The best traffic-free bike rides around Boutencourt

A small pond and its park. Picnic table, benches, and bins available for a quiet little break.

In the 11th century, a chapel was built by the prior of Bézu-le-Long, dependent on the abbey of Croix Saint-Leufroy, consisting of a nave of 5 bays lit by narrow lancets. A stone choir was added in the 12th century. Around 1335, the chapel became a parish church. Around 1780, it was enlarged by two bays and its direction was reversed. The entrance is now through the choir, itself installed in the western part. Large bays were opened at this time. The new choir is adorned with an altarpiece executed in 1760 by Jacques Carbonnier (from Gisors). The painting of the baptism of Christ is by Charles Jean Baptiste Duchêne, painter in Gisors

We know of Saints Gervais and Protais that they were Christian martyrs in the 2nd century in Milan. At the time, the Roman Empire forced all its subjects to worship the emperor, which was unacceptable to Christians. If they refused, they were crucified or sent to the arena to be devoured by lions between gladiatorial fights. Thus, Saint Ambrose, bishop of Milan, found them, in 386, buried side by side. This great bishop affirmed that they had been martyrs by fidelity to their baptism. He even added "They are of a prodigious size, such as one was in ancient times." Their cult reached Gaul where a large number of churches were dedicated to them.

The parish church of Saint-Gervais Saint-Protais was consecrated in 1119 by Pope Calixtus 11. This Romanesque church saw its nave ravaged by fire in 1123. It was rebuilt in 1160. Thanks to funding from Queen Blanche of Castile, the people of Gisors built a Gothic choir, consecrated in 1249. It was built according to the Chartres model, common at the time in Ile-de-France, with a three-level elevation: large arcades, triforium and high windows pierced with oculi. Thanks to funding from charitable brotherhoods and trade corporations, the church underwent multiple transformations from the end of the 15th century with the addition of radiating chapels and an ambulatory at choir level. Entrusted to the Grappins, a family of architects from Vexin, the work continued in the 15th century with the reconstruction of the nave and the chapels of the side aisles in flamboyant Gothic style, then of the façade decorated with Renaissance motifs.

Boury Castle is a 17th century castle built by the architect of Versailles, Jules Hardouin-Mansart. You can admire the elegant architecture and French gardens, as well as the furnished interiors, chapel and kitchen. The castle offers guided tours and activities for children, as well as a large park and playground. You can also enjoy the neighboring village of Boury-en-Vexin, once occupied by Richard the Lionheart. The Château de Boury is open on Sundays and public holidays from 2:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. during the opening period.

You will see here what remains of the Abbey of Marcheroux which you can approach by the path along the pond. Of this abbey of the Premonstratensian order founded in 1122, all that remains now is the abbey church, the remains of the conventual dwelling and an entrance gate dating from the 18th century. For several years, an association has been organizing the "Rock & beer" festival in these places (Is it necessary to explain the concept? ...) part of the profits of which should help finance the renovation of the building. 'Abbey.

The Church of Saint-Jean-Baptiste is the Catholic parish church of the commune of Chaumont en Vexin. Standing on the eastern slope of the hill of the old castle, it is only accessible from the town center via an alleyway ending in stairs or from the road via a discreet sloping lane. One of the most imposing religious buildings in the French Vexin region, it dates entirely from the 16th century. Its great homogeneity of style is due to its rapid construction, as it was completed in a single phase from 1530 to 1554. The square is a peaceful spot for a break overlooking the town's rooftops.

Village culminating at 207m altitude (which makes it one of the highest villages in the Paris basin), it is not crossed by any main road, which makes the climb to the church of Saint Martin dominating the central square. Its silhouette marks the landscape for several kilometers around, and represents one of the main monuments of the former canton of Chaumont en Vexin. Its large Renaissance portal, built in the 16th century, is its most remarkable feature; like the voluminous bell tower of the same period which would be worthy of a large city church. We will note the presence of the "street of hell" along the church, seeming to remind us that there is only a very small step from redemption to damnation...