A church with pagoda-shaped bell towers, a spiritual guesthouse and rural valleys give Blaru a character that blends heritage and landscape. When planning your visit, it is worth considering these different attractions separately: the church’s architecture, the offerings of the Prieuré de Béthanie and the hiking trails each appeal to different interests. For getting around, there are also two nearby railway stations and a bus connection to Blaru Église.
Blaru between the plain, valley and village centre
The commune is predominantly rural. A large agricultural plain is used mainly for growing grain and raising cattle; wooded or cultivated valleys extend along the Ru de Blaru. The stream runs through the village centre and is also a defining feature of the landscape. The Mare du Chêne Godon is part of the commune’s natural heritage and is surrounded by three pastures. From the Mare Lesage, you can see the distinctive silhouette of the Prieuré de Béthanie and the church. Blaru has several beautiful orchards; one of them is in the Val d'Aconville. Part of the commune also lies within the Giverny–Claude Monet classified area.
The church and its architectural details
The Église Saint-Hilaire was built in 1910 and features original architecture influenced by the Far East. Oriental touches, millstone blocks and pagoda-shaped bell towers roofed with tiles are among its distinctive features. Inside, two stained-glass windows from the former church frame the altar. Its many details make the church a clear highlight for anyone interested in architecture and heritage.
Spiritual guesthouse and retreats
The Prieuré de Béthanie is a spiritual guesthouse for anyone seeking a period of rest. The chapel is open daily to those who wish to pray there privately. Retreats lasting one or more days are offered to individuals, groups, families and students. Before travelling, you should confirm the arrangements for your stay.
The 2026 programme lists prayer evenings on the first Friday of every month. By prior registration, these include dinner, spiritual instruction, Compline and subsequent night-time adoration. Alongside the opportunity for personal prayer, there are also scheduled activities whose timings you can take into account when planning.
Hikes with different starting points
The GR26 long-distance trail starts in Blaru, near Les Métréaux, and runs to Notre-Dame-de-la-Mer, with a detour via Vernon. The Tour du Grand Val d'Aconville runs from Place Saint-Hilaire in Blaru via Impasse Saint-Adjutor to the Lavoir Saint-Adjutor.
The Lavoir Saint-Adjutor was restored in the 17th century and is located by a spring. In the past, the spring was believed to have healing properties, especially for blindness and rheumatism. Before setting out, it is advisable to check parking options and trail conditions, as access and trail conditions can change.
Plan your journey and accommodation
The nearest SNCF railway stations to Blaru are in Vernon and Bonnières-sur-Seine. Both are easily reached by bus and car. Bus route 76 connects the Bonnières-sur-Seine bus station with Blaru Église. As journey times and route numbers can change, check the timetable before travelling. This lets you plan your journey and accommodation separately from your choice of hikes, architecture or spiritual offerings.
Discover more destinations: Magnanville, Montalet-le-Bois, Châteaufort, Perdreauville, Guyancourt, La Celle-Saint-Cloud, La Celle-Les-Bordes, Hargeville
For the broader travel overview: Yvelines.
