This small Norman town located on the border of the Pays d’Ouche boasts unique heritage sites: smithies, furnaces, a natural pool, Early Romanesque church, etc. In Rugles your walk takes you from one surprise to another!
*Historic centre of the pin and then needle industry in Normandy.
Thanks to its iron-rich stones in the subsoil, Rugles played an important part in the pin, needle and nail industry from the 11th to 19th century. The town would become even more renowned thanks to the "Pointe de Paris" (wire nail). Nowadays, several former industrial buildings with lavishly ornamented facades attest to this golden age.
*Notre-Dame-Outre l’Eau, one of the oldest churches in France.
This Early Romanesque church from the 10th century was built using the materials from a former Gallo-Roman building situated under the church. Fallen into disuse after the French Revolution, this building located on the banks of the river Risle, is now an exhibition and performance hall.
Walking around Rugles:
Rugles heritage trail: ask for the brochure at the Maison des Services au Public (32ter, rue Aristid Briand). A 2.5-km (1.5 mile) walk leaving from Saint-Germain Church to learn more about the history and unusual heritage of the town.
An audio guide takes you on a guided tour of this heritage trail thanks to the free app IziTravel.
Visiting Rugles:
Guided tours of the town are available upon request for groups and private individuals. Further information at +33 (0)2 32 32 17 17
Visiting Rugles with your family:
The free games' book “Inquiry in Rugles” (for children aged 7+) invites you to follow Albert the Mallard Duck and help him look for a friend of Joan of Arc who lived there. Observe, solve the riddles and find out the name of this historical figure.
The natural pool in Rugles is the first chlorine-free swimming pool in Normandy. In summer, both children and grown-ups enjoy the green and pristine water of this outdoor natural swimming pool.
Enjoy a break in Rugles:
Saint Germain's Church is listed a Historic Monument and is open every day from 10.00 am to 5.00 pm. Remodelled several times, it combines different styles of architecture: Romanesque, Gothic and Renaissance. Further information.
The François Mitterand Park, the small meadows and the square of the Allée des Tilleuls are the three green lungs of the town. With the river Risle and its tributaries running through, or overlooking the town, it is pleasant to recharge your batteries there in all seasons.
Place Foch is the central area of the town where the small shops are located. It holds a market every Saturday morning. Rugl’Art, the annual exhibition of photos made by local artists and displayed on facades throughout the town also leaves from this square.
Prices
Free for all
Services
Equipment
- Picnic area
- Outdoor games
- Free parking
- Bar, cafeteria, tea room
- Accommodation on site
Sittings
- Animals welcome
- Groups welcome