Discover Dampsmesnil

Several clearly distinct themes are available for a trip to Dampsmesnil: the architectural history of the Pont d’Aveny, works of art in two churches, a Neolithic covered alley and a waymarked hiking route. You can therefore plan your stay around cultural history, sacred art or time spent hiking. The themes span the Neolithic, the Renaissance and the 17th century through to the 18th-century bridge.

The Pont d’Aveny and the Vallée de l’Epte

The Pont d’Aveny over the Epte was built between 1744 and 1746 by the engineer Martinet. It has been closed to traffic since 1993. By order dated 4 July 1995, it was classified as a historic monument. The construction period and the engineer are part of its history; the closure applies to traffic, while the order concerns its monument status.

The Pont d’Aveny extends over the Epte and also lies in Dampsmesnil. It is publicly owned and is not recorded in the cadastral register. Dampsmesnil is also part of the classified area of the Vallée de l’Epte, which was classified by decree dated 20 January 1982. Thus, an individual structure and a classified landscape area serve as distinct points of reference.

Churches and works of art

The church of Saint-Pierre-Saint-Paul in Dampsmesnil contains a classified 17th-century altarpiece and three Renaissance bas-reliefs. The church thus brings together a 17th-century furnishing and works from the Renaissance. The three reliefs form a distinct group, while the altarpiece, as a classified object, is a focus in its own right.

The church of Notre-Dame in Dampsmesnil also contains a classified work of art: its high altar features an altarpiece classified as a cultural property. The west façade and tower date from the 17th century. The two churches therefore offer different points of interest: Saint-Pierre-Saint-Paul with its altarpiece and reliefs, and Notre-Dame with its high altar altarpiece, as well as its dated west façade and tower.

The Allée couverte d’Aveny

The Allée couverte d’Aveny in Dampsmesnil is a Neolithic monument dating from around 3000 BC. One of its stones bears a rare depiction of a goddess of death, a motif typical of the Seine-Oise-Marne culture. The site connects a very early period with a specific image motif, offering a different focus from the churches’ altarpieces and reliefs. In 2023, a guided tour with commentary was offered at the place called “Cocagne” in Dampsmesnil.

Hiking route and travel planning

The Circuit de Rollon dit le marcheur is a 14 km, moderately difficult hiking route, marked in yellow and taking four hours. The Allée couverte de Dampsmesnil is among the sights listed along the route. The length, difficulty level and duration each offer different planning cues: you can set aside four hours as a dedicated block of time and consider the moderate difficulty alongside the distance. Before setting out, check current route conditions and access, as both can change.

Set aside a dedicated block of time for the route and focus your search for a hotel in Dampsmesnil on the activities you plan to pursue.

Discover more destinations: Gauciel, Écaquelon, Branville, Saint-Benoît-Des-Ombres, Vieux-Port, La Haye-Malherbe, Pont-De-Lʼarche, Morainville-Jouveaux.

For the broader travel overview: Eure.