Ancourt brings together trails in the Forêt d’Arques with the architectural history of the Church of Saint-Saturnin and Pontrancart. This gives you different options for your stay: time outdoors in the forest, or historic buildings and their furnishings. Which aspect you focus on will shape what you look for in accommodation in Ancourt.

Forest trails in the Forêt d’Arques

The Forêt d’Arques covers just under 1,000 hectares and extends across Ancourt, Arques-la-Bataille, Martin-Église and Saint-Aubin-le-Cauf. Its trails offer options for both short family walks and longer hikes. This range is useful when planning your day: you can opt for a short walk or make a longer hike the main activity.

Some trails are also suitable for mountain biking; please stick to the marked routes. Several parking areas are near the main access points, including an access point from Ancourt. Check local conditions before setting out. Waterproof shoes are recommended for trails in the Eaulne marshes near Ancourt. If you are planning to take these trails in particular, factor this recommendation into your gear. On the banks of the Eaulne, Ancourt maintains a grassy area suitable for picnics. It offers an opportunity to take a break outdoors; confirm the condition of the area before visiting.

Saint-Saturnin: architectural history and furnishings

Saint-Saturnin is a church dating from the 13th century. In the 16th century, the church was rebuilt in stone and flint. Its medieval origins and later rebuilding can therefore be read as two stages in its architectural history. In 1908, the church was partially protected as a historic monument. A stained-glass window depicts significant episodes from the life of Saint Saturninus.

The pulpit dates from the 17th century and is made of local hardwood; it is carved and moulded. Since 25 October 1982, the pulpit has been listed as movable cultural heritage. The window and the pulpit offer different points of interest: one depicts episodes from the saint’s life, while the other stands out for its material and worked form.

Pontrancart: from the toll bridge to the château

The fief of Pontrancart originated at a stone toll bridge over the Eaulne, attested since the early 11th century. The toll function links the fief’s early history to a specific river crossing. The medieval castle of Pontrancart was destroyed by the English in 1430. The present château mostly dates from the 18th century, making it a much later building phase than the castle. The garden of the Château de Pontrancart in Ancourt is designated a “Site inscrit.”

The themes are clearly distinct: Saint-Saturnin centres on architectural history and furnishings; Pontrancart’s history runs from the toll bridge through the castle to the present château. The Forêt d’Arques, by contrast, offers trails for walks, hikes and, in some areas, mountain biking.

Discover more destinations:

Criquetot-Sur-Longueville, Montivilliers, Senneville-Sur-Fécamp, Yerville, Fresne-Le-Plan, Bonsecours, Louvetot, Clères

Back to the main travel overview: Seine-Maritime.