If you are a fan of French literature, you will love to discover Tôtes! It was here, at the Auberge du Cygne, that Guy de Maupassant wrote his first literary success Boule de Suif. Relive this short story by soaking up the scenery offered by the commune of Tôtes, and walk in Maupassant’s footsteps by having lunch at the Auberge du Cygne, where you can even visit the room once occupied by the author! And for those who prefer the pen of Gustave Flaubert, know that it is also in this same place that the latter wrote a few chapters of his masterpiece Madame Bovary!
Bonnetot farm, sale of cider products at the farmBonnetot farm, sale of cider products at the farm|
Tôtes
To see in the streets of Tôtes
A heritage to admire
Wandering through the town you can admire two private castles,the Belloy Castle built in the 19th century, opposite the Swan Inn, and the Dupuis Castle opposite the former Tortillard station. The little train indeed served the town to reach Clères.
The Manor of Bosc aux lièvres, located further away from the town center is also a beautiful element of local heritage, with its two turrets surrounding the facade. It is built one kilometer from the supposed location of the old fortress belonging to the family of Tostes, which did not survive the Hundred Years War. Passed through several prominent families, including Jean Dyel, baron of Auffay in the 17th century and sequestered during the Revolution, it is characteristic of the homes of the Pays de Caux, with its colorful contrasts derived from the use of sandstone and brick.
The church of Saint-Martin, in the Neo-Gothic style, dates from the 19th century. Its towering steeple is a landmark for local residents.
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The majestic choir of the Saint-Martin churchThe majestic choir of the Saint-Martin church|
The neo-gothic church of TotesThe neo-gothic church of Totes|
Totes TurretTotes Turret|
At the heart of history
Witness to the Second World War
In 1940, Tôtes was the scene of violent fighting during which many lives were sacrificed. This is evidenced by the monument built in memory of the victims of these battles.
The hamlet of Bonnetot was then chosen by the Nazi occupiers as the location of a V1 missile track, which you can discover by visiting theFerme de Bonnetôt. This is one of the sites uncovered by the Resistance fighter Michel Hollard who was nicknamed “the Man who saved London” for his acts of bravery. Infiltrated in particular in this farm he communicated to the Allies the plans of the V1 launching pads of the region to allow them to neutralize them. A space is dedicated to him at the château de Bosmelet in Auffay and a square pays tribute to him near the Val-de-Scie train station.
Visit to the remains of the Second World War in TotesVisit to the remains of the Second World War in Totes|
