Discover Sainte-Geneviève: Church, Le Carouge and Nature

Sainte-Geneviève can be discovered from two perspectives: through its historic architectural and artistic features, and along the Le Carouge circular trail with its landscapes and natural attractions. If you are planning a stay, these highlights can help you choose between cultural interests and time outdoors. The most distinctive features are Sainte-Geneviève Church, the statue of Saint Nicholas and the different points of interest along the trail.

Church and Historic Heritage

Sainte-Geneviève Church includes architectural elements from different centuries. Its oldest parts date from the 13th century. The Romanesque portal is attributed to the 14th century; the spire and west gable date from the 17th century. Each element therefore has its own historical timeframe: the oldest structures, the portal, and the spire and gable. If you enjoy tracing architectural history through specific features, you can distinguish these periods rather than reducing the church to a single date of construction. The span from the 13th to the 17th century makes the different building phases clear.

Another historical feature is the statue of Saint Nicholas. It dates from the second half of the 16th century. Its timeframe falls between that of the portal and that of the 17th-century architectural elements. It thus complements the building’s history with a distinct object from another period.

Le Carouge Circular Trail

The Le Carouge circular trail passes through Sainte-Geneviève-en-Bray and Fontaine-en-Bray and follows roads with little traffic. The trail’s information board is in the car park at Sainte-Geneviève Church. Le Carouge also offers views over the landscape of the Boutonnière du Pays de Bray. The villages along the route, the roads and the views over the landscape all shape the character of this trail. These are useful points of reference for hikers looking to understand the route and its surroundings.

Landscape and Nature Along the Trail

One section of the trail lies within a Natura 2000 site. The rare marsh fritillary butterfly and several varieties of wild orchids have been recorded there. The route also passes the source of the Canche. In March, watercress grows there, adding a seasonal touch to the area’s natural appeal.

The Canche stream rises near Canchy and flows into the Béthune. The white-clawed crayfish has been recorded in the stream. The trail’s natural features therefore include a specific stream-dwelling animal as well as plants and butterflies.

Protected great crested newts have been recorded in the Houlbec section of the trail; green tree frogs may also be seen there. Stag beetles have been recorded along the Impasse du Houlbec section. There is no guarantee that you will see these species during your visit.

Discover more destinations: Haudricourt, Tocqueville-En-Caux, Le Chesnay, Hautot-Sur-Mer, Saint-Laurent-de-Brèvedent, Eu, Orival, Auberville-la-Renault.

For the regional travel overview: Seine-Maritime.