In the Pays de Bray and the Eaulne valley, north of Neufchâtel-en-Bray, the village of Vatierville boasts an outlying church which, thanks to its rich heritage, has just been awarded the "Patrimoine Rural de la Seine-Maritime" label in 2022.

Although not listed as a Monument Historique, the church dedicated to Saint-Pierre has regained all its charm following renovation work from 2019 to 2020, which brought to light wall frescoes.
Like many religious buildings in Seine-Maritime, the church dates back to the 11th and 12th centuries. It is in the Anglo-Norman Romanesque style. Like many buildings of the period, it was attached to a monastery or abbey. The abbey of Saint-Victor-en-Caux gave the church its patronage in 1179.
The church has an elongated plan, typical of rural churches, with a choir and narrower chevet, vaulted as an extension of the nave. The Romanesque bell tower, located between the choir and the nave, is the building?s most emblematic feature. Supported by thick walls, the steeple has three levels, with large geminated bays at the top.

The nave has been altered several times, and the flat ceiling replaces an old wooden vault. To the south, a chapel dedicated to Saint-Roch with a large Gothic bay was added in the 13th and 14th centuries.
Numerous painted elements were uncovered during restoration work. Flower decorations have now been restored in the chapel and on the ribs of the bell tower vault. On the walls of the nave, a funerary liter runs all the way to the north chapel, bearing the coat of arms of the Turgot family, who in the 18th century acquired a large amount of land in the Eaulne Valley. Another decorative feature, glazed paving stones, have been found and reintegrated into the chapel paving.

But the church?s treasures don?t stop there, as the furnishings are listed as Monuments Historiques for their quality. In the choir, three stone bas-reliefs show traces of polychrome. The high altar houses a 17th-century work depicting a Resurrection, and two side altars in the nave also contain painted panels. The ensemble, which backs onto the bell tower, is topped by a Glory Beam with a crucifix.

For all its heritage qualities, the church at Vatierville is definitely worth a visit to admire the religious history of the Normandy countryside. Near Neufchâtel en Bray, don't hesitate to discover the town emblematic of the heart-shaped cheese. If you fancy a family outing, the Eawy forest is nearby, as is the London-Paris green avenue.