From the Phare de la Roque to remains dating back to the 6th century, Saint-Samson-De-La-Roque spans several historical periods. The Church of Saint-Samson and the Chapelle Notre Dame add to the history of the village, while Le Blanc Banc and the protected Marais Vernier area broaden the picture to include the landscape. As you plan your trip, you have a clear choice: should your stay focus mainly on architectural and local history, or would you prefer to put trails and scenery at the heart of it?
The Phare de la Roque and its history
The Phare de la Roque was built in 1849 and began operating in 1850. The two dates mark distinct stages: first its construction, then the start of operations a year later. By decree of 15 September 2011, the lighthouse was listed in its entirety as a Monument historique, including the exterior walkway. Its construction, the start of operations and its later listing can therefore be understood as three separate stages in its history.
Church, cemetery and chapel
The Church of Saint-Samson stands at the center of the village and is built mainly of brick. Its west nave wall and bell tower were built in 1877 by the architect Perrée. The parish church also houses a life-size statue of Saint Samson.
At the Merovingian cemetery, the surviving remains date back to the 6th century. These include remains of sarcophagi and foundations of earlier buildings. Another historical landmark is the 14th-century Chapelle Notre Dame. Together with the lighthouse’s construction dates and the west wall and bell tower, dated to 1877, these sites span the period from the early Middle Ages to the 19th century.
Le Blanc Banc and Marais Vernier
The ZNIEFF area of Le Blanc Banc includes Saint-Samson-De-La-Roque and covers 338.3 hectares. It is a floodplain area on the left bank of the Seine, at its confluence with the Risle. Most of Le Blanc Banc has been part of the Seine Estuary National Nature Reserve since late 1997. The protected Marais Vernier area also includes the commune. The areas differ in character: Le Blanc Banc is defined by its riverside location and the confluence with the Risle, while Marais Vernier is a separate landscape area that also includes the village.
Routes and landscape views
Different criteria can help you choose a route. The Route des Chaumières can be explored on foot or by bicycle. The Chemin de Découverte du Marais leads into the heart of the Marais Vernier. The route through the Marais Vernier also offers an opportunity to stop in Saint-Samson-De-La-Roque and enjoy beautiful panoramas over the marsh and the Seine Estuary. The routes thus offer different highlights: the way you travel, a named destination in the marsh, or a stop with views of the marshland and the Seine Estuary.
Discover more destinations: Caumont, Pont-Saint-Pierre, Beaumont-Le-Roger, Branville, Écaquelon, Fort-Moville, La Vieille-Lyre, Hardencourt-Cocherel.
For the regional travel overview: Eure.
