Pont d’Aveny, church art and a Neolithic monument give Dampsmesnil several distinct points of interest. Two questions can help you plan: is architectural and art history your priority, or would you like to include a hike? Your answer will shape your stay: Pont d’Aveny is closed to traffic, while the Circuit de Rollon is a designated hiking route.

A bridge over the Epte: construction dates and closure

Pont d’Aveny was built between 1744 and 1746 by engineer Martinet and was classified as a historic monument by order dated 4 July 1995. It spans the Epte and also extends into Dampsmesnil; the bridge is not recorded in the land register and is publicly owned. It has been closed to traffic since 1993. These dates refer to different things: 1744 to 1746 is the construction period, while 1995 is the date of classification. So do not plan to use Pont d’Aveny as a passable crossing.

Church art from different periods

The Church of Saint-Pierre-Saint-Paul in Dampsmesnil contains a classified 17th-century altarpiece as well as three Renaissance bas-reliefs. An altarpiece is a structure behind the altar; a bas-relief projects only slightly from its background. The altarpiece and reliefs therefore differ both in form and in their art-historical classification. The Church of Notre-Dame in Dampsmesnil also contains an altarpiece from the high altar that is classified as a cultural property. Its west façade and tower also date from the 17th century. Sacred furnishings and architecture thus offer different ways of looking at Dampsmesnil.

A Neolithic monument

A very different time scale is represented by the Neolithic covered passage of Aveny in Dampsmesnil, a monument dating to around 3000 BC. One of its stones bears a rare depiction of a death goddess, characteristic of the Seine-Oise-Marne culture. In 2023, a guided tour with commentary was offered at the lieu-dit “Cocagne” in Dampsmesnil.

Hiking the Circuit de Rollon

The Circuit de Rollon dit le marcheur is a moderately difficult, 14 km hiking route, marked in yellow and taking four hours. Its length, time required and difficulty can be considered together. Route conditions and access rules may change, so check the latest information before setting out.

The Vallée de l’Epte as a landscape setting

Dampsmesnil forms part of the classified area of the Vallée de l’Epte, which was classified by decree dated 20 January 1982. This date refers to the area, not to the construction of Pont d’Aveny or the churches. The landscape classification and the designation of individual buildings or works of art therefore relate to two different scales of heritage.

Hiking or cultural history?

The Circuit has a specified time and difficulty level, while the cultural attractions differ in period and art form. This can help you decide whether a moderately difficult hike or architectural and art history should shape your stay more.

Discover more destinations

Broglie, Saint-Philbert-sur-Risle, Bourg-Achard, Tourny, Boulleville, La Croisille, La Barre-En-Ouche, Sacquenville

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