Douville-sur-Andelle: Churches, Architectural Forms and Industrial History

In Douville-sur-Andelle, different historical periods and themes can be explored side by side: medieval remains at a former parish church, distinctive architectural forms, industrial heritage, and landscapes along the Andelle. You can therefore plan your visit around architecture, industrial history, and connections with nature. The buildings tell the story of particular historical periods, while the meadows and walking trail offer a landscape perspective.

Churches and Historical Building Periods

The former Notre-Dame parish church preserves a south portal, windows at the east end of the choir, and fragments of a cornice from the 12th century. The portal, windows, and cornice are distinct surviving architectural elements that reveal the medieval building phase. The church was renovated in the 18th century and converted into a barn during the Revolution. Its building history thus brings together medieval fabric, later alterations, and a change of use.

The Église de l’Assomption’s stained-glass windows and sculptures can be seen when the doors are open. Include these interior features in your plans only if this condition is met. Together with the surviving elements of the former parish church, the Église de l’Assomption offers a different perspective on religious heritage: here, the visibility of the interior windows and sculptures matters, while there, the focus is on the building history of a structure that was renovated and later used as a barn.

Architectural Forms and Materials

At the Chapelle de l’Essart, red-brick surrounds frame the openings; these are complemented by pointed-arch openings and a central oculus. A polygonal turret topped with slate and wood adds another element to the variety of forms. The round shape, pointed arch, and polygonal structure can be compared as distinct geometric elements. The chapel thus draws attention both to the arrangement of its openings and to the shape and materials of its turret.

By contrast, the local dovecote is defined by its cylindrical shape. Its façade is made of dry-stone masonry with dressed-stone detailing, and the roof is covered with small, flat tiles. Compared with the Chapelle de l’Essart, the architectural emphasis here lies more on the cylindrical form and the contrast between materials. You can therefore consider the two buildings by looking at specific features rather than grouping them under the general heading of historic architecture.

Industrial History in the Andelle Valley

The former workers’ settlement is associated with the Filature Levavasseur and documents the industrial development of the Andelle Valley in the 19th century. This connection makes the industrial history tangible not only through individual technical installations, but also through a settlement.

A vertical breastshot waterwheel was installed at the Chapitre mill site in 1847. It operated until the Second World War and powered the woodworking workshop of the Euréka toy factory, founded by M. Kratz. The wheel’s location, function, and historical period are therefore closely linked to the history of toy production. The wheel is currently in poor condition; its documented former function and its present condition are two distinct aspects of its history.

Landscape and Walking Trail

To the north of Douville-sur-Andelle, meadows along the Andelle and the Grande Aulnaie offer direct views of the Filature Levavasseur. This scenery provides a landscape counterpoint to the links between the settlement, the mill site, and industrial history. Douville-sur-Andelle also lies within the continental ZNIEFF type 2 area of La Forêt de Longboel, le Bois des Essarts.

The Bois de Bonnemare walking trail begins in Radepont, passes through Douville-sur-Andelle, and offers panoramic views of the village, its natural areas, and its heritage. This adds a perspective on the village and landscape to the consideration of individual buildings. The route connects these themes along a path through the area; the panoramic views described include both natural areas and heritage.

Discover More Destinations

Marais-Vernier, La Barre-En-Ouche, Triqueville, Saint-Benoît-Des-Ombres, La Croix-Saint-Leufroy, Amfreville-La-Campagne, Champigny-la-Futelaye, Vironvay

For the broader travel overview: Eure.