28. Hyacinth Trail – Starting point: Community Hall of Illeville-sur-Montfort

This route invites walkers to explore a landscape where deep forest, medieval heritage and a thousand years of history come together. It takes place in Illeville-sur-Montfort, one of the oldest settlements in the region.

The village name dates back to the Norman period, long before the conquest of England. Originally known as the estate (villa) of Wila (William) or Withlac, it became Willerville in the 16th century before evolving into Illeville. The same Viking-derived name can still be found in many English place names such as Illingham and Wilton. Archaeological remains and ancient fragments found in the area reveal an even older occupation dating back to the Gallo-Roman period, when this land was gradually reclaimed from the Montfort Forest.

The architectural highlight of the route is Saint-Médard Church, built mainly during the 13th century. Its low square tower, nave, choir, transept and original vaults are complemented by a remarkable 16th-century porch blending Gothic and Renaissance influences, whose elegance never fails to impress visitors.

The wooded grounds of the Château du Courant offer a few botanical surprises, including blue cedars and giant sequoias. Meanwhile, the Montfort State Forest unfolds across four long undulating sections of the route, with varied woodlands forming the backbone of this walk.

A journey through Viking memories, medieval stonework and the timeless beauty of the Norman forest.