Pîtres – History on the Andelle and Seine

Pîtres lies at the confluence of the Andelle and the Seine. When choosing a hotel in Pîtres, it helps to consider your travel interests: local history includes the Edict of 864, Notre-Dame Church and the Sainte-Hélène grain mill; there is also a weekly market, a long-distance hiking trail and the Trail des Deux Amants. You can start by deciding whether cultural history, hiking or a specific event date will shape your stay.

Riverside Setting and Local History

The Edict of Pîtres, issued in 864, reformed the currency; Notre-Dame Church in Pîtres dates from the 10th century. These two dates offer different historical reference points, spanning the 9th and 10th centuries.

Another historic site lies in the Sainte-Hélène district on the Andelle. The Sainte-Hélène grain mill is located there; the mill and its millrace had been built by 1804 at the latest. The waterwheel is still there, but it is in poor condition. The grain mill is a private residence, not a public museum.

The Andelle is also part of the area’s history of waterways. Its historically navigable stretch extended for three kilometres from the Sainte-Hélène weir near Pîtres to its confluence with the Seine. The small historic port, also known as Port de l’Andelle, was built on the left bank at the confluence. Most of the port infrastructure no longer remains.

Hiking, Events and the Market

The GR® 2 “Au fil de la Seine” is a hiking trail from Rouen to Vernon that passes through Pîtres. Check the latest route details before setting out. Another way to plan your trip around a date is the Trail des Deux Amants, which starts in Pîtres. The programme includes trail races of 17, 25 and 53 km, night trails of 16 and 21 km, and a 14 km Nordic walk. The programme therefore includes trail running, night trails and Nordic walking; distances and formats may vary from one edition to another. Check the event details before planning your trip around it. The two route references serve different purposes: the Andelle stretch was part of historical navigation, while the GR® 2 is a hiking trail from Rouen to Vernon that passes through Pîtres. The three-kilometre figure therefore refers to the former waterway, not to a GR® 2 hiking stage.

In 2026, the weekly market in Pîtres takes place every Friday from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Check the market hours again before your visit. The Au Moulin de l’Andelle guesthouse offers bicycle storage and repair equipment; check whether these facilities are currently available before booking.

Discover more destinations: Ménilles, Toutainville, Letteguives, Campigny, Bois-Normand-près-Lyre, Champignolles, Le Landin, Émalleville

For the broader travel overview: Eure.