Esches: Churches, Art and Local History

Several cultural and historical themes come together in Esches: sacred art in the Church of Saint-Rémi, the architectural history of the Chapelle Saint-Hubert de La Lande, a château built on the site of an earlier fortress, and the use of the River Esches. If you are looking for a hotel in Esches, these historical themes can provide a focus for your stay. They range from a single work of art to different architectural styles and the history of work and agriculture.

Art and architectural history at Saint-Rémi

The Church of Saint-Rémi houses a stone Vierge à l’Enfant: the figure is carved and painted. It was classified as a protected object on 5 November 1912. This specific work therefore provides a distinct focus alongside the history of the church building. For art enthusiasts, its material and design are as noteworthy as the long history of the object.

The oldest choir of the church is dated to the 1140s. Restoration work revealed various construction phases of the building. Saint-Rémi can thus be read as a structure with a history that is not limited to a single point in time: the choir points to an early date, while the phases uncovered reveal further changes. This combination of artwork and architectural history offers a different perspective on Saint-Rémi from a purely object-by-object examination of its furnishings.

Chapelle Saint-Hubert: brick and sculpture

The Chapelle Saint-Hubert in La Lande has its own architectural history. After it was devastated during the French Revolution, it was rebuilt in the 19th century. The brick building is designed in the Neo-Romanesque style. This distinguishes the chapel from the Church of Saint-Rémi in both material and style; at the same time, its reconstruction tells of a later period in local history.

The chapel also houses a sculpted ensemble from the 17th century. It consists of three parts and depicts the miraculous apparition of the stag before Saint Hubert. The ensemble predates the chapel’s 19th-century reconstruction. Different layers of time therefore meet here: the history of the chapel and an artwork whose subject unfolds in three parts. Those interested in sacred art will find a different perspective here from the carved and painted Vierge à l’Enfant in Saint-Rémi.

Château and river history

The Château d’Esches was built in the 18th century on the site of an earlier fortress surrounded by moats. The transition from the fortified predecessor to the later château adds another architectural dimension to local history. Alongside the churches and chapel, the château shows how the history of Esches can also be read through different types of buildings.

The River Esches is also connected with the local past. A mill on the river was converted into a button factory in the 19th century. The river was also used to grow watercress. These two recorded uses draw attention to work and agriculture: the river’s history is not limited to its role as a geographical feature, but also includes its significance for local activities.

Plan your route and journey

The “Sur les pas des éventaillistes” route passes through Esches; one of its highlights is the Chapelle Saint-Hubert de La Lande. This links the chapel to a specific route option, without implying further details about the route or local conditions. As the route may change, check it before setting out. The route offers a practical starting point if you would like to include a visit to the chapel in your plans.

SNCF TER trains from Paris Nord and Beauvais arrive at Esches station. Check the timetable before travelling so that you can plan your arrival accordingly. The historic buildings, artworks, river history and route together offer several different themes for exploring Esches. You can focus on church art, architecture or the local history of crafts and agriculture.

Discover more destinations: Delincourt, Montataire, Remy, Breteuil, Villers-Saint-Paul, Nointel, Saint-Étienne-Roilaye, Vez.

See the broader travel overview: Oise.