The commune of Grandes-Ventes is located in the department of Seine-Maritime, in the Normandy region, 20 km southeast of Dieppe.
Its territory of 24 km² covers the northern part of the Eawy forest, in the north-west of the country of Bray, a natural region which stretches as far as Beauvais, also renowned for its bocage landscapes and its soil clayey.
The locality has thus preserved a very green rural environment, covered with arable land (41% of its surface area), forests (31%) and meadows (19%).
Taking their name from a medieval usage (the "sales" designated the plots of wood where felling had been carried out and had to be sold), Les Grandes-Ventes were already occupied during Gallo-Roman Antiquity. The village as such was founded in the 13th century by monks from Beaubec Abbey, who cleared this forest sector, and a parish was thus created by Eudes Rigaud, the archbishop of Rouen. Later, this stronghold depended on the Count of la Heuze.
Affected by the Wars of Religion, Les Grandes-Ventes experienced its golden age in the 18th century, with the rise of work and the wood trade and the need for coal.
Forest exploitation and agriculture thus remained its economic pillars until the 20th century.
In 1944, V1 launch pads intended to bomb London were installed by the German army.
Today, the town, which has nearly 1,800 inhabitants, highlights its heritage and its natural wealth. A true paradise for lovers of green tourism, close to the coast...
A stopover at Grandes-Ventes can begin with the discovery of a varied architectural heritage and numerous sites listed in the Inventory.
A route therefore includes in the village the town hall-school, built in 1867 in bricks and limestone, in the elegant neo-classical style, two levels high with a second floor under the attic, equipped with a bell tower and with a beautifully crafted central bay. Next to see is the Notre-Dame parish church, rebuilt in the 16th century on the foundations of a Romanesque building. We notice its singular narthex. Furthermore, a 16th century polychrome stone Virgin and Child and the coat of arms of the lords of Heuze painted on the walls of the nave and choir are preserved there.
To the south-east of the town, the municipal jewel turns out to be the Château de la Petite-Heuze: it was built around 1620 by a family of Rouen parliamentarians, the Le Cordier du Troncq. Built in brick and stone, it consists of a central body framed by two protruding wings with sculpted facades. The classical style building includes an old cellar (16th century) with groin vaults. The framework of the central body, of the Philibert Delorme type, is remarkable. The roof thus has two curved slopes, called hull-shaped, and by its shape evokes the submerged part of the hull of a ship... The domain, which is still private, has been the subject of major restoration work. Occasional visits and activities are offered. Information on +33 2 35 93 22 96.
Also listed, the Grands Moreaux manor (17th century), still to the south-east, has lost its splendor and now has only agricultural use. 2 Saussaie (to the south-east), both built in 1731, which have retained a certain nobility, being both also protected as historical monuments.
Back on the town square, finally, we linger in front of the Garnier Cistern, offered to the town by Joséphine Garnier at the end of the 19th century and which collects rainwater, a reserve of 1800 m³!
On the cultural side, shows and association events are hosted at the Paul Godefroy room (information at the town hall on +33 2 35 04 70 90) and activities (readings, meetings, etc.) punctuate the seasons at the library (contact +33 2 35 83 01 96).
For sports enthusiasts, a football field, an outdoor tennis court and a pétanque court are accessible in the town.
Then comes the marvelous potential represented by the 6,550 hectares of the Eawy forest, where beeches replaced oaks in the 19th century, before new species were recently reintroduced (oaks, ashes, cherry trees, etc.). The Allée des Limousins crosses the forest (and therefore partly the town), 14 km long by 30 m wide and thus allows you to enjoy this green ocean... We will not forget to "greet" Father Antoine, a beech remarkable in the place called Mare au Four (southwest of the town).
Obviously, hikers or mountain bikers are welcome... They can also continue with larger loops linking the bocages and even the beaches in the northwest. Maps and information from the tourist office on +33 2 35 93 22 96.
The forest is also suitable for horseback riding. No less than four equestrian centers are located in the town! These are the Ecuries de la Boisette (contact +33 2 35 04 54 16), the Attelages du Pays de Bray et du Center and pony club of Orival (contact +33 6 73 41 91 03), de l'Orée from Eawy (information on +33 6 24 57 46 98) and finally from the Crinières de la Forêt equestrian tourism center (contact +33 6 74 34 41 17).
In a different genre, a break is also possible at the Orival goat farm (sale of farm products): info on +33 6 12 34 57 03.
The second Sunday in April, trail des Crocs (nature race) and canitrail (race with dogs).
The third Saturday in April, cycle race.
The first weekend in June, town festival, with artists in the streets (painters, sculptors, etc.), fairground attractions, “everything fair”.
The first Sunday in August, harvest festival in the hamlet of Grande Rue.
Swing for Victory
- On 14 june 2024
- Rue de Saint-Vaast
- As part of the 80th anniversary of the Normandy landings, the Compagnie Mobilo-Lyricus is offering an original musical project : ? Swing for Victory ? A vocal trio formed by three American singers, accompanied by the jazz band of the Musique de l'Air et de l'Espace, a prestigious and versatile French military formation, in a tribute to the Andrews Sisters, the swing queens of the 1930s and 1940s, who supported the Allied troops during the Second World War. - Special care will be taken to accommodate the disabled : when the concerts take place outdoors, the public reception will always be on the ground level, and chairs will be made available by the organizers. For indoor concerts, we will only perform in venues with functional facilities for the disabled. - See you at the village hall.
