As of August 20, 2026, the interior of Château d’Harcourt is not open to the public while conservation work is underway. Visitors can, however, explore the outdoor areas, including the castle courtyard and the path along the ramparts. If your main aim is to see the interior, check access again before setting out. This will let you plan your château visit around what is currently accessible.
Forest and arboretum as distinct nature experiences
At Domaine d’Harcourt, you can explore part of the forest designated as an Espace Naturel Sensible (Sensitive Natural Area). The arboretum has a different focus: the diversity of trees from different parts of the world. For visitors interested in nature, these offer two distinct perspectives on plants and landscapes. The forest is a visit to a designated natural area; the arboretum can be described in terms of its tree species, origins and the age of individual specimens.
An arboretum with a history and ancient trees
The arboretum was established in 1802 as a project by Louis-Gervais Delamarre. He wanted to plant, test and acclimatise trees from around the world. These three aims give the site a specific historical purpose: it was not just about planting trees, but also testing them and adapting them to new conditions. The collection includes more than 500 tree species from around the world and may change as new plantings are added. Some trees are more than 200 years old. The arboretum therefore brings together different time scales: the project dating from 1802, the international diversity of its species and the great age of individual trees. These features can offer different ways to approach your visit, from the history of the arboretum to looking at individual ancient specimens.
Église Saint-Ouen: architectural history and listed status
Église Saint-Ouen d’Harcourt is classified as a Monument historique (historic monument). Its choir is the oldest part of the church and was built in the 13th century. Visitors interested in architectural history can connect a specific part of the building with a clear date. The listed status and the history of the choir are two distinct aspects: one refers to the church’s classification, the other to the construction date of its oldest part. This lets you focus your visit on a specific architectural detail, rather than viewing the church only as a historic site in general.
Concerts, guided tours and the Automnales d’Harcourt
Several concerts, as well as talks and guided tours about the history of the site, take place at Église Saint-Ouen every year. Since dates and programmes can affect your travel plans, it is a good idea to check the latest events in advance. The 2026 edition of the Automnales d’Harcourt may also be of interest if you are planning a particular weekend: it celebrates its 20th anniversary and is scheduled for October 17 and 18, 2026. Botanical discoveries and other activities for plant and garden enthusiasts are planned. Check the event dates and programme before travelling. Unlike the church’s recurring annual programme, this edition is tied to a specific October weekend.
Arriving by bike or bus
Domaine d’Harcourt can be reached by bike via the “Évreux-Pont Authou” Voie verte (greenway). Bus route 214 between Honfleur and Évreux goes directly to the centre of Harcourt. These two options serve different destinations: by bike, you can reach the Domaine via the greenway mentioned above, while the bus goes to the town centre. This can help you tailor your journey to your planned visit, without treating the two options as equivalent routes. If you plan to take the bus, check the current timetable before travelling. When choosing what to focus on during your visit, you can also decide whether to plan mainly for the château exterior, the natural attractions of the Domaine, or the church’s architectural and event history.
Discover more destinations: St-Pierre-Du-Mesnil, Pont-Audemer, Barneville, Saint-Marcel, Vernon, Boissey-Le-Châtel, Conches-En-Ouche, Chambray
For the broader travel overview: Eure.
