SAINT-DENIS CHURCH

This church, built in the 17th century, depends on the diocese of Evreux. It consists of a nave without a transept ending in a three-sided apse. The square bell tower rises above the western end and houses a bell dating from 1755. Its frame structure is crowned by an eight-sided bell-shaped roof.

Inside, let us note the statue of Saint-Denis holding his head in his hands, thus reminding us of his martyrdom. A brief reminder of the facts is in order: in the middle of the 3rd century, Denis was sent by the Pope to evangelize Gaul, but the Roman authorities noticed his actions. He was killed and then beheaded in Montmartre (mons martyrum, mount of martyrs) with two of his companions, Rustique and Eleuthère, who also refused to abjure their faith. The story goes that to the amazement of the Roman soldiers, Denis picked up his head and walked until his body collapsed on the place that would become the city of Saint-Denis.

In the adjoining cemetery, you can see the cross of Bonnebos (16th century), erected where one of the lords of Bonnebos died in a duel with the Tibouvilles, as well as a thousand-year-old yew, listed in the inventory of natural sites and monuments.