Oison (rivière) walks

L'Oison was formerly known as Le Bec, Le Becquet (from the Norse bekkr meaning stream), but also Le Dué or Douet (from the Celtic four meaning running water). Discover beautiful Norman houses as well as around twenty species of wild orchids growing in the valley, which is classified as a natural area of faunistic and floristic interest. The Fontaine Sainte-Clothilde, a miraculous spring, was for a long time a popular place of pilgrimage for the healing of all kinds of ailments. It is said that it gave strength to children who were slow to walk, who were then immersed in the very cold water of the spring.

A pleasant route combining tarmac, paths and trails, starting from a small village in the Eure department, in the Oison valley.

This walk consists of 70% forest walking or small footpaths. There are a few sections on roads which can be dangerous, particularly the final stretch near Valanglier. It begins with a view of Elbeuf and the Seine valley and ends with a view of the small Oison valley. There are no signposts.

Starting from La Saussaye, the path quickly opens up onto alternating undergrowth and small country lanes. The route allows you to enjoy a peaceful, green rural environment. After a pleasant warm-up, you reach Saint-Germain-de-Pasquier, a charming Norman village known for having the smallest town hall in France: with a surface area of around 8 m² (2.7 metres by 3), it is indeed one of the smallest town halls in France, listed in the Guinness Book of Records. It is housed in the former Sainte-Clotilde chapel, which was deconsecrated at the beginning of the 20th century and converted by a naval architect accustomed to small spaces. A short photo break is a must before continuing on to the Saint-Louis Collegiate Church, a beautiful building whose architecture combines simplicity and elegance.