Émalleville is centred around its 18th-century château. The village is best explored through the château’s gardens and the architectural history of the château and Notre-Dame Church. This cultural and historical focus is complemented by the GR® 222 – Entre Eure et Iton long-distance hiking trail, which is signposted in Émalleville. If you plan to visit the park, its seasonal public access is an important point to consider when planning your visit.
Château park between formal gardens and landscaped grounds
The park covers 16 hectares and combines a French garden in the north with an English landscape garden in the south and west. Double rows of lime trees, arranged in a crescent shape, define the layout along the estate’s main axis. Lime tree avenues, a pond and remarkable trees are also part of the grounds. The different garden areas give the park its distinctive layout.
The park also includes a collection of tree species associated with the Muséum d’histoire naturelle. These include purple beeches, Atlas cedars, Lebanon cedars, bald cypresses and Sequoia Wellingtonia. These species complement the rows and avenues of lime trees with other striking trees. Those interested in gardens will find both a clearly described layout and a diverse selection of trees here.
The park is open to the public in July and August, as well as during « Rendez-vous aux jardins » in June and the Journées du patrimoine in September. Plan your garden visit around these opening periods and check the information directly with the park before you go.
The château and its earlier history
The Château d’Émalleville was rebuilt between 1720 and 1725 by François Duvert on the ruins of a medieval manor. The present château was preceded by a feudal motte dating from the 11th or 12th century. The site’s history thus stretches from a medieval predecessor to the 18th-century château. The château buildings and gardens are listed in the supplementary inventory of historic monuments.
The château’s interiors also date from the 18th century. The south-facing salons and bedrooms feature wood panelling and trompe-l’œil decoration. Together with the history of the rebuilding, these details offer insight into the château’s architecture without conflating its different historical building phases.
Notre-Dame Church and the hiking trail
The architectural history of Notre-Dame Church spans several centuries. The nave dates from the late 11th century and was altered in the 16th century; the choir dates from the 18th century. In 1520, the church was consecrated under the patronage of Notre-Dame. Alongside its different building phases, the consecration is a distinct point of reference in the building’s history.
The church’s later history is also closely connected to its use: in the 19th century, it was sold and used for agricultural purposes. In 1856, the municipality bought it back and subsequently secured the building in stages. Alongside details of its construction and architecture, Notre-Dame therefore offers a layered local history.
If you would like to include hiking in your stay as well as gardens and architectural history, the GR® 222 – Entre Eure et Iton long-distance hiking trail is another option: it is signposted as a hiking route in Émalleville. This offers a choice of different interests, from the château park and historic buildings to a named long-distance hiking route.
Discover more destinations
Discover more destinations: Corneville-Sur-Risle, Barneville, Chambray, Saint-Éloi-De-Fourques, Notre-Dame-De-L'isle, Breux Sur Avre, Fresne-Cauverville, Bosgouet
For the main travel overview: Eure.
