To the area known as “Golebosc” around 1060 was added Saint-Roman after the name of the archbishop of Rouen.
A peculiar feature, from 1793 to 1795, the religious connotation of the name would lead to a temporary change, the commune then becoming “Châlier des Chaussées”. Its motto: “May the winds be favourable to you every day”.
The town is organised around an “old” centre whose architecture from the late 19th and early 20th century was based on the use of flint in association with yellow and red brick. Moreover, for almost a century until the end of the Second World War, a brickworks provided the production necessary for construction.
There is great unity in all the buildings (Town Hall, Festival Hall, Grain Hall, nursery and primary schools…) enhanced by the skilful ironwork of the railings as well as the perimeter gates. Some truly beautiful villas bear witness to the “art nouveau” style.
Originally very distant, the estate would have belonged to Lord Robert de Grosmesnil, a knight who distinguished himself in 1066 during the first crusade. Two châteaux later, the last of which was rebuilt in 1883, the site became a cultural and tourist destination where professional events also take place. The 25-hectare park of Château de Grosmesnil, with its century-old trees, hosts festive events such as “Grosmesnil dans tous ses états”, an original concept which aims to put art and gardens in the spotlight, with a message of environmental awareness and reuse, as well as the “circus festival”.
Emile Maze, butcher by trade, in Place Benoit, had the brilliant idea to revisit the ancestral recipe of blood sausage cooked by the families of the village. And so the new Saint-Romain blood sausage was born. Its success has never wavered. A few onions, garnished with a piece of bacon in the middle, not forgetting a bit of crème fraîche (hell, we’re in Normandy) and a good swig of “fine” Calvados from Pays de Caux. It is served with apples and a glass of local cider.
An honourable Brotherhood now maintains the tradition, preserves the art of tasting, sampling and promoting local produce, as well as safeguarding the recipe. For this purpose, it runs an annual competition in which butchers, caterers and cooks compete against each other.
The weekly market at Saint-Romain-de-Colbosc is a real institution. It is one of the oldest in the Pays de Caux. Every Saturday morning, small producers present the best of their know-how: fruit and vegetables, poultry and farm-fresh produce… The picture wouldn’t be complete without the food trades, florists and, of course, the clothing and shoe sellers…
A much-anticipated event! Organised in the stunning setting of Château de Grosmesnil and its park, this festival of circus and street arts brings together young and old in a good-natured, festive atmosphere over three days. Each year, the involvement of volunteers, without whom none of this would be possible, demonstrates the local desire to create major events that bring the population together around special shared moments.
A show under a big top, about fifty performances, open access, free of charge and in the open air with entertainment for the whole family (make-up, circus experience, merry-go-round and meetings with the artists).
Don’t miss the churches of Saint Jean d’Abbetôt, including the crypt with its exceptional mural paintings, unique in the region, the church of Saint Vigor d’Ymonville for its architecture following the plan of the Norman churches of the 11th century (bell tower at the crossing of the transept, capitals decorated with volutes), as well as Château de Gommerville (still inhabited).
