Vascœuil is a commune in the Eure department, in the Normandy region, 23 km east of Rouen.
Bordering Seine-Maritime to the north and west, its territory of 7.3 km² is crossed by the course of the Andelle, a tributary of the Seine on the right bank, and by that of the Crevon.
The locality has preserved eminently bucolic landscapes: forests represent a little more than 50% of its surface area, and there are also 25% meadows and 20% agricultural land.
The village is mentioned from the 11th century (construction of a church) and in the 12th century, the first feudal castle (a fortified house) integrates a line of fortified sites along the Andelle valley and which depend on the castle from Lyons-la-Forêt (a few kilometers to the south-east).
The lordship of Vascœuil, which belongs to the family of the same name, was part of the Dames de Préaux abbey for a time, then it passed into the royal domain. At the beginning of the 14th century, it was granted to Enguerrand de Marigny, chamberlain of King Philippe le Bel.
Redesigned and embellished, the Vascœuil castle with its beautiful park welcomed the historian Jules Michelet in the second half of the 19th century, who stayed with the Dumesnil family, the owner. Today, the estate has become an art and history center housing contemporary sculptures in its French gardens, exhibitions and a museum dedicated to Michelet.
The site makes the reputation of the town which has around 350 inhabitants and also highlights its preserved landscapes.
Sometimes also called "Château de la Forestière", the Château de Vascœuil, in the immediate vicinity of the small town, to the north, is undoubtedly its jewel.
Listed in the Inventory, once the seat of a lordship integrated into the royal domain, it now appears in the form of a fortified house having been greatly embellished at the end of the Hundred Years' War (15th and 16th centuries). An octagonal tower from the 12th century with a conical roof is attached to the house on the facade overlooking the main garden (to the south-east, therefore). The central body is two stories high and is framed by a lower pavilion. The materials (such as sandstone), architectural details and decorations announcing the Renaissance (basket-handle doors, beautiful interior fireplaces) give the whole thing an undeniable character.
A superb cylindrical red brick dovecote from the 17th century in the main courtyard, which has retained its original framework as well as the rotating ladder allowing access to the dovecotes, adds to the nobility of the estate, which includes also a farm.
The exteriors, finally, consist of a French-style garden and an English-style park designed in 1774 (with beech forest and topiary) and which are enclosed over more than three hectares.
However, purchased and restored in 1965, the property has further gained in prestige since 1970, becoming an art and history center.
In the park, which the Andelle crosses, around fifty original sculptures signed by big names in modern art (Braque, Cocteau, Léger, Folon, Vasarely, etc.) and made in bronze, marble or ceramic.
In addition, temporary exhibitions are hosted twice a year, dedicated to world-renowned contemporary painters or sculptors (Dali, Dubuffet, etc.).
Labeled Maison des Illustres, the castle also houses in an 18th century outbuilding a museum dedicated to Jules Michelet, the author of a "History of France" and a "History of the Revolution" which are still authority. The establishment evokes with many documents and objects his life and his work. The historian frequented the place assiduously in the 19th century, from 1843 to 1860, guest first of Mme Dumesnil, the owner, with whom he was in love, then of her son and disciple, Alfred Dumesnil. The historian's study at the top of the medieval tower has also been reconstructed.
Open from mid-April to mid-November from Wednesday to Sunday, as well as on public holidays and every day in July and August. Visit to the exteriors: 7.50 and 12 euros. Visit to the museum, castle and gardens: 12 to 20 euros. Information on +33 2 35 23 62 35.
To see next, still in terms of heritage, the Saint-Martial church. Built in the 11th century, it has only retained some original elements of the bedside. In the 14th century, the "south" chapel was added, and in the 17th century, the entire nave was remodeled. The bays were modified in the 19th century, and the bell tower-porch dates from the last quarter of the 19th century. Note that the church preserves a 12th century tomb where Hugues de Saint-Jovinien rests, who was a hermit then canon of Saint-Laurent-en-Lyons.
On the cultural side, located in the old goods station, the Jacques Delaporte village hall hosts shows and community events: information from the town hall on +33 2 35 23 62 37.
All that remains is to enjoy the bucolic countryside and landscapes bocages and forests which mark out this hilly sector of Normandy between Seine, French Vexin and coastline. Whether you follow the valleys or explore the wooded paths, for walkers or mountain bikers, a number of routes are available from the town or passing through it. Maps and information from the intercommunal tourist office on +33 2 32 49 31 65.
