Brunelles: Church, Mills and Circular Routes

Brunelles offers several distinct points of interest to consider when planning a trip: the church of Saint-Martin, traces of its milling history and circular routes through the countryside. If you are looking for a hotel in Brunelles, you can decide whether architectural history and religious heritage or paths and waterways should feature more prominently during your stay. The town’s history ranges from surviving architectural features and former buildings to mills whose use and condition have changed over time. The circular routes differ in their starting points, routes and the features listed for each walk.

Saint-Martin and religious heritage

The church of Saint-Martin stands on a rocky outcrop and is visible from far away. A fire destroyed most of the building, which was constructed in the 15th century; the original stone choir with its rounded vault survived. The choir also has two Flamboyant-style windows. Thus, a surviving architectural feature and the story of extensive destruction stand side by side. The church also preserves relics of Saint Alexander, which came from the Abbey of Arcisses.

The history of Brunelles’ mills

The Moulin d’Arcisses belonged to the royal Abbey of Notre-Dame du Val d’Arcisses and is documented from the mid-16th century. After milling operations ceased, it was restored in the second half of the 20th century. Its history runs from its association with the abbey through the end of its operations to its later restoration.

The place name Moulin des Pierres is first documented in 1599. It developed into an industrial grain mill, was later destroyed and was probably rebuilt on the same site in the first quarter of the 20th century. The historical stories of the two mills therefore differ: for the Moulin d’Arcisses, the focus is on its connection to the abbey and its later restoration; for the Moulin des Pierres, on its development into a grain mill and its possible reconstruction after its destruction.

Former buildings and the surrounding area

The hamlet of Les Vieux-Murs was once home to a fortified castle, the parish church of Saint-Eloy d’Arcisses and a chapel. These three buildings belong to the town’s earlier history and represent a different historical thread from the surviving church of Saint-Martin or the mills.

A battle between Blanche de Castille and Enguerrand III de Coucy took place near Brunelles in 1228. Enguerrand had wrongfully claimed the title of Count of Perche. This connection relates to the area around Brunelles and adds a historical event to the stories of its buildings and mills.

Circular routes and countryside

The “Au fil de l’eau et des moulins” circular route starts at the car park by Brunelles Town Hall and follows paths along the Arcisses stream. The Val Roquet stream rises nearby, by the ruins of the church of Saint-Aubin between fields and woodland. The Association de mise en valeur du Patrimoine de Brunelles et Champrond-en-Perchet maintains the ruins. If you are planning a visit, check in advance whether access is currently possible.

“En passant par les bois de Perchet” is a 14-kilometre circular route marked in blue that can also be ridden by mountain bike. It is advisable to check trail conditions before setting out. The two circular routes can be distinguished by their different features: “Au fil de l’eau et des moulins” is described in terms of its starting point and streamside route, while “En passant par les bois de Perchet” is described in terms of its length, markings, circular layout and suitability for mountain biking.

Discover more destinations: Gommerville, Langey, La Bazoche-Gouet, Tréon, La Saucelle, Barjouville, La Puisaye, Authon-Du-Perche.

For the main travel overview: Eure-Et-Loir.