The River Ourcq runs through Ocquerre, and the commune also tells a story of several distinct building phases. Two capitals from the 13th century have been preserved in the choir of the Church of Saint-Étienne, while the present-day Château de la Trousse was built in 1865. The Ferme dite aux trois cheminées adds a Renaissance story to this picture. This brings together a focus on cultural history, practical guidance for getting there and a regional perspective on the landscape.

Church of Saint-Étienne: two historical dates

Two capitals from the 13th century have been preserved in the choir of the Church of Saint-Étienne. A capital is the upper part of a column or pillar; it draws attention to an individual architectural feature rather than an entire façade. The church’s reconstruction was completed in 1901. These dates refer to different things: the 13th century relates to the capitals, while 1901 marks the completion of the reconstruction. Visitors interested in architecture can distinguish medieval elements from a later phase of reconstruction, rather than reading 1901 as the date when the entire church was built.

Ferme dite aux trois cheminées: Renaissance hunting history

During the time of Henry IV, the Ferme dite aux trois cheminées was a Renaissance hunting lodge. It is listed as a historic monument and is one of the few well-preserved secular buildings from its period. Here, historical use, Renaissance character and state of preservation come together. Compared with Saint-Étienne, it represents secular architectural history alongside ecclesiastical history; the difference therefore concerns not only the period, but also the building’s former function.

Château de la Trousse: distinguishing two building phases

Two dates help put the building history of the Château de la Trousse in order. Only the outbuildings and moats remain from the 17th-century construction; the present-day building was built in 1865. The 17th century therefore refers to the older château and its surviving remains, while 1865 dates the present-day building.

Getting there by train

Lizy-sur-Ourcq station is a useful landmark when travelling by train. Passengers on SNCF Line P towards Ferté-Milon can get off there; the station is 3 kilometres from Ocquerre. Check the timetable for your travel date so you can plan your connection using the current departure times.

Landscape, walking and honey

In the Pays d’Ourcq, the Canal de l’Ourcq offers walkers a particularly secluded and bucolic stretch. This is a different way to explore from discovering the history of the buildings: here, the focus is on the character of the waterside landscape rather than architecture. The Vallon de Chaton route is recognised by the Seine-et-Marne departmental hiking committee and marked in yellow; this gives visitors two practical points of reference: the recognition and the trail markings.

At the Ocquerre apiaries, visitors can taste honey at the honey house. Check before your visit whether tastings are available on your chosen date.

Discover more destinations: Thomery, Boissise-La-Bertrand, Touquin, Chalifert, Le Châtelet-En-Brie, Chartrettes, La Ferté-Sous-Jouarre, Saint-Cyr-sur-Morin

For the broader travel overview: Seine-Et-Marne.