La Barre-En-Ouche lies on the plateau of the Pays d’Ouche, between the Risle and Charentonne rivers. In the town center, a notable collection of brick houses, including the town hall, defines the streetscape. Other points of interest in the town’s history include the parish church of Saint-André and the Manoir du Bois-Baril. Cultural offerings range from painting classes to a year-round program at the Médiathèque; a road cycling route is another option. Depending on your interests, you can focus your stay on architectural history, cultural activities, or cycling.
Architectural and local history
The parish church of Saint-André has been documented since the 11th century. The former church building burned down in 1806; the parish church was rebuilt in 1818 by the architect Grain. The foundations of the earlier 12th-century building were preserved. Saint-André therefore brings together different periods: its early documented history, older foundations, and its 19th-century reconstruction.
The Manoir du Bois-Baril dates from the 16th and 17th centuries. Its broad, square, water-filled moat separates the main building from the farmyard. The site’s protected status is also part of its history: the manor was added to the French register of historic monuments in 1939, and its dovecote was listed as a historic monument in 1942. Along with the brick houses in the town center, the manor showcases a different architectural facet from the parish church: both its period of construction and the layout of the main building and farmyard are defining features.
La Barre-En-Ouche is also associated with Jacques Daviel. He was born here on August 10, 1693, and is associated with the first removal of the eye’s lens. The Harmonie de la Barre-En-Ouche was founded in 1856. These historical connections add biographical and cultural perspectives to the town’s architectural history.
Cultural offerings and creative activities
L’Atelier de JOB offers painting classes for beginners and advanced students in Impressionist, Realist, Cubist, and abstract styles. The studio also welcomes participants for two- to five-day workshops. If you would like to include one of these formats in your travel plans, confirm the dates directly.
The Médiathèque in La Barre-En-Ouche is open to everyone. The materials provided can be used free of charge and without access restrictions. Throughout the year, the Médiathèque hosts exhibitions, performances, creative workshops, story times, digital activities, concerts, and escape games. Opening details and individual program dates may change; check them before your visit.
La Belle époque is a wine bar that hosts concerts and also has a cultural area with a reading corner, board games, and creative workshops. It is worth checking ahead for specific concert and workshop dates. The Ludothèque also welcomes people of all ages; check the latest opening details in advance.
Cycling around La Barre-En-Ouche
The Circuit vélo des Clochers d’Ouche is a very easy, 22 km road cycling route. It starts at the Place de la mairie in Mesnil-en-Ouche. A 350 m section heads toward the center of La Barre-En-Ouche. The route description was updated on February 19, 2026; as route information can change, check the route before setting out. For planning, two separate details are useful: the starting point in Mesnil-en-Ouche and the section that heads toward the town center.
Discover more destinations
Discover more destinations: Champigny-la-Futelaye, La Haye-Du-Theil, Dampsmesnil, Bois-JĂ©rĂ´me-Saint-Ouen, Saint-Samson-De-La-Roque, Bouquelon, Les Baux-De-Breteuil, La Lande-Saint-LĂ©ger.
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