Villiers-en-Désœuvre draws attention to a series of historic buildings and walking and cycling routes. The town’s history stretches from a fortified castle built before the year 1000 to a pilgrimage held around 15 May. It also encompasses the history of the Commanderie de Chanu, two churches, and a chapel. The buildings’ different periods of construction make the town interesting for those keen on culture; the pilgrimage and the walking and cycling routes offer their own attractions.
The history of the religious orders and the buildings
The Ancienne commanderie de Chanu was founded by the Templars in the 12th century and later belonged to the Order of the Hospitallers of Saint John of Jerusalem. Its chapel dates from the 12th and 13th centuries. This complex thus brings together two periods in the history of the orders: its founding by the Templars and its later affiliation with the Hospitallers. Its protected status also has two distinct dates: the Commanderie was listed as a Monument historique on 28 December 1990, and the chapel was classified as a Monument historique on 16 October 1992.
The Église Saint-Nicolas adds another chapter to the area’s architectural history. Construction is said to have begun in 1225 on the foundations of an 11th-century building. A wrought-iron fleur-de-lis cross from the 16th century crowns the tower. The church also has a 19th-century Romantic-style organ, restored from 1994 to 1996. The Église Saint-Pierre de Chanu stands within an enclosure that borders and runs parallel to the enclosure of the former Commanderie de Chanu to the south. The tower is the last surviving remnant of a fortified castle built before the year 1000.
Chapel and pilgrimage
The Chapelle Notre-Dame-de-Bonne-Nouvelle reflects several distinct periods of construction. The chapel was dedicated to the Virgin Mary on 31 May 1898. It stands on the site of an oratory dedicated in 1519, which had itself replaced a 13th-century chapel. The chapel contains three altars, symbolically representing the départements of Eure, Eure-et-Loir, and Yvelines.
The pilgrimage also provides a specific date to help with planning: revived in 1976, it takes place annually around 15 May and is open to everyone. It can be undertaken on foot or by bicycle. Unlike the buildings’ enduring architectural features, it has an approximate time of year. If you plan your trip around this occasion, check the date for the year in question.
Walking and cycling routes
The Chemin de Bonne-Nouvelle leads from the Chapelle Notre-Dame-de-Bonne-Nouvelle via the Fontaine Saint-Martin to the gates of the Commanderie de Chanu. The route can therefore be identified by three named points: the chapel, the spring, and the gates of the former Commanderie.
For a bike ride, the VTT “Tour de Ferrières” route leads to Villiers-en-Désœuvre. Check the local signage if you plan to follow this route. In the area around Villiers-en-Désœuvre, the “Dans le sillon des agriculteurs” circular route offers an alternative that starts by taking Boulevard de la Gare from the exit of Bueil station. It is also a good idea to check the local signage for this route option. The route descriptions are therefore distinct: the Tour de Ferrières leads to Villiers, while the alternative on the other circular route starts at Bueil station.
The pilgrimage is the clearest seasonal reference point when choosing when to travel. If instead you are planning a stay focused on the buildings, their different historical periods take centre stage. The routes mentioned offer another way to plan a cycling outing; check the local signage for your chosen route.
Discover more destinations: Marais-Vernier, Theillement, Écos, Touffreville, Saussay-La-Campagne, Vernon, Andé, Vieux-Villez.
For the wider travel overview: Eure.
