Maucomble: Puits Merveilleux and the History of Glassmaking

Maucomble can be explored through two distinct highlights: the Puits Merveilleux in the state-owned Forêt domaniale d'Eawy and the history of local glassmaking. There is also a classified boxwood tree in the cemetery. For you, this means choosing a theme when planning your visit: nature and a named natural feature sit alongside tangible traces of local history. If you are looking for a hotel for a stay in Maucomble, these themes can shape the focus of your trip; the woodland landscape and historical connections tell different sides of the town.

Puits Merveilleux and Forêt domaniale d'Eawy

The Puits Merveilleux is a sinkhole in Maucomble, in the middle of the state-owned Forêt domaniale d'Eawy. The forest extends across Maucomble and other municipalities. This brings two different scales together in descriptions of the area: a specific natural feature and a larger woodland that is not limited to Maucomble.

Visitors can use the hiking trail named after the Puits Merveilleux. Access to the inside of the sinkhole is prohibited to the public. As part of the renovation completed in 2024, an educational information panel was installed at the Puits Merveilleux. When planning your visit, consider these details separately: being able to use the named trail does not mean access to the inside of the sinkhole; the information panel is part of the renovation.

History of the Boxwood Tree and Glassmaking

The colossal boxwood tree in the Maucomble cemetery has been designated a classified site since June 6, 1942. This places a single object within a specific protected status and gives an exact date. Unlike the glassworks, the focus here is not on a history of production, but on the boxwood tree's classification. The two offer distinct historical perspectives: a single classified object and a former business.

The Maucomble glassworks was founded in 1763 by the Ça que Ray family and established near the Forêt d'Eawy. Glassmaking required firewood, water sources and sand pits. The glassworks mainly produced bottles, flat glass, and white or colored glass. The location, resources needed and products describe three different aspects of the business: its establishment, the requirements for production and its product range. Firewood served as fuel for glassmaking.

The glassworks closed in 1812; the stated reasons are the abolition of privileges and the Continental Blockade under Napoleon I. Together, 1763 and 1812 mark its founding and closure. The reasons cited add the reported circumstances of its end to this timeline. When deciding on your trip, you can therefore choose between the woodland landscape and two different historical highlights: the classified boxwood tree and the former glass production.

Discover more destinations: Le Chesnay, Criquetot-Le-Mauconduit, Yerville, Ganzeville, Auquemesnil, La Poterie-Cap-D'antifer, Hugleville-en-Caux, Mailleraye Sur Seine.

For the regional travel overview: Seine-Maritime.