Ancourt: Forest Trails and Heritage

Ancourt brings together two distinct themes for planning a trip: outdoor recreation in the Forêt d’Arques and the historic heritage of Saint-Saturnin and Pontrancart. If you are looking for a hotel in Ancourt, you can weigh up the destination based on whether outdoor trails, architectural history, or both will shape your stay. The woodland landscape and historic landmarks offer specific, distinct points of reference.

Forest and trails in the Forêt d’Arques

The Forêt d’Arques covers just under 1,000 hectares and offers opportunities to enjoy nature and recreation. It extends across Ancourt, Arques-la-Bataille, Martin-Église, and Saint-Aubin-le-Cauf. The trails range from short family walks to longer hikes, allowing you to plan the length of your outing to suit the kind of trip you want. Some trails are also suitable for mountain biking; stay on the marked routes. Several parking areas are near the main forest entrances, including an entrance from Ancourt. If you plan to use this entrance, check local conditions before setting out.

Eaulne marshes and a picnic break

Waterproof shoes are recommended for trails in the Eaulne marshes near Ancourt. As this recommendation depends on the weather, you can take it into account when planning your outing. Ancourt also maintains a grassy area on the banks of the Eaulne that is suitable for picnics. If you plan to take a break there, check the condition of the area before your visit.

Saint-Saturnin: architectural history and features

The church of Saint-Saturnin in Ancourt is a 13th-century building that was rebuilt in stone and flint in the 16th century. A stained-glass window depicts significant episodes from the life of Saint Saturninus. Its furnishings include a 17th-century pulpit made of local hardwood, with carved and moulded details. The window and pulpit represent different forms of expression: a religious image and the craftsmanship involved in creating a wooden object. The dates distinguish the original building, its reconstruction, and its furnishings: the 13th century refers to the church’s construction, the 16th to its reconstruction, and the 17th to the pulpit. The heritage protections apply to different objects: the church was partially protected as a Monument historique in 1908, while the pulpit has been listed as movable cultural property since 25 October 1982.

Pontrancart through the ages

A stone toll bridge over the Eaulne is documented from the early 11th century; the fief of Pontrancart developed around it. The medieval castle of Pontrancart was destroyed by the English in 1430. The present-day château of Pontrancart dates largely from the 18th century. The château garden in Ancourt is designated a “Site inscrit.” The dates refer to different historical points: the early 11th century to the bridge, 1430 to the castle’s destruction, and the 18th century to the present-day château.

Discover more destinations: Petit-Couronne, Paluel, Derchigny, Saint-Crespin, Tourville-Sur-Arques, Saint-Maclou-La-Brière, Caudebec-En-Caux, Colleville

Return to the regional travel overview: Seine-Maritime.