The church of Saint-Saëns was built in the final years of the 19th century and preserves stained-glass windows from the 14th and 16th centuries. This contrast offers a first impression of the different historical layers of the town. Alongside local history, the landscape and activities connected with the Forêt d’Eawy and the Varenne can also be a focus of your stay.
Local History Through Architecture and Craftsmanship
The church was built in the Neo-Romanesque style; its stained-glass windows from the 14th and 16th centuries are classified as historic monuments. The building thus brings together late 19th-century architecture and much older windows. Anyone interested in the cultural history of Saint-Saëns will find two distinct historical periods in one place.
The Fontaine Dillard was built on Place Maintenon in 1900. It provides another landmark connected with the town’s history alongside the church. Rue des Tanneurs reveals a different aspect: the street preserves traces of the leather industry, which shaped the rise of Saint-Saëns in the 19th century. These include recently uncovered tanning pits. Alongside architecture and historic preservation, the town’s work and production are also in focus.
An 18th-century cider press stands on the banks of the Varenne. Parts of the press are made from solid oak; it represents local apple production. Together with the traces of the leather industry, it offers another insight into the economic and craft history of Saint-Saëns. The Puits Merveilleux, meanwhile, is associated with a local legend and adds a storytelling tradition to the historical themes.
Forêt d’Eawy and Outdoor Activities
The Forêt d’Eawy lies on the edge of Saint-Saëns and covers 7,200 hectares. It occupies the slopes and plateau between the valleys of the Varenne and the Béthune. Its size and geographical location make the forest a distinctive landscape attraction alongside the historic sites within the town.
The Allée des Limousins is a 14-kilometre-long, straight forest avenue that is open to the public. Its length and straight course give it a clearly defined character. There is also a marked trail along the Chemin des Ecoliers. The guide “Le Petit Poucet” is available from the Saint-Saëns tourist information office.
At the Varenne, anglers can enjoy trout fishing in particular. The river is another option for a stay focused on outdoor activities. Golf offers a different sporting experience: Golf de Saint-Saëns is located in the heart of the Forêt d’Eawy, at the junction of the A28 and A29 motorways. The course is a par-71 layout measuring 6,009 metres. The forest avenue, fishing and golf offer a choice of different activities.
The Chou de Saint-Saëns is also part of the local identity. Today it is a symbol of local heritage and the protection of biodiversity. This means that local history encompasses not only buildings, crafts and legends, but also a subject that connects local heritage with nature conservation.
You can tailor your stay to your interests without having to combine the different themes into a fixed daily itinerary.
Discover more destinations: Bacqueville-En-Caux, Bernières, Petiville, Gruchet-Le-Valasse, Tourville-La-Chapelle, Trouville, Longueil, Fontaine-Le-Dun
For the regional travel overview: Seine-Maritime.
