The best traffic-free bike rides around Buis-Sur-Damville

The existence of the parish of Droisy, dedicated to Saint Martin, is attested from the earliest days of the conversion of the Gauls. In the 10th century, the Counts of Chartres and Blois donated this church to the Abbey of Saint-Lomer de Blois, which preserved it until the French Revolution. Rectangular in plan, the building was built of flint in the 13th century. From this period, the western doorway, with its pointed arch and double row of beveled keystones, the two arched and beveled windows located to the north of the nave, and the large pointed bay window of the flat chevet, whose tracery has disappeared, still survive. The inverted keel vault dates from 1656. In 1785, the south wall of the nave was partially rebuilt in flint blocks with quoins and arched brick windows. During the same restoration campaign, the quadrangular bell tower with an octagonal spire, which surmounts the roof to the west of the nave, was rebuilt. A porch precedes the portal. The church retains some interesting furnishings. The high altar is particularly noteworthy. It was probably made in 1765 by Ildevert Canteloup, a master carpenter from Saint-Germain-sur-Avre. Columns with Corinthian capitals frame a painting illustrating the theme of the "charity of Saint Martin." The two side altars, arranged slightly obliquely, are of the same style. The northern one is dedicated to the Virgin Mary, and the southern one to Saint Sebastian. The communion table and the woodwork separating the choir from the sacristy were also executed in the 18th century. The seigneurial pew of Charles du Buc-Richard dates from the 17th century. A wealth of statuary completes this ensemble. Some decorative fresco motifs remain. For the roof repair work, the Sauvegarde de l'Art Français (French Art Protection Agency) awarded a grant of 17,000 francs in 1997.

If you are interested in ancient history and megalithic monuments, you can visit the Dolmen de la Pierre Courcoulée, a stone tomb dating from the Neolithic period. You can admire the impressive puddingstone slab that covers the dolmen, measuring more than 4 meters long and weighing about 10 tons. The slab rests on four pillars of the same material, forming a chamber which was probably used for funerary rituals. The dolmen is one of the oldest and best preserved in Normandy, it has been listed as a historical monument since 1889. The Pierre Courcoulée Dolmen is a privileged place to get some fresh air and discover the local heritage.

The Grotte de Gaudreville is a natural cave and geological wonder that was formed by the erosion of limestone by water over millions of years. The cave has several rooms and galleries, adorned with stalactites, stalagmites, columns and calcite curtains. The cave is also home to various species of bats, spiders and insects. You can visit the cave by booking a guided tour with the Association Spéléologique de l'Eure, which regularly organizes excursions to the site.

This site now houses an agricultural high school. No matter which road you take to get there, it will be pleasant and surrounded by nature. Ideal for taking an invigorating break. Castle built in the 17th century by the Count of Louviers, perhaps from older elements. The outbuildings (outbuildings, stables, chapel) date from the 18th century: the large stables were built in 1736, the chapel was remodeled in 1771. The dwelling was extensively remodeled in the 19th century; at the start of the 20th century, the architect Lisch restored and enlarged it by adding a square pavilion to the northeast. The regular garden visible on the 18th century plan later became an irregular garden. In the 17th century, the poet Madame Deshoulières (1637-1694) stayed there. Successive owners include the Grimouville family, the Hanivel family, the Clermont-Tonnerres, the Marquise de Kerkoent, the Marquise de Tourzel, governess to the children of Louis XVI, the Duchess of Lorges, the Cro family.

Nowadays, the Sec Iton plays an important role as a limiter during flood episodes, due to its ability to store surface water underground. Added to this are many legends linked, among other things, to its partly aerial and partly underground journey.

Ideal for a nice bike ride.

In this area, an "Old Castle" from the 15th century faces a "New Castle" from the 19th century, separated from each other by gardens designed by Achille Duchène. The Domaine de Condé sur Iton invites you to come and admire this magnificent and soothing landscape. You will be able to sleep in one of the five beautiful period rooms which have been fitted out in the "Château Neuf". In summer, breakfast is served on the terrace from where you can admire the gardens, the fountain at the end of the "Petit Miroir" and... the "Vieux Château". You can take advantage of the halls and lounges of the residence for an evening as a couple or for a reception with friends: the Grand Salon, so convivial with its warm fireplace, the Petit Salon with its musical decor or the Dining Room with its wall paintings. painted. The Domaine de Condé is also a place for receptions (meetings, weddings, banquets, parties, etc.) thanks to the rooms of the "Vieux Château". The lawns can be fitted out with barnums or tents for any reception of more than 100 people Source https://www.chateaux-france.fr/chateau-de-conde-sur-iton

The castle of Hellenvilliers is a residence dating from the 16th century, which stands on the territory of the former town of Grandvilliers in the department of Eure, in the Normandy region. The castle is partially listed as a historical monument.