Périers-sur-le-Dan: History and Landscape

You can explore Périers-sur-le-Dan for your trip planning through two themes: the history of the Église Saint-Ouen and the surrounding area along the Dan, which flows through a small valley here. Also noteworthy are the Allées d’arbres menant au château, an area designated as a classified site. When choosing where to stay, you can decide whether you are primarily interested in historic architectural and artistic traces, or would rather focus on the landscape and walks. Périers-sur-le-Dan is a few minutes from Caen and the sea.

The Église Saint-Ouen: Building History and Art

The Église Saint-Ouen is a clear starting point for a history-focused stay. Its origins date back to the 8th century. Remains of settlements from the Merovingian and Carolingian periods have also been found on the church grounds. These are different historical connections to the same place: the settlement traces and the history of the church building can be considered together as several layers of local history. The Église Saint-Ouen was listed as a historic monument in 1914.

Further periods are evident in the church building itself. The choir was rebuilt in the Gothic style in the 13th century. In the 14th century, frescoes depicting the life of Saint Ouen were created on its walls. This distinguishes two different phases of architecture and art: the Gothic reconstruction of the choir and the later murals. Consolidation and restoration work in 1980–1981 made it possible to reopen the choir for the Fête de Saint-Ouen and Heritage Days. If you are planning to visit the church, check access in advance.

Avenues, Valley and Walks

The Allées d’arbres menant au château cover 4 hectares and were designated as a classified site by decree on 6 March 1942. A description published in September 2013 also mentions a short promenade with lime trees, benches and flower boxes. Check the current condition of these features before your visit. The area figure and the promenade description provide two different points of reference: the size and protected status of the site on the one hand, and the named features of the path on the other.

The Dan flows through a small valley in Périers-sur-le-Dan. Nature, wildlife and flora shape the surrounding area, which is considered popular for walks. Alongside the history of the church and its frescoes, the landscape and walks are therefore also factors to consider when choosing where to stay. A downloadable discovery activity booklet about the village is also available and can complement your exploration of Périers-sur-le-Dan.

An Annual Event

A municipal bulletin from 2023 gives the last Sunday in August as the date for the Fête de la Saint-Ouen. If you would like to plan your trip around this event, check the current date and program in advance.

Discover more destinations: Foulognes, Saint-Jean-De-Livet, Épinay-sur-Odon, Janville, Longvillers, Barbery, Ouistreham, Longueville

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