Nassandres: Forest Paths, Rivers and Church

Nassandres between Rivers and Forest

Nassandres lies at the confluence of the Risle and Charentonne rivers. The natural landscape also includes the Nassandres Forest and its variety of tree species. If you enjoy walking, you’ll find marked hiking trails, a circular route through the forest, and group walks of varying lengths. The church and recurring religious events also offer insight into other aspects of the area. You can plan your outings around the scenery, route length, or interest in history and tradition.

Douglas firs, Scots pines, beeches, hornbeams, oaks, birches, and chestnut trees grow in the Nassandres Forest. If you look out for individual tree species during a walk, you’ll find several specific examples among the trees. In addition, five puddingstone boulders are scattered throughout the forest. Those interested in geology can explore this natural feature alongside the trees.

Hiking Trails by Distance and Date

The Circuit de randonnée de Nassandres starts at the town hall in Nassandres-sur-Risle and runs for 7.2 kilometers through the forest. The walk is expected to take about two and a half hours. The distance and approximate duration give you two useful points of reference when planning this hike.

Nassandres’ marked hiking trails are indicated by yellow paint stripes on the trees. Use these markers to find your way, and check them on site.

Sentiers Oxygène organizes walks of about 8 to 10 kilometers on Sunday mornings at 9 a.m., starting in front of the town hall in Nassandres-sur-Risle. On Wednesday afternoons, the association offers a circular route of 10 to 12 kilometers; every two weeks, an additional circular route of 5 to 6 kilometers is available. The options therefore vary by day of the week and route length. Meeting times and routes may change, so check the details before you travel.

Arboretum and Other Points of Interest

The Circuit Le Panorama sur la Risle et la Charentonne offers a different focus. It includes a circular loop in the arboretum, where you can discover several tree species. From the circuit, you can see the Château de Bigard at its gate; it lies across the road. The route also passes a restored washhouse. It thus combines a look at the tree species in the arboretum with other named points of interest.

Church and Religious Traditions

The present-day church in Nassandres was built in the 16th century from stone, rubble stone, and flint in a checkerboard pattern. Its architecture adds a distinctive feature alongside the area’s landscape and walking trails.

Saint Roch also plays a role in recurring local traditions. His feast is celebrated every year on the Sunday after August 15. On Whit Monday, residents of some neighboring communities make a pilgrimage in a procession to the church in Nassandres, also in honor of Saint Roch. The two events represent different forms of living tradition: an annual feast and a procession to the church.

Discover more destinations: Le Landin, Fourges, Le Manoir, Bretagnolles, Piencourt, Triqueville, Calleville, Breux Sur Avre

For the regional travel overview: Eure.