Attractions and Places To See around Fontaine-Les-Ribouts - Top 16

Every year, during the Heritage Days, the association "Au Cœur de Nos Villages" opens the doors of the Saint-Pierre church. A building from the 12th and 15th centuries, listed as a historical monument, whose bell tower, clock, and five renovated altarpieces, including Saint Michael slaying the dragon, are to be discovered. For the benefit of the Restos du Cœur Walkers will also be able to get to know the Atelier Arc-en-ciel (plastic arts) which exhibits the works of the adult group. Paintings, in red chalk, white pencil, sepia, etc., representing views of the church, statues, etc., will be put on sale for the benefit of the association Au Cœur de Nos Villages.

Its construction undoubtedly dates back to the Romanesque period but as it appears today it presents the characteristics of the Gothic style flamboyant period in which it was rebuilt after the destruction caused by the 100 Years' War. The date of March 23, 1511 inscribed on the entrance which surmounts the entrance to the choir gives a valuable clue to the period of its renovation. Another testimony is the coat of arms of Charles d’Ô Seigneur de Blévy and partly by Louise Gentil married in 1507 appearing on a stained glass window in the choir. The style of the tower porch, slopes of the gable of the nave and tracery of the windows clearly shows that we are in the presence of a building constructed in the first quarter of the 16th century at the twilight of the flamboyant Gothic style.

A “Renaissance” castle entirely made of bricks, where one of the favorites of the court of Henry III, Minister of Finance in exile, and above all an aviation pioneer lived: Hubert Latham landed here in August 1910. Although defenses were present on the site as early as 1383, the construction of the brick castle that we see today by Jean d'O, with its six towers and its chapel, dates back to around 1460. Guided tour of the castle and of the site is available. Adult prices start from 5 euros, the area is open in summer.

The Rond du Roi are two pyramids which mark the limits of the former royal hunting domain. The pyramids date from the 18th century and are made of sandstone blocks. They are located at the intersection of forest roads, called Rond de France and Rond du Roi. This area offers plenty of woodland running trails with stunning views of the surrounding countryside.

The Château d'Escorpain is a 16th century castle which belonged to the famous Firmin-Didot family of printers and publishers. You can admire the elegant facade and the imposing portal of the castle, classified as historical monuments. You can also discover the surrounding countryside, crossed by the Pluche, a tributary of the Avre. You will appreciate the green landscapes and the peaceful atmosphere of this rural village.

The Rond du Roi are two pyramids that mark the boundaries of the former royal hunting grounds. The pyramids date from the 18th century and are made of blocks of sandstone. They are located at the intersection of forest roads, called the Rond de France and the Rond du Roi. This area offers pleasant walks in the woods, with some views of the surrounding countryside.

Buying this castle dating originally from the 15th century, Alfred Firmin-Didot, owner of the printing press at Mesnil-sur-l'Estrée, not far from here, undertook the restoration of the building in 1879. In particular, he had the sheepfold transformed into a library. which hosts the works published at the family printing house. His descendants remained the owners of this estate, which they bring back to life through various activities.

The Holy Cross is a term often used in Catholic prayer. Every prayer begins with the “sign of the cross”. It is this sign that Christians have chosen - after that of the fish which signifies the resurrection of the dead - to emphasize the most astonishing Christian originality: Jesus Christ, God the Son (in the uniqueness of the One God Trinity) did not jealously retain the rank which equaled him to God, but he annihilated himself, taking the condition of a servant. Recognized as a man by his appearance, he humbled himself before obedience until death, and death on the Cross, which thus becomes "the Holy Cross". Through the Holy Cross, God shows that he takes upon himself all our suffering. That He did not create them, and that He does not desire it for us. The question of suffering is treated on the Holy Cross, not in a rationalist way, but in a human, complete and initiatory way, revealing the depth of the human question, in all that is spiritual and paradoxical. Our ancestors meditated on this from generation to generation, and named certain churches "Holy Cross" as a sign of their faith and their boldness.