Saint-Saëns between forest and heritage

Saint-Saëns brings together an extensive forest landscape and traces of craftsmanship, architecture and local history. The places and topics below offer different ways to get to know Saint-Saëns as a travel destination.

Forêt d’Eawy and trails

On the outskirts of Saint-Saëns lies the Forêt d’Eawy, which covers 7,200 hectares. It occupies the slopes and plateau between the valleys of the Varenne and the Béthune. The forest is therefore not just a single attraction, but a defining landscape around the town. If you are interested in Saint-Saëns for its natural surroundings, you can take its size and position between the two valleys into account when choosing your destination.

One specific landmark is the Allée des Limousins: this straight forest avenue is 14 kilometres long and open to the public. Its length and clear route set it apart from a short, unspecified woodland walk, without implying any particular walking time or level of difficulty. A marked trail is available for the Chemin des Ecoliers; the guide “Le Petit Poucet” can be obtained from the Saint-Saëns tourist information office. For the Allée, the key features are its length, route and public access; for the Chemin, they are the trail markers and the named guide.

The Varenne and local nature

Anglers can particularly enjoy trout fishing on the Varenne. Also on the riverbank is an 18th-century cider press. Made from solid oak components, it represents local apple production in Saint-Saëns. The river and the press thus appeal to different interests: fishing on the Varenne and a tangible record of local apple production.

The Chou de Saint-Saëns is also part of the town’s local character, but as a symbol rather than a described culinary offering: today, it stands for local heritage and the protection of biodiversity. This heritage adds another link to local identity, complementing the landscape and river themes.

Church, craftsmanship and local history

The church of Saint-Saëns was built in the final years of the 19th century in the Neo-Romanesque style. It also preserves stained-glass windows from the 14th and 16th centuries, which are listed as historic monuments. The church and the windows therefore belong to different centuries: the building reflects late 19th-century architecture, while the surviving windows bear traces of a much earlier period.

Rue des Tanneurs recalls the leather industry, which shaped the rise of Saint-Saëns in the 19th century. The surviving traces include tanners’ pits that were recently uncovered. Another historical landmark is the Fontaine Dillard, built in 1900 on Place Maintenon. The Puits Merveilleux, in turn, is associated with a local legend. Together, these places offer different ways to explore the town’s history: from an industry and its traces to structures and a story passed down over time.

Golf as a distinct focus

Golf is also a well-defined topic to consider when planning a trip. The Saint-Saëns golf course is a par-71 course measuring 6,009 metres. Golf de Saint-Saëns is located in the heart of the Forêt d’Eawy, at the junction of the A28 and A29 motorways. The par and length give you concrete details about the course, while its forest setting provides a link to the landscape. This makes the golf course a distinct reason to visit, alongside the trails, the Varenne and the town’s historic features.

Discover more destinations: Blangy-Sur-Bresle, Varneville-Bretteville, Avesnes-En-Val, Daubeuf-Serville, Houdetot, Luneray, Saint-Martin-Du-Vivier, La Crique.

For the broader travel overview: Seine-Maritime.