The oak-chapel of Allouville-Bellefosse: the thousand-year-old emblem of Normandy
Discovery of the Millennium Oak of Allouville-Bellefosse (76): A Historic Monument and Unusual Attraction in Seine-Maritime
Allouville-Bellefosse is a charming little village nestled in the heart of the Pays de Caux region of Normandy, France. This village is renowned for its rich rural heritage, with traditional properties and farmland typical of the region. However, what really distinguishes Allouville-Bellefosse is the old oak that stands proudly in the center of the village, 1200 to 1300 years old according to specialists.
This thousand-year-old oak, also called pedunculate oak, is located in Seine-Maritime and is considered the oldest oak in France. The tree is not only a living witness to history, but it is also a religious symbol. The hollow trunk of the oak houses two tiny superimposed chapels, accessible by a wooden staircase that wraps around the trunk. The upper part of the trunk is covered with wooden shingles to protect it from the weather, while the interior is supported by metal reinforcements to ensure its stability.
The Allouville oak has a fascinating history, having survived the French Revolution thanks to the ingenuity of a local teacher. The tree, considered a religious symbol, was threatened during the Revolution. To protect him from the revolutionary troops, the teacher hung a sign on the tree proclaiming that he was a "Temple of Reason".
The chapel oak measures about 15 meters in circumference at 1 meter from the ground and reaches a height of 18 meters. Today, the thousand-year-old oak is a major attraction in Allouville-Bellefosse, attracting between 30,000 and 40,000 visitors each year. Tourists can explore the tree and the two chapels, adorned with religious and historical decorations. The oak-chapel has thus become the emblem of the village and one of the most unusual tourist sites in France. In 1932, the oak of Allouville-Bellefosse was classified as a Historic Monument, offering legal protection to this exceptional tree and its unique history.
The real estate agency Gabriel France in Allouville-Bellefosse can assist you in your real estate projects. Whether you want to buy, sell or rent a property in the area, our local expertise and knowledge of the market will help you make the best decisions to make your projects a reality. Discover now our properties for sale in Allouville-Bellefosse
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THE OAK OF ALLOUVILLE-BELLEFOSSE
76190 ALLOUVILLE-BELLEFOSSE
The village of Allouville-Bellefosse is located in the Pays de Caux region, an area of chalky plateaus characterized by a hilly landscape, chalk cliffs, meadows and cultivated fields. The area is famous for its farms and half-timbered manor houses, typical of Norman architecture. The village is close to Yvetot and is located about 45 km from Rouen, the historic capital of Normandy. At a similar distance you will also find the Alabaster Coast, famous for its spectacular chalk cliffs and seaside resorts, such as Étretat and Fécamp.
Posted on 16/04/2023 by
Cyril POTTIER
Founder of the GABRIEL agency. Chartered accountant by training and passionate about the arts and human relations. I naturally turned to real estate. The properties we offer are a reflection of our expertise and passion.
