The single-span reinforced-concrete bridge Pont sur la Seine has a span of 131 metres. Hiking trails lead from the banks of the Seine to the chalk cliffs, while the church’s architecture and the bridge’s history reveal further facets of Saint-Pierre-du-Vauvray. You can tailor your stay to your interests, whether you prefer exploring the landscape on foot, cycling or architecture.
Hiking between the Seine and the chalk cliffs
The hike from Saint-Pierre to Heudebouville and Vironvay can start at Saint-Pierre-du-Vauvray railway station or at the Vieux-puits car park behind the school. It follows the Quai de Seine along the banks of the Seine for five kilometres. If you plan to start from the car park, check the parking conditions on site.
A longer route is Les Côtes du Vauvray: it is eleven kilometres long, takes about three hours and is rated difficult. The hike starts at the church in Saint-Pierre and explores steep chalk cliffs. The route features orchids, European green lizards, mountain cicadas, praying mantises, butterflies and numerous birds. The landscape also includes panoramic views over the Seine Valley and a viewpoint overlooking Louviers. The approximate duration and difficulty rating can help you plan this route into your day; trail conditions may vary.
The two hikes differ in length and focus: one follows the banks of the Seine for five kilometres, while the other is longer at eleven kilometres and is rated difficult. They offer different ways to discover the landscape around Saint-Pierre-du-Vauvray, and the same duration or difficulty details do not apply to both routes.
A stop on La Seine à Vélo
Saint-Pierre-du-Vauvray is a stop on the La Seine à Vélo cycling route. From here, the route continues along the voie verte towards Pont-de-l’Arche. This identifies both the town’s role as a stopping point and the described continuation of the route, which can help you plan a cycling trip. The surrounding area can also be explored in different ways: by bike on the route towards Pont-de-l’Arche, on foot along the banks of the Seine, or on the longer hike to the chalk cliffs.
The bridge and parish church
The Pont sur la Seine was destroyed in June 1940. In 1946, it was rebuilt almost exactly as it had been, using the same technical specifications; it reopened in November 1947. These details connect the bridge as it stands today with its history: the structure is defined by a single reinforced-concrete arch and a span of 131 metres, and was rebuilt shortly after its destruction.
The parish church of Saint-Pierre is another tangible link to the town’s history. It was built between 1026 and 1138 and has the ground plan of a Latin cross. This describes the layout of the church; together with its lengthy construction period, it makes the building a notable point of interest for anyone interested in historic architecture.
The protected Château Labelle
At Château Labelle, the protected area includes the entire château, the footprint of the park and the landscaped and architecturally designed features of the estate. These include a Moorish pavilion, a belvedere pavilion, stairways, ornamental grottoes, the boundary wall and railings. The wall of the former well, or a retaining wall, is also included. The protection therefore covers not only the château building, but also the specified features of the park and estate. Château Labelle is privately owned.
Hiking, cycling and architectural history offer different ways to shape a stay in Saint-Pierre-du-Vauvray.
Discover more destinations: Saint-Benoît-Des-Ombres, Saint-Aquilin-de-Pacy, Breuilpont, Vascœuil, Saint-Martin-Saint-Firmin, Piencourt, Rosay-sur-Lieure, Beuzeville
For the regional travel overview: Eure.
