Saint-Martin Church, the history of the mills and paths through the countryside offer different ways to discover Brunelles. Those interested in architecture can start with the preserved choir. For an outdoor excursion, choose between a blue-marked circular trail and a path along the Arcisses stream. Each theme has its own character: architectural history and religious heritage sit alongside the former use of the mills and the landscape.
Saint-Martin Church and the history of Brunelles
Saint-Martin Church retains its stone choir with a round-arched vault. A fire destroyed most of the building, which was built in the 15th century. Two of the choir's windows are in the Flamboyant style. Exploring the building's history can start with a specific architectural feature: the preserved choir, its vaulted form and its windows reveal different architectural characteristics, while the fire marks a turning point in the building's history. The church stands on a rocky promontory and is visible from afar. It also houses relics of Saint Alexander, which came from the abbey of Arcisses. Its architecture, setting and religious heritage offer three distinct perspectives on Saint-Martin.
Les Vieux-Murs also has a history shaped by several buildings: it was once home to a fortified castle, the parish church of Saint-Eloy d’Arcisses and a chapel. Together, these buildings indicate the former importance of fortifications and religious sites in the hamlet. Another historical event dates back to 1228: a battle between Blanche de Castille and Enguerrand III de Coucy took place near Brunelles. Enguerrand had unlawfully claimed the title of Count of Perche. The recorded history of the area thus extends beyond individual buildings.
Mills, from abbey to grain and restoration
The Moulin d’Arcisses belonged to the royal abbey of Notre-Dame du Val d’Arcisses and has been documented since the mid-16th century. After the mill ceased operating, the Moulin was restored in the second half of the 20th century. This sequence tells the story of its affiliation with the abbey, the end of its use as a mill and a later chapter of restoration.
For the Moulin des Pierres, the chronology begins with its name: it is first documented in 1599. The Moulin developed into an industrial grain mill, was later destroyed and was probably rebuilt on the same site in the first quarter of the 20th century. The word “probably” qualifies the dating of the reconstruction. By comparison, the history of the Moulin d’Arcisses begins with its affiliation with the abbey and its documented existence since the mid-16th century, giving it a different focus. The histories of these two mills thus offer different insights into the area's industrial and religious past.
Circular trails and landscape
For an excursion with a clearly stated distance, consider “En passant par les bois de Perchet”: this 14-kilometre circular trail is marked in blue and is also suitable for mountain biking. The distance is a practical planning detail; trail conditions can change, so it is worth checking them before setting out. “Au fil de l’eau et des moulins” offers a different route: this circular trail starts at the car park by Brunelles town hall and follows paths along the Arcisses stream. The two routes differ in their stated features: one is described by its length, markings and suitability for mountain biking, while the other is described by its starting point and route along the stream.
The landscape also includes the ruins of Saint-Aubin Church, set between fields and woodland. The Association de mise en valeur du Patrimoine de Brunelles et Champrond-en-Perchet maintains the ruins. If you are considering a visit, check access arrangements in advance. The Val Roquet stream rises near the ruins. At Saint-Aubin, landscape and architectural heritage sit side by side, while the paths along the Arcisses have their own connection to the watercourse.
Discover more destinations: Nonvilliers-Grandhoux, Sainville, Courtalain, Saint-Laurent-en-Gâtines, Mézières-en-Drouais, Senonches, Ouarville, Saint-Rémy-Sur-Avre.
For the broader travel overview: Eure-Et-Loir.
