Fresne-Le-Plan: Church and Les Malières Route

Fresne-le-Plan can be explored through two specific themes: the construction history of the Eglise Saint-Pierre et Saint-Paul and the Les Malières hiking trail. The church combines an older base with a nave and choir rebuilt later; the route combines a countryside hike with the discovery of cultural heritage. When planning your visit, both an architectural highlight and a route with a named starting point and course take centre stage. The approximate duration and trail markers help you fit the hike into your stay.

The church’s construction phases

The oldest part of the Eglise Saint-Pierre et Saint-Paul dates from the 12th century. It survives in the base, with the stone buttresses that support the bell tower. The nave and choir were rebuilt between 1760 and 1780. This reveals two distinct construction phases: the older base and the rebuilding of the nave and choir in the 18th century. The stone buttresses are a striking detail: they support the bell tower and belong to the oldest surviving part. Those interested in historic architecture can look at how the base and tower relate to one another.

Hiking the Les Malières route

Les Malières is classified as an easy hiking route and is 7.5 kilometres long. It takes about 1 hour and 45 minutes. The route starts at the Eglise de Fresne-le-Plan; the starting marker is on the church square. Les Malières then follows the purple markers for loop 14, “De Martainville à Mesnil Raoul”. The distance and approximate duration provide a guide for planning your time, while the starting point and markers help you follow the route on site. Check the local markers and trail conditions before setting out.

Rural heritage along the route

The route passes the privately owned Manoir de Fresnay, dating from 1766. A cemetery cross from the 18th century can also be seen along the route. Les Malières also highlights an 18th-century dovecote as part of the rural heritage. In the hamlets of Fresne-le-Plan, notable 17th-century barns can be seen on a walk. In terms of age, these barns stand alongside the buildings dating from the 18th century.

You can also see old manor houses on walks; they are on private property. Le Four à Pain is a fully renovated, detached former bread oven from the 19th century, near the Gîte Le Pressoir G4062. It features earth and half-timbered construction. Its former use as a bread oven and its construction features offer two different ways to view the building as part of the rural heritage.

Getting there by bus

Bus route 512 runs between Rouen and Perriers-sur-Andelle via Fresne-le-Plan and Mesnil-Raoul. Check the current timetable before travelling, as routes and schedules may change.

Discover more destinations: Autretot, Neufchâtel-En-Bray, Bretteville-Du-Grand-Caux, Angerville-La-Martel, Auberville-La-Campagne, Saint-Clair-sur-les-Monts, Saint-Crespin, Saint-Pierre-En-Port.

For the regional travel overview: Seine-Maritime.