Discover Saint-Denis-d'Authou

For a stay in Saint-Denis-d'Authou, cultural history and trails offer concrete themes to explore. The Romanesque Eglise de Saint Denis d'Authou, the Chapelle Saint-Hilaire des Noyers and several named routes focus on different topics: church architecture, religious tradition, Nordic walking, cycling and landscape. When planning your trip, you can decide which of these interests you would like to prioritize.

Churches and architectural history

The Eglise de Saint Denis d'Authou is a Romanesque church with a rounded apse. It contains a 16th-century baptistery that is classified as a historic monument. This offers two distinct points of interest: the Romanesque style and apse relate to the church building, while the baptistery is a separate historic feature within the church. Its date and classification make it a notable detail for anyone interested in sacred architecture and its furnishings.

The Chapelle Saint-Hilaire des Noyers tells a different story of architecture. It is the surviving choir of a very old parish church dating from the 12th century; the church was demolished in 1840. The roof structure is also noteworthy: the oak timberwork is described as “à chevrons formant fermes” and dates to 1198–1199. In France, this construction method is considered one of the rare examples of its type. While the Eglise can be appreciated for its Romanesque form and baptistery, the Chapelle is distinguished by its surviving choir and historic roof structure.

Pilgrimage and trail names

A pilgrimage takes place at the Chapelle Saint-Hilaire des Noyers every Ascension afternoon; Mass is celebrated outdoors. If you would like to include this event in your travel plans, check the date for the relevant year. A trail name also provides a point of reference: the path between the Chapelle and the Oratoire is called “Chemin de Gisèle.” The chapel is therefore associated with both an annual religious event and a specific trail name.

Nordic walking, cycling and nature

The “Parcours rouge de marche nordique de St-Denis-d'Authou” is a challenging 15.7-kilometer circular route that starts and finishes in Saint-Denis-d'Authou. It carries the UFOLEP label and passes by the Chapelle Saint-Hilaire des Noyers. The route is clearly defined by its length, difficulty level and circular layout; the chapel can also be seen as part of the route. The dark blue “Parcours bleu foncé de marche nordique de St-Denis-d'Authou” also starts in Saint-Denis-d'Authou. Confirm its starting point locally.

For a cycling trip, “Des sources de la Cloche au maquis de Plainville” is another named option. The cycling route heads towards Saint-Denis-d'Authou and includes the Chapelle Saint-Hilaire des Noyers. The Sentier nature de la Vinette offers a different focus: it features pleasant viewpoints and glimpses of a relatively well-preserved Perche landscape. While the routes offer different ways to get around, this nature trail draws particular attention to the views and landscape.

Discover more destinations: Vichères, Vaupillon, Rouvres, Moléans, Auneau, Saint-Rémy-Sur-Avre, Mézières-en-Drouais, Flacey.

For the broader travel guide: Eure-Et-Loir.