Ifs de La Haye-de-Routot, Ancient yew trees in La Haye-de-Routot, France.
The Ifs of La Haye-de-Routot are two ancient yew trees located in the cemetery surrounding Notre-Dame church at the heart of the village. Their massive trunks are so wide at the base that they have hollowed naturally over centuries, creating interior spaces.
The eastern yew received a chapel dedicated to Sainte-Anne in 1866, while the western yew was fitted with an oratory in 1897. These additions transformed the trees into religious focal points for the village community.
These trees play a role in local customs, particularly during the July 16th Saint-Clair fire ceremony organized by a fraternity dating back to 1496. Visitors can witness how the community gathers around these ancient plants as part of their traditions and celebrations.
Both trees are easily accessible in the village center next to the church, making them simple to visit on foot. The western yew contains an active prayer space where candles are regularly lit by visitors.
The hollow trunks of these thousand-year-old trees were originally just natural cavities, but were later deliberately converted into dedicated religious spaces. What began as simple interior spaces has become a functioning chapel and oratory where visitors still pray today.
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