Église Notre-Dame de la Haye, Romanesque church in Descartes, France.
Notre-Dame de la Haye is a Romanesque church with a square bell tower and a rounded tower on its side. The interior shows fragmentary paintings on the walls, and the apse has a semicircular shape that preserves the original design.
The chapel was founded in 1104 as a castle chapel and gained parish church status in 1220. During the 18th century, it was temporarily used as a storage shed before returning to its religious purpose.
The church is linked to philosopher René Descartes, who was baptized here. His family later chose this place for burials, giving the site personal meaning in local history.
Access is mainly by appointment for group visits and during European Heritage Days. Parking near the Henri IV bridge offers spaces for cars.
The church is the only surviving building of the La Haye fortress, built in the 11th century by Foulques Nerra. This powerful feudal lord left traces of his control over the region through this fortification.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
Château des Ormes
7.1 km
Château du Grand-Pressigny
9.9 km
Château de la Guerche
10.1 km
Pierre de Faon
8.9 km
Musée de la Préhistoire du Grand-Pressigny
9.9 km
Église Saint-Georges de La Haye-Descartes
151 m
Château de Bagneux
9.3 km
Dolmen dit Pierre Chaude
8.2 km
Lithic Core from Le Grand-Pressigny, France - MHNT PRE.2009.0.191.1
9.9 km
Église Saint-Pierre de Balesmes
2.1 kmChâteau du Châtelier
8.9 km
Maison natale de Descartes
345 m
Chillou du Feuillet
5.5 km
Église Saint-Avant de La Celle-Saint-Avant
9.3 km
Halle des Ormes
7.1 km
Église Saint-Vincent d'Antogny-le-Tillac
8.9 km
Église Saint-Martin d'Abilly
4.2 km
Église Saint-Clair de Pussigny
9.8 km
Église Saint-Martin de Marcé-sur-Esves
7.3 km
Église Saint-Rémi de Civray-sur-Esves
8.6 km
Église Saint-Gervais-Saint-Protais du Grand-Pressigny
10 km
Église Saint-Marcellin de La Guerche
10 km
Église Saint-Pierre-ès-Liens de Cussay
9.2 km
Église Saint-Saturnin de Neuilly-le-Brignon
7.1 km
Église Saint-Pierre de Dangé
8.2 km
Église Notre-Dame-Immaculée de Port-de-Piles
8 km
Église Saint-Martin et Sainte-Marguerite des Ormes
7.1 km
Église Saint-Romain de Saint-Romain-sur-Vienne
8.4 kmDiscover hidden gems everywhere you go!
From secret cafés to breathtaking viewpoints, skip the crowded tourist spots and find places that match your style. Our app makes it easy with voice search, smart filtering, route optimization, and insider tips from travelers worldwide. Download now for the complete mobile experience.
A unique approach to discovering new places❞
— Le Figaro
All the places worth exploring❞
— France Info
A tailor-made excursion in just a few clicks❞
— 20 Minutes