot-en-Auge where the remains of the High Justice castle built in the XVe century but destroyed in 1944, and that of the fortified house of Ham.
The city hides other discreet treasures. While traversing its roads, you will observe several mansions, of Renaissance and Modern times. Three of them are enrolled in theinventory of historic monuments. THE corner mansion called "the old manor" dates from the XNUMXthe century, chapel manor was built in the XVIIe century and the Chalice Place Manor has an avant-corps with a pediment, characteristic of XNUMXth century architecturee.
The town also has three churches, due to the gathering of former neighboring towns. St. George's Church is the most remarkable, with its XNUMXth century Romanesque choire and its Renaissance bell tower from 1534. A tomb statue from 1246, a statue of Saint Apollonia from the XNUMXe century and another of Saint George fighting the dragon of the XVe decorate the interior of the church. In 1862, a real treasure was discovered there: 3 coins from the twelfthe and XIIIe centuries were found in a bag.
Hotot-en-Auge, an extended stay
If you want to enjoy Hotot-en-Auge for longer, Philippe Galot welcomes you to his guest rooms. The vineyard farm is surrounded by vast spaces of greenery and typical of Auge architecture. The geographical location of Hotot is ideal for visiting the Pays d'Auge and enjoying the beaches of the Côte Fleurie, 20 min.
You can also hike on the 6,4 km route "Hotot-en-Auge, by winds and marshes, on the Cider Route" and visit the ceramist Gérard Paturel. The artist multiplies exhibitions and salons throughout Normandy. After having worked in Paris, alongside René Goscinny and Albert Uderzo as a gouacheur, he set up his studio in Hotot 36 years ago and never left.
Hotot's White Rabbit
Did you know ?
The commune of Hotot gave its name to a rabbit. Eugenie Bernhard, a resident chatelaine in Hotot-en-Auge, raised black and white rabbits for their fur and meat in the early XNUMXth century.e century.
His wish was to own a white rabbit with black eyes. She then decides to meet a giant Flemish rabbit, a French Papillon and a Vienna White rabbit. In 1902, she created the white hotot rabbit, whose breed was recognized in 1922. To see it, go to Roncheville orchard !
