Saint-Mards-de-Fresne offers several specific points of interest for a stay focused on culture and the landscape. The Manoir de la Motte, its tithe barn and the church tell the story of different building phases; the surroundings of the manor house and the GRP Risle Charentonne route add two distinct perspectives. You can plan your trip according to whether architectural history or the rural setting should take centre stage.
Manoir de la Motte and the Tithe Barn
The Manoir de la Motte was built after 1496 as a fortified manor house. The lower sections of its towers and basement feature loopholes with double flaring. The Manoir de la Motte estate comprises the manor house and the former lord’s tithe barn in their entirety. The barn dates from the 16th century. Its walls combine dressed-stone features, including quoins and buttresses, with polychrome bricks arranged in cross-stripe patterns. The loopholes point to the manor house’s defensive features; the barn walls, by contrast, display their own mix of materials and patterns.
The Church and Historic Building Phases
The church of Saint-Mards-de-Fresne dates from the 14th century. Its roof structure was altered in the 16th century; above the entrance to the choir is a remarkable chancel beam from the 17th century. The church thus brings together its original construction date, a later alteration and a precisely located architectural feature in chronological sequence.
The Manoir de la Fromentière is also part of the village’s historic character: its façades and roofs were partially listed as a Monument historique by decree dated 12 May 1976. The date refers to the listing, not to a building phase.
Rural Surroundings and Route
The Manoir de la Motte is set amid meadows, fields, hamlets and woods. To the south and north, it offers views across preserved rural landscapes. The GRP Risle Charentonne route, which passes through Saint-Mards-de-Fresne, offers a different point of interest for planning a visit. Thus, the views described around the manor house sit alongside a separate route through the village. You can consider these two perspectives as distinct themes for your stay.
Plants and Regional Markets
Les Bio Plants du Potager in Saint-Mards-de-Fresne produces organically grown plants for individuals and professionals. These include vegetable plants, culinary herbs and soft fruit, as well as edible flowers. The business also has a presence at numerous markets and plant fairs in the region. Here, a specific horticultural offering coincides with regional events. Opening periods and plant availability may change, so check what is available in advance if you wish to buy plants. Dates for markets and plant fairs can also change, so it is worth checking the latest schedule before planning an outing.
There are therefore two distinct themes to consider when choosing what kind of trip to take: the church and manor houses offer tangible architectural history and masonry details, while the GRP Risle Charentonne provides a walking route through the village.
Discover more destinations: Campigny, Sainte-Colombe-près-Vernon, Tourville-La-Campagne, Amécourt, Saint-Sulpice-de-Grimbouville, Gauciel, Bosguérard-de-Marcouville, La Lande-Saint-Léger
For the regional travel overview: Eure.
