The bell tower of the Église Saint-Eustache is 54 metres high and is considered the tallest slate-roofed church tower in France. La Feuillie lies at the centre of a forest clearing in the Forêt domaniale de Lyons. The village thus brings together a striking landmark and a landscape where woodland, meadows and agricultural activity meet.
Church and Château History
The Église Saint-Eustache is built of brick and stone on a sandstone base. Its floor plan is in the shape of a Latin cross, and the building ends in a polygonal apse. These features describe both the materials used and the form of the church. It has been listed as a historic monument since 1942.
The history of the Château de Richebourg can also be traced through several dates. A royal manor house was destroyed in 1541; Charles IX had it replaced by the Château de Richebourg in 1560. When the château was partially destroyed in 1826, the entrance portal, a watchtower and an outbuilding remained. The two dates of destruction therefore refer to different events: 1541 to the manor house, and 1826 to the later château.
The Ferme de La Feuillie complex is another part of the heritage. It has been listed in the Inventaire général du patrimoine culturel since 1943. The listings for the church and the farm complex concern different buildings and add another aspect of the built heritage to the château’s history.
Forest Clearing, Meadows and Protected Area
In the La Feuillie forest clearing, 40 percent of the land is used as meadow, and agricultural activity continues there. The Forêt domaniale de Lyons covers 10,700 hectares, consists mainly of beech trees and has a circumference of around 360 kilometres. It is described as the largest forest massif in Normandy. The area figure, approximate extent and predominant tree species each give a different impression of the forest’s size and character.
The commune of La Feuillie is covered by the Natura 2000 site “Pays de Bray-Cuestas Nord et Sud” (FR2300133). The site is designated as a special area of conservation under the European Habitats Directive. Together with the meadows and continuing agricultural activity, it creates a landscape that is not made up of forest alone.
Walking and Horse Riding
Les Grands Genêts is a 19.2-kilometre walking route in La Feuillie, with a stated walking time of five hours. The route passes through varied landscapes in the Forêt de Lyons and the plains. If you plan this walk, you can allow for the stated walking time as a separate block in your schedule. Breaks are additional to your personal day plan. Check trail conditions before setting out.
The Écurie de la Forêt de Lyons offers a beginner package with three modules, each lasting two hours: getting to know the horse, balance training and a ride outdoors. Booking details may change. Rides at a walk on a secure outdoor course are also offered for beginners and less experienced riders. Availability may change. The walking route and the horse-riding offer differ both in activity and in how their time is structured.
Discover more destinations: Ouville-La-Rivière, Le Bourg-Dun, Yvetot, Autretot, Amfreville-La-Mi-Voie, Haudricourt, Saint-Romain-De-Colbosc, Aubermesnil-Aux-Érables.
Back to the regional travel overview: Seine-Maritime.
