Set in the countryside near the sea, Sainte-Hélène-Bondeville lies on a chalk plateau on the Alabaster Coast, on the outskirts of Fécamp. The destination combines church art and historical traces with cycling and walking options. Visitors can explore a range of sites: the church’s long building history, remains in the former Saint-Pierre church, and monuments in Bondeville and Alventot. This makes it possible to combine a cultural focus with a specific choice between a mountain bike circuit and a walking route when planning a trip.
Church Art and Building History
Extensive construction work on the church of Sainte-Hélène-Bondeville began in 1852 and was not completed until 30 years later. Inside is a monumental 17th-century altarpiece, whose four tall Corinthian columns define its structure. The central stained-glass window dates from 1895 and was created by the stained-glass artist Gustave Drouin. Thus, one place of worship brings together older altar architecture and a significantly later stained-glass work. The combination offers a clear comparison between two art forms: columns define the design of the altarpiece, while the glass and the window’s central position in the church take precedence.
Historical Traces in Bondeville
The former Saint-Pierre church in Bondeville preserves some 12th-century remains inside. It has been converted into a cultural centre that hosts numerous activities and exhibitions. In the gardens surrounding the cultural centre stands the Bondeville cemetery cross, dating from the 16th century.
Monuments and Tradition
The Calvary of Alventot offers a different perspective. The monument dates from the 15th century, is built from sandstone from the Malleville region, and is decorated with several religious or funerary relief motifs. Unlike the altarpiece and stained-glass window, the focus here is on the relief work; the monument also adds a connection to the sandstone of the Malleville region to the history of the area.
A porch with a thatched roof, dating from the 18th century, also features in local stories: according to legend, it is associated with Guy de Maupassant, who is said to have written one of his Cauchois tales there. Its construction date and roof style distinguish this architectural detail; its connection to the writer is explicitly part of the legend.
Routes and the Surrounding Landscape
The “A la découverte du Patrimoine de Bondeville à VTT” mountain bike circuit starts in Sainte-Hélène-Bondeville. The “À la découverte de Bondeville & Colleville” loop invites visitors to discover the heritage around Bondeville and Colleville and runs along the Véloroute du Lin. As a walking route, it starts in Sainte-Hélène-Bondeville and leads to the Bois de Colleville.
The loop’s starting totem stands in front of the Centre Culturel de Bondeville; the route is marked with the pink waymark for circuit no. 11. Parking is available in front of the cultural centre. The routes can therefore be distinguished according to their respective descriptions: one is specifically designated for mountain bikes, while the walking route leads to the Bois de Colleville.
Discover more destinations: Harfleur, Blangy-Sur-Bresle, Le Chesnay, Grand-Camp, Aubermesnil-Aux-Érables, Houquetot, Saint-Arnoult, Rosay.
View the broader travel guide: Seine-Maritime.
