Attractions and Places To See around Aunay-Sous-Crécy - Top 20

Every year, during the Heritage Days, the association "Au Cœur de Nos Villages" opens the doors of the Saint-Pierre church. A building from the 12th and 15th centuries, listed as a historical monument, whose bell tower, clock, and five renovated altarpieces, including Saint Michael slaying the dragon, are to be discovered. For the benefit of the Restos du Cœur Walkers will also be able to get to know the Atelier Arc-en-ciel (plastic arts) which exhibits the works of the adult group. Paintings, in red chalk, white pencil, sepia, etc., representing views of the church, statues, etc., will be put on sale for the benefit of the association Au Cœur de Nos Villages.

Its construction undoubtedly dates back to the Romanesque period but as it appears today it presents the characteristics of the Gothic style flamboyant period in which it was rebuilt after the destruction caused by the 100 Years' War. The date of March 23, 1511 inscribed on the entrance which surmounts the entrance to the choir gives a valuable clue to the period of its renovation. Another testimony is the coat of arms of Charles d’Ô Seigneur de Blévy and partly by Louise Gentil married in 1507 appearing on a stained glass window in the choir. The style of the tower porch, slopes of the gable of the nave and tracery of the windows clearly shows that we are in the presence of a building constructed in the first quarter of the 16th century at the twilight of the flamboyant Gothic style.

A “Renaissance” castle entirely made of bricks, where one of the favorites of the court of Henry III, Minister of Finance in exile, and above all an aviation pioneer lived: Hubert Latham landed here in August 1910. Although defenses were present on the site as early as 1383, the construction of the brick castle that we see today by Jean d'O, with its six towers and its chapel, dates back to around 1460. Guided tour of the castle and of the site is available. Adult prices start from 5 euros, the area is open in summer.

Mézières-Écluzelles water body is an artificial lake which constitutes the largest body of water in the region. It is home to a variety of wildlife, including birds. You can circle the lake on a 5 km trail, or explore the marshes on the east side. The Mézières-Écluzelles lake is an ideal place to relax and admire the natural beauty of the region.

The Château d'Escorpain is a 16th century castle which belonged to the famous Firmin-Didot family of printers and publishers. You can admire the elegant facade and the imposing portal of the castle, classified as historical monuments. You can also discover the surrounding countryside, crossed by the Pluche, a tributary of the Avre. You will appreciate the green landscapes and the peaceful atmosphere of this rural village.

Buying this castle dating originally from the 15th century, Alfred Firmin-Didot, owner of the printing press at Mesnil-sur-l'Estrée, not far from here, undertook the restoration of the building in 1879. In particular, he had the sheepfold transformed into a library. which hosts the works published at the family printing house. His descendants remained the owners of this estate, which they bring back to life through various activities.

The Royal Chapel of Saint-Louis was built from 1816 on the site of the former fortress of the Counts of Dreux, whose ramparts can be seen. It was enlarged by King Louis-Philippe, who made it the necropolis of the members of the Orléans family. The recumbent figures of the royal family were commissioned from the greatest names in 19th century sculpture: Millet, Barre, Lenoir, Pradier and Mercié. The Sèvres factory also delivers painted and enamelled stained glass windows inspired by religious or historical compositions in which the greatest artists of the time collaborated, Delacroix, Ingres, Vernet, Flandrin and Larivière. Viollet-le-Duc also designed the Gothic pinnacles framing the representations of the characters. The building is currently undergoing restoration. At the entrance to the monument, panoramic view of the town of Dreux from the ramparts.