Epaignes: Memorial Sites and Hiking Trails

For a stay in Epaignes, two specific themes offer clear guidance: the memory of the 1944 liberation and hiking. The historic sites commemorate different events; the trails each emphasize different aspects of the landscape and nature interpretation. When planning, you can decide whether to set aside more time for local history, a scenic circular trail, or a trail with information about nature.

Memorial Sites and Architectural History

The Monument des Anglais was erected in memory of 17 British soldiers who lost their lives during the liberation of Epaignes on August 25, 1944. The memorial ceremony is held regularly, on a different date each year.

Église Saint-Antonin dates mostly from the 15th and 16th centuries; only the choir is of Romanesque origin. The church is open to the public. Check access arrangements before your visit, as they may change.

During the fighting to liberate Epaignes on August 25, 1944, incendiary devices were placed in houses and in the church. The church was subsequently set on fire, along with six other houses.

A memorial ceremony is held each year in front of the monument to four members of the Maquis Surcouf Resistance group, on the Sunday closest to August 4. The two memorials commemorate different groups and are held on different dates: the Monument des Anglais commemorates 17 British soldiers; the ceremony at the Maquis monument is for four Resistance fighters and takes place on the Sunday near August 4. If you want to plan your trip around a memorial event, check the exact date in advance.

Hiking Trails Through Landscapes and Nature

The Chemin de la Baretterie is an easy, 5.7-kilometer hiking trail; the walking time is about 1 hour and 30 minutes. It passes through the bocage landscape typical of the Pays d'Auge, with sunken lanes, wet pastures, ditches, and small ponds. Thirty-five percent of the circular route runs between embankments planted with living hedgerows. A sunken lane can be particularly wet in winter; sturdy shoes or boots are recommended. Check trail conditions locally.

The Sentier de la Biodiversité in Epaignes is a marked circular trail of about six kilometers, reserved for pedestrians. Information boards and illustrated stops provide information about the fauna and flora of the Norman bocage. One section follows a balcony-like path along the valley, offering views of the bocage. Trail conditions may vary; check them before setting out.

The distances are similar: 5.7 kilometers on the Baretterie and about six on the Sentier. The Baretterie is rated as easy and has an estimated walking time; the Sentier stands out for its markings, nature stops, and valley views. This means you can choose based more on the kind of trail experience you want than on a significant difference in distance.

Pressing Fruit Into Juice

At Pressoir Les 3 Pommes in Epaignes, individuals can press their own fruit into juice. Participation conditions may vary by season, so check the dates in advance.

Discover more destinations: Bézu-Saint-Éloi, Val De Reuil, Jouy-sur-Eure, Pont-De-Lʼarche, Gisors, Vironvay, Nassandres, Montreuil-L'argillé.

For the main travel overview: Eure.