Cuvilly: Château de Séchelles and Julie Billiart

For a trip to Cuvilly, several specific themes can be brought together: the Château de Séchelles, the Église Saint-Éloi, Julie Billiart and the GR 123 long-distance trail. The town’s history stretches from an important seigneurie in the 13th century, through the construction of a new château in the 18th century, to the events of 1918. There is also a religious tradition and seasonal apple and pear picking. You can plan your stay around cultural themes, a specific occasion or the time of year.

The Château de Séchelles and its construction history

In the 13th century, Cuvilly and Séchelles formed an important seigneurie. Jean de Poix had the Château de Séchelles built in 1530. Around 1740, Jean Baptiste Moreau had the château demolished and replaced with a neoclassical residence dating from the 18th century. This sequence distinguishes the earlier seigneurial connection from the château’s construction phases; the demolition marks a change, not an unchanged continuation of the château built in 1530.

The château is now privately owned and houses two Gîtes de France. If you are considering staying there, check access and availability before your trip.

The Église Saint-Éloi and sacred history

The Église Saint-Éloi was almost completely destroyed in 1918. Its choir combines Flamboyant Gothic and Renaissance styles; the church also preserves an exceptional lectern dating from the 16th and 17th centuries. These provide two distinct art-historical points of interest: a choir that combines two styles, and a furnishing whose dating spans two centuries.

Julie Billiart and the religious tradition

Saint Julie Billiart was born in Cuvilly in 1751. In 1804, she founded the Congregation of the Sisters of Notre Dame in Amiens. These place references mark distinct stages: Cuvilly is her birthplace, while the congregation’s founding is associated with Amiens. A procession with a banner, a reliquary shrine and relics of Saint Julie Billiart sets out from her birthplace; a solemn Mass is then held in the church in Cuvilly. If you are travelling specifically for this occasion, confirm the programme for the year you plan to visit.

Long-distance trail and seasonal activities

The GR 123 long-distance trail passes through Cuvilly; its route lies in the town’s northeastern quadrant. Check the current route before setting out if the trail is part of your travel plans. This is distinct from the former royal road from Paris to Lille, which historically passed through Cuvilly. These refer to different routes and periods: the GR 123 as a long-distance trail and the road as a historic link.

Le Verger de Cuvilly offers pick-your-own apples and pears; the activity is listed as available from September to October. If you plan to include it in your trip, bear the seasonal window in mind and check opening hours and availability in advance. This lets you plan your trip around the activity’s specific season.

Discover more destinations: Chelles, Mont-L'évêque, Ully-Saint-Georges, Baron, Muidorge, Beauvais, Saint-Crépin-Ibouvillers, Esches.

For the broader travel guide: Oise.