Autheuil combines a Romanesque church with a walking trail that brings history and nature together. Built in the 12th century, the Église Notre-Dame d’Autheuil is considered the oldest and best-preserved Romanesque church in the Perche. Les hauts d’Autheuil offers a different perspective: the trail follows in the footsteps of Robert Giffard and introduces visitors to the protected Tourbière de Commeauche in the surrounding area.

A Romanesque church and distinctive architectural details

The Église Notre-Dame d’Autheuil has a Latin cross floor plan. Its features include an apse, transept and secondary apse; the transept forms the cross arm. The cross-shaped plan offers a view of the overall layout, while the Renaissance door to the sacristy highlights a single architectural detail. This makes it possible to appreciate the church both through its form and through one precisely identified feature.

The church is open daily from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm from 15 April to 15 October. Check the opening hours again before travelling.

Les hauts d’Autheuil: a walking trail through history and nature

This easy walking trail is eight kilometres long, takes about two hours and has 120 metres of ascent. The time estimate helps you plan the trail as a specific activity. The route is also certified by the French Hiking Federation and can be ridden by mountain bike.

The trail’s historical connection is Robert Giffard: Les hauts d’Autheuil follows in his footsteps. Giffard was born in Autheuil and recruited colonists in the area around Tourouvre for New France.

In the area around Autheuil, the trail introduces visitors to the protected Tourbière de Commeauche. It lies in a clearing in the Réno-Valdieu Forest, where distinctive flora characteristic of such habitats has developed on a four-metre-thick layer of peat. Visits are only possible with a guide.

The church and the walking trail focus on different things: the church highlights its floor plan and Renaissance door, while the trail features Giffard’s story and the surrounding natural area. If you plan to walk the trail, allow around two hours; if you are interested in architecture, the church offers details to explore.

Historic sites and cultural events

The Demeure de La Forge in Autheuil was first a wire-drawing works and later a fish farm. The property is private. Nearby, the Manoir de Bellegarde is listed in the supplementary register of historic monuments. From May to September, self-guided visits and guided tours are available by prior reservation. Check the latest visitor information before your visit.

Autheuil’s P’tit Festival runs for a week and combines concerts, festive events, conferences and other opportunities to discover Autheuil’s cultural richness.

The church’s and the manor house’s visiting periods overlap from May to September. If you would like to include both places in your stay, check their respective visiting hours in advance; guided tours of the manor house require prior reservation.

Discover more destinations: Aunou-Sur-Orne, Sainte-Marguerite-de-Carrouges, Saint-Cornier-Des-Landes, Brieux, Nécy, Saint-Cyr-La-Rosière, Nocé, Damigny

For the regional travel overview: Orne.