Blaru: Church, Countryside and Hiking Trails

Blaru is rural in character and offers a range of points of interest for visitors: architectural features, places of spiritual life, scenic spots and walking routes. You can tailor your stay to your interests, whether you are primarily interested in culture, nature or outdoor trails.

Countryside and Scenic Views

The landscape around Blaru includes a large agricultural plain, used mainly for growing cereals and raising cattle. Along the Ru de Blaru are wooded or farmed valleys. The stream runs through the village centre, where it is a distinctive feature of the landscape.

The Mare du Chêne Godon is part of the commune’s natural heritage and is surrounded by three pastures. From the Mare Lesage, you can see the striking silhouette of the Prieuré de Béthanie and the church. Blaru also has several attractive orchards, one of which is in the Val d’Aconville. Part of the commune lies within the classified Giverny–Claude Monet area.

Church and Historic Sites

The Église Saint-Hilaire in Blaru was built in 1910 and has distinctive architecture influenced by the Far East. The church is notable for its Oriental touches, millstone blocks and pagoda-shaped bell towers covered with tiles. Two stained-glass windows from the former church frame the altar.

The Lavoir Saint-Adjutor is another notable site. It was restored in the 17th century and is located at a spring traditionally believed to have healing powers, particularly against blindness and rheumatism. This traditional belief is part of its historical description.

Hiking Routes with Different Destinations

The long-distance GR26 trail starts at Les Métréaux in Blaru and leads to Notre-Dame-de-la-Mer, with a detour via Vernon. The Tour du Grand Val d’Aconville, by contrast, starts at Place Saint-Hilaire in Blaru and leads via Impasse Saint-Adjutor to the Lavoir Saint-Adjutor. The two routes therefore differ in both their starting points and destinations.

Before setting out, check trail conditions and access; you should also check in advance for possible parking options.

Spiritual Activities at the Prieuré de Béthanie

The chapel at the Prieuré de Béthanie is open daily to anyone wishing to pray there privately. The priory offers one- or multi-day retreats for individuals, groups, families and students. As a spiritual guesthouse, it is open to anyone seeking a period of rest, including groups, families and students.

On the first Friday of each month, there are prayer evenings featuring dinner by reservation, spiritual instruction, Compline and overnight adoration. Before your visit, check the current times and confirm any necessary arrangements before travelling.

Getting to Blaru

Bus route 76 connects the bus station in Bonnières-sur-Seine with Blaru Église. The nearest SNCF railway stations to Blaru are in Vernon and Bonnières-sur-Seine; both are quickly accessible by bus and car. Timetables and route numbers may change. If you are travelling by public transport, check the latest services in advance.

Discover More Destinations

Hermeray, Maurepas, Triel-Sur-Seine, Voisins-Le-Bretonneux, Bois-D’arcy, Port-Villez, Houilles, Boissets

For the regional travel overview: Yvelines.