Attractions and Places To See around Les Barils - Top 20
Best attractions and places to see around Les Barils include a mix of historical landmarks, natural landscapes, and cultural sites within this rural commune in Normandy. The area provides a tranquil base for exploring the Eure department and the wider region. Visitors can discover charming homes, forests, and vast fields, along with an extensive network of communal paths.
Best attractions and places to see around Les Barils
- The most popular attractions is Bois Francs Castle, a castle that is…
Last updated: May 5, 2026
La Madeleine Church, Verneuil‑d'Avre‑et‑d'Iton
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Bois Francs Castle
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Sollerot lighthouse
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Medieval town centre of Verneuil-sur-Avre
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Bois Francs Greenway
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Église Saint Madeleine is a church where beautiful various statues of Saints, famous and less famous. The reason for so many different statues is that the school of sculpture was established here.
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The Madeleine Tower overlooks a beautiful square, surrounded by numerous terraces where it is good to quench your thirst after your exercise!
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Medieval heritage of the town of Verneuil which preserves numerous traces of this past and its former flourishing activities: first of all, the market square, just opposite the imposing and sumptuous Madeleine church (12th century). This “enormous and graceful stone flower”, in the words of the painter Maurice Vlaminck, underwent numerous embellishments in the medieval period to become one of the great jewels of flamboyant Gothic in Normandy.
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Château des Bois Francs, in Normandy, is a 19th century castle surrounded by 310 hectares of forest and 15 hectares of lakes. You can admire the architecture of the castle, the French gardens and the wildlife that inhabits the region. Château des Bois Francs is an ideal place to relax and discover the beauty of the Normandy countryside.
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This greenway is a former railway line that has been converted into an asphalt path for cyclists, roller skaters and walkers. It extends for approximately 9 km from Verneuil-sur-Avre to the Center Parc des Bois-Francs, a leisure resort with a lake and spa. Along the route, you can admire views of fields, forests and villages, and learn about the history and culture of the region thanks to the information panels.
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The Church of the Madeleine is located in Verneuil-sur-Avre. Its 56 m high tower, visible for miles around, has become the symbol of the city. The church is classified as a historical monument. Construction began at the beginning of the 12th century, along with the founding and development of the city. The tower was built at the end of the 15th century but the lack of means interrupted the construction for 30 years. It was thanks to the generosity of the Bishop of Senlis, Artus Fillon, a native of Verneuil, that it was completed around 1525. The richness of its sculpted decoration makes it rightly compared to the Butter Tower of Notre-Dame Cathedral. and at the lantern tower of the Saint-Ouen abbey, both in Rouen.
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The Château des Bois-Francs is located in the Center Parcs "Les Bois-Francs" area in Les Barils.
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A very attractive village with its twisted chimneys and the Sollerot lighthouse located in Saint-Ouen-sur-Ton.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What historical sites can I visit around Les Barils?
The region offers several historical sites. You can explore the Medieval town centre of Verneuil-sur-Avre, known for its well-preserved medieval past and the impressive Madeleine Tower. Another notable site is the La Madeleine Church, Verneuil-d'Avre-et-d'Iton, with its 56-meter-high tower. The 12th-century Église Notre-Dame in Les Barils itself, though rebuilt, also holds historical significance. Further afield, the baroque-style Château de Beaumesnil is about 32 km away.
Are there any castles to explore near Les Barils?
Yes, the most prominent is Bois Francs Castle, a 19th-century structure surrounded by 310 hectares of forest and 15 hectares of lakes. While the castle itself is currently abandoned and not open for interior visits, its architecture and the surrounding park are beautiful to admire. The park remains maintained and is located within the wooded setting of Center Parcs.
What natural attractions are there in the Les Barils area?
Les Barils is situated near the Perche et de la Trappe Forest (Parc naturel régional du Perche), offering peaceful countryside, rich flora and fauna, and an extensive network of communal paths. You can also visit the Arboretum de la Ferté-Vidame, which features paths lined with local and exotic tree species like hornbeam, Spanish fir, and Siberian spruce.
Are there family-friendly activities available around Les Barils?
Absolutely. The Bois Francs Castle area is considered family-friendly. Additionally, Center Parcs Les Bois Francs offers a major attraction with its modern aquapark, golf course, bike rides, and adventure trails, providing a variety of activities for all ages.
Where can I go for a walk or cycle ride near Les Barils?
The Bois Francs Greenway is an excellent option. This former railway line has been converted into an asphalt path, extending for approximately 9 km. It's perfect for cyclists, roller skaters, and walkers, offering views of fields, forests, and villages. You can find more cycling routes in the area, including those around Cycling around Les Barils.
What kind of cycling routes are available around Les Barils?
You can find a variety of cycling routes, including easy and moderate options. For road cycling, routes like the 'Bois Francs Castle – Bois Francs Greenway loop' are available. Touring bicycle routes also feature loops around Bois Francs Castle and the Bois Francs Greenway. Explore more options on the Road Cycling Routes around Les Barils and Cycling around Les Barils guide pages.
Can I find mountain biking trails near Les Barils?
Yes, there are mountain biking trails available. You can find moderate routes such as the 'Bois Francs Castle – Bois-Francs Castle loop' or the 'Côte de Bourth loop'. These trails offer opportunities to explore the forested areas around Les Barils. For more details, check the MTB Trails around Les Barils guide page.
What is unique about the architecture in the region?
The region boasts unique architectural features, such as the flamboyant Gothic style of the La Madeleine Church, Verneuil-d'Avre-et-d'Iton, whose tower is said to have inspired the Tribune Tower in Chicago. In Saint-Ouen-sur-Iton, you can find a unique tour of 'twisted chimneys' and the historic Sollerot lighthouse, an early public lighting column.
What do visitors particularly enjoy about the attractions near Les Barils?
Visitors appreciate the blend of historical charm and natural beauty. The Medieval town centre of Verneuil-sur-Avre is loved for its picturesque opportunities and well-maintained buildings. The Bois Francs Castle is admired for its architecture and tranquil setting within the Center Parcs area. The Bois Francs Greenway is popular for its scenic views of fields and forests, offering a pleasant experience for walkers and cyclists.
Are there any accessible paths for wheelchairs or strollers?
Yes, the Bois Francs Greenway is a former railway line converted into an asphalt path, making it suitable for wheelchairs and strollers. It provides an accessible way to enjoy the local scenery.
What other charming towns are worth visiting nearby?
Beyond Verneuil-sur-Avre, you might enjoy visiting Mortagne-au-Perche, known for its historic sites, and Belleme, another attractive village located within the Perche Natural Regional Park. These towns offer additional cultural and historical experiences.
Is there a place for cultural events or art in Les Barils?
Les Barils promotes itself as a village combining nature with cultural dynamism through 'Barils Arts & Cultures' (BAC). While specific details on current offerings are best checked locally, the initiative suggests a focus on cultural engagement within the community.
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