Allouville Bellefosse

An authentic village in the Normandy countryside

Welcome to Allouville-Bellefosse, in the heart of the Seine-Maritime region. Recognizable by its half-timbered, whitewashed and red-brick houses, this picturesque little corner of the Pays de Caux exudes Norman authenticity.

But what attracts visitors to this charming village, beyond its 1,200 inhabitants, is its symbol: the thousand-year-old oak tree. Every year, almost 30,000 visitors from all over France come to marvel at this jewel.

A thousand-year-old oak, a witness to history

Allouville-Bellefosse is a land of history, and its oak its guardian. This remarkable tree, over 1,200 years old, towers 11 metres above the village. With an impressive circumference of 10 metres at the base, this giant of nature seems to have survived the centuries without faltering, despite wars and bad weather.

This is no ordinary tree: its hollow trunk houses two small chapels one on top of the other, accessible via a wooden staircase and footbridges. The tree has long been a place of worship for villagers, and continues to inspire awe and fascination.

Legend has it that this oak saw William the Conqueror’s troops marching towards England in 1066. And even if it’s just a myth, it’s still a contemporary of Charlemagne, a detail that adds to its magic.

Chêne d'Allouville

Discovering Allouville-Bellefosse, a friendly, lively village

Allouville-Bellefosse isn’t just about its majestic tree; they also like to make their village a lively, dynamic place. The shopkeepers are happy to welcome you and all have a personal anecdote to share about their oak tree. Pushing open the door of the Pousserdas is a must in Allouville-Bellefosse, and not just for a drink.

Dominique is the memory of the village and, since 47, has kept a watchful eye on his oak tree, which is the object of a veritable cult in his country café. In just a few minutes, you’ll rediscover the atmosphere and old-world charm of our typical cafés.

For lunch, there’s no need to go far: the “Chên’ous” brasserie offers a gourmet menu that reflects Normandy’s terroir and has something for everyone.

What to do in Allouville-Bellefosse?

Visit the ‘ 50s school
After your visit to the thousand-year-old oak tree, emblematic of the village, enter the ’50s School, a real plunge back in time. Period desks, notebooks and books adorn the classroom. You don’t need to put on your school smock or solve the math at the blackboard to be fascinated by all these objects and feel the atmosphere of yesteryear.
Discover and protect local wildlife
Nature plays an important role in the village, and the CHENE association, which is active throughout the Seine-Maritime region, works to respect and protect wildlife. It houses an animal rescue center (young birds, small mammals, squirrels, hedgehogs, etc.) and an exciting discovery area for young and old alike.

Plan your weekend in Allouville-Bellefosse

Want to extend your stay in this charming village?

Choose to stay at Les Hirondelles, a renovated former cowshed surrounded by a flower-filled garden, or at La Févrerie, a traditional half-timbered Pays de Caux house.

Round off your getaway with a coffee at Le Pousserdas, a charming spot reminiscent of the old village cafés.