At the Grand Moulin d’Ouarville, visitors can learn about millstones, control systems and the various stages of grain processing. This hands-on look at historic technology gives a stay in Ouarville a cultural and historical focus. Saint-Martin Church and two graves in the cemetery add architectural history and local remembrance to the picture. If you are looking for a holiday rental in Ouarville, you can consider which of these perspectives you want to shape your stay.

Saint-Martin Church: Relics and Architectural History

Saint-Martin Church was built to house relics brought from Constantinople around 1150. Relics are remains or objects to which religious significance is attributed. The choir dates from the 16th century, is considerably higher than the nave and has two side aisles. The history of the relics and the dating of the choir thus belong to different periods in the church’s history. In architecture, the choir refers to the liturgically focused area, while the nave is the main space. The difference in height is a tangible point of comparison between these areas; the side aisles add to the building’s layout. This makes it possible to understand the church both through the historical reason for its construction and through its architecture.

Grand Moulin: Mill Technology and Grain Processing

The Grand Moulin d’Ouarville dates from the 13th century and has been classified as a historic monument since 1941. These two dates describe different things: the 13th century places the building in its historical context, while 1941 marks the start of its monument status. During a visit, you can learn about millstones, control systems and the various stages of grain processing. The millstones and control systems point to technical components; the processing stages draw attention to the process as a whole. The visit thus connects the history of the building with the technical aspects of grain processing.

Visits are available on Sundays from 2:30 pm to 6:00 pm, from Easter to All Saints’ Day; groups can arrange a weekday visit by telephone. As visiting hours may change, check them before making plans. Sunday is the regular visiting time for individual visitors, while groups can arrange a weekday visit in advance.

Places of Remembrance in the Cemetery

Ouarville cemetery contains two recently restored graves belonging to Adam Staniewicz and Joseph Bukowski. One of the two graves is topped by a column described as “antique.” The named graves give local history a tangible connection to individuals. The column detail belongs to one of the two graves and provides a single architectural accent among these places of remembrance.

The dates refer to different events: around 1150 describes the transfer of the relics, the 13th century the age of the mill, the 16th century the dating of the choir, and 1941 the monument classification. This keeps historical origins, the building phase and the later monument status distinct from one another.

Discover More Destinations

Discover more destinations: Ermenonville-La-Petite, Chandelles, La Saucelle, Saint-Laurent-en-Gâtines, Fessanvilliers-Mattanvilliers, Chartres, Vaupillon, Cherisy.

Go to the regional travel overview: Eure-Et-Loir.