Among our favorite villages in Île-de-France, this commune nestled in the Val-d’Oise is not only charming, but boasts an unusual feature. Indeed, in Haute-Isle, the point of interest that makes the town shine throughout the region is perhaps the church in its chalk cliffs, which has been completely carved out of the rock. We present this little curiosity just 60 kilometers from the capital.
The very special curiosity of this charming Île-de-France commune
Populated by picturesque villages in every corner, the Île-de-France region boasts a magnificent architectural, cultural and bucolic heritage. And if we take Val-d’Oise as an example, we can see that there’s no shortage of charming communes. La Roche-Guyon, Auvers-sur-Oise or even l’Isle-Adam, magnificent villages populate the area, and it’s not to our displeasure. This time, we’re once again heading northwest of the capital, on a branch of the Seine, where the beautiful town of Haute-Isle is located.
Right in the heart of chalk cliffs, a very odd location to found a village, and yet it’s where the first inhabitants of Haute-Isle settled in prehistoric times. Since then, and until the 19th century, the village has always been troglodyte! A listed natural site, it boasts treasures that have appealed to many Sunday hikers and cavers right up to the present day. In fact, today’s hikers often come with a specific goal in mind: to visit this incredible church, carved directly into the chalk cliffs overlooking the village. Built in the 17th century, this troglodyte edifice is the only one of its kind in the region, and one of only 5 in France!
Today, beyond this architectural curiosity, this tiny village is a delight to stroll through. The cliffs are the perfect vantage point from which to watch the Seine flow peacefully by. It’s also worth noting that a number of walking trails and even the Seine à Vélo pass through this stopover, allowing you to discover the surrounding area.
So, if you’re in the area, don’t hesitate to visit this pretty nugget, and take the opportunity to visit the neighboring villages of Vétheuil and La Roche-Guyon.