Where to visit in France for a Holiday - Eure in Normandy
Eure (department number 27) is located in the region of Haute-Normandie and has an estimated population of 541,054.
The department is a largely wooded plateau cut by the valleys of the Seine River and its tributaries.
Why you should visit Eure for your next holiday in France: Ancient ramparts and gothic architecture combine with lush green countryside, orchards and flowing water to make this department something quite special. Visit this delightful area and see for yourself what inspired the impressionists. Plenty of things to see and do for either a long holiday or short break. The department enjoys a similar climate to the UK but its location means it is slightly milder year round. As with England, summers are warm with temperatures in the mid 20C and in the height of the season, temperatures can reach into the 30's.
What to see in Eure The main tourist attraction is Giverny (4 km from Vernon) where Claude Monet's beautiful house and garden can be seen, in addition to other places of interest. Richard the Lionheart's ruined Ch?teau Gaillard perches above Les Andelys with superb views across the Seine. Evreux's cathedral is a gothic masterpiece with brilliant stained glass. Charming Pont Audemer is on the edge of the huge Brotonne Forest.
Evreux
Evreux is the capital town of the department and is an important commercial and market center. It is one of the oldest towns in France, with many splendid sites. Evreux has a bishop and boasts a cathedral which is one of the largest and finest in France.
On the Iton river just west of the Eure, it is surrounded by postwar architecture, but offers three fabulous attractions: an excellent museum with exceptional Gallo-roman finds; a Cathedral of Notre-Dame (11th-18th C.), which managed to miss the war bombs and today still displays its flamboyant Gothic features and stained glass; and the Abbey of St Taurin (11th-15th C.) that contains the thirteenth century shrine of Saint Taurin, a masterpiece of French goldsmith's work.
Evreux has had its fair share of historical bad luck. The town was flattened by the Vandals in the 5th century; it was pillaged by Normans in 892; taken and burned by Henry I of England in 1119 and in 1194 it was captured by Philip Augustus of France. During the 15th century, control of the town alternated between the English and French.
Evreux was badly damaged during the air raids of 1940 (when the town burned for an entire week) and also in 1944.
Another interesting fact, Jimi Hendrix kicked off his first tour with the Experience in the town of Evreux, 13 October 1966 - an event commemorated by a plaque in the town!
Bernay
Bernay, once a religious centre is today a busy market town. It is located south of Pont Audemer. The town is a major farming centre with surrounding fields full of cows. There is a small museum in the centre with a collection of paintings, furniture and ceramics.
Le Bec-Hellouin
Le Bec-Hellouin is a typical Norman style village with half timbered houses set among the orchards. Probably its most major attraction is its abbey, which was founded in 1034. The abbey was once one of the most important religious sites in northern Europe.
Pont-Audemer
A lovely market town, nicknamed "Norman Venice", Pont Audemer is situated tothe west of Evreux. It has a town centre worth exploring on foot with a popular market held on Mondays.
Verneuil sur Avre
This delightful ancient town is located in the south west corner of the Eure department. Once heavily fortified, the ramparts now make an enjoyable walk and there are some picturesque medieval houses around the towns centre.
Vernon
The town of Vernon lies on the banks of the Seine and is an ideal base from which to explore both Les Andelys and Giverny. A popular destination, you will often find hotels fully booked and restaurants very busy.
Nonancourt
Nonancourt's origins go back to the Roman invasion, but the town really came into its own when Henry I of England established a fortress here in the 12th century as a defence against the French to the south. The town was rebuilt in the 16th century after it was badly destroyed during the Hundred Years' War. Although the fortress no longer exists, the little town still offers plenty of architecture from the late middle ages as well as very pretty walks along by the river Avre.
Giverny
Normandy was the birthplace of Impressionism and in Monet's garden at Giverny it is easy to see why he wanted to capture the beauty on canvas. The garden is open from the spring to the mid-autumn and queues can get very long, but many agree it is worth the wait. Conches-en-ouche The picturesque town of Conches-en-ouche is located near the River Rouloir. There are plenty of sites to see including many beautiful medieval houses, the church of Ste-Foy whose windows are made of superb Renaissance stained glass and a ruined twelfth-century castle. In addition to everything ancient, Conches also boasts many modern sculptures that are placed around the town. The surrounding countryside is made up of lush pastures, orchards, rivers and forests, which are perfect for afternoon strolls and picnics.
Les Andelys
The hill-top Ch?teau Gaillard at Les Andelys conjures up images of days of old, where Richard the Lion heart held court (his heart is entombed in Rouen cathedral). The Ch?teau dominates any approach by land or along the Seine and is said to have been captured by brave souls coming through the sewers. It is advisable to double check opening hours with the local tourist office before making the climb.
How to get there
Holiday accommodation in Eure is easily accessible.
By air, Skysouth are the only direct airline and they fly six times a week direct from Shoreham (ESH) to Caen (CFR). Prices start at around ?70 for a single trip. Alternatively, the nearest international airport is in Paris
Driving would be the common mode of transport to get to the department as Normandy is just a quick hop across the channel to either Le H?vre or Dieppe, both conveniently located close to Eure. A couple of auto routes go to the nearby city of Rouen and from there take the N154 to Evreux.
By train, go by Eurostar from the UK to Calais and then take the TGV to Le Havre or Rouen. The train station ?vreux-Embranchement is on the railway line from Gare Saint-Lazare to Cherbourg. It is served by regular Intercity and regional rail services to both Paris and Basse-Normandie.
About Author: Glynis Shaw is from French Connections where you can Find Self Catering Holiday Properties in Eure, Normandy including gites, villas or bed and breakfasts. Plus discover more about Eure and many other areas of France to help you plan your next French holiday.
Glynis Shaw is from French Connections where you can Find http://www.frenchconnections.co.uk/en/search/property/512-holiday-in-north-west-france/151-normandy/223-eure Self Catering Holiday Properties in Eure, Normandy including gites, villas or bed and breakfasts. Plus discover more about Eure and many other areas of France to help you plan your next French holiday.
French Articles:
The Beautiful Country Of France, A Place Worth Visiting
France is a beautiful, romantic country that is full of art and architecture. When in France the street life, wonderful fields of Aquitaine, McDonald?s and the neighborhood bakery all prove that France is an unhomogenized country. Once you set foot in France, you will really feel that as if you are embarking on a new and exciting love affair with France!
What Is French Country Style?
French Country style decor may not be as difficult as you think to achieve in your home. A few simple touches can give your home the look you are looking for.
Neuroscientists Will Meet in La Ciotat, France, to Talk About Applications of Basic Research to Novel Treatment of Neurological Diseases
From Basic Research to Novel Treatment: Lost in Translation. Neuroscientists will meet in La Ciotat, France, to talk about applications of basic research to novel treatment of neurological diseases.
French Connection: Grande Absente Provides Link Between America and Forbidden French Absinthe Recipe -- 148 Year-Old French Recipe Harkens the Pinn
Americans looking to hoist a glass in honor of today?s French Bastille Day can now turn to the authentic Grande Absente, Absinthe Originale. Hand crafted in Provence, Grande Absente, Absinthe Originale is one of the oldest, traditional absinthe recipes dating back to 1860 and originating from south of France - the epicenter of absinthe culture in the late 19th century. Grande Absente, Absinthe Originale features a full measure of the legendary botanical Wormwood, also known as artemesia absithium ? a key ingredient in authentic absinthe.
French Spanish Language Schools Of Education
Learning Spanish: Spanish Language Program
The Cuisine Of French Polynesia
Tahiti or French Polynesian food is known throughout the world because of its exotic fruits, fresh fish and vegetables which are prepared with a strong French influence underlying the Tahitian ingredients. Restaurants in French Polynesia are from a wide variety of backgrounds including and inevitably French and Tahitian, but also Chinese, Vietnamese, and Italian.
Attraction Place in France.
France has become a leading holiday destination for tourists looking for romance, variety and excitement. While the cities provide a glimpse of the urban France, it is the countryside that reveals the true character of French men and woman.
Tahiti: Danger and Waters Rising in Polynesia From French Nuclear Tests and Global Warming, reports Tahitiradiococotier.com
Unutea Hirshon, member of the Parliament, calls French Secretary Estrosi on rising waters in the islands, reports Tahitiradiococotier.com, the Premier E-magazine of French Polynesia
Caravans in France - The New Holiday Trend
Does travelling and going on holiday seem a bore Have you exhausted all ideas to have an entertaining holiday with your family and loved ones
The most Beautiful Parks and Garden of Normandy in France.
In Normandy, the water, the light, the colours, the gentle landscape and the rich diversity of its heritage all lend themselves perfectly to the gardeners art.
ACCOR Hotels Promotes Le Spa At Sofitel At Three Luxurious French Polynesia Resorts
Accor Hotels offers the ultimate in relaxation and luxury with Le Spa at Sofitel, at three of its exclusive Sofitel resorts in French Polynesia.
Universal Music: First Major Album Release in Five Years Gets Boyz II Men on X Factor in UK and Star Academy in France
Boyz II Men are about to launch their first major album in five years and will be appearing on this week's X Factor in the UK and next week's Star Academy in France.
French Bulldogs Are A Trend
The origin of French bulldogs can be traced back to England. French bulldogs are said to be descendants of the miniature variety of English Bulldogs that have tulip-ears, and are short, under-jawed specimens. They used to be commonly found in London, Nottingham, Birmingham, and Sheffield before they were brought to France by lace workers in Normandy.
Top Ten Things To Visit In France
When you?re in the magnificent country of France, the question is not what you should do, the question is what is there that?s not to do? It seems that the liberated air of Parisians is contagious, and all you want to do when you?re in Paris is to be as free and artistic and relaxed as any regular Parisian you meet on the street. Coffee in one hand and crepe in the other, what else is better than eating it al fresco in the cool Parisian morning breeze?
Why I'm Learning French In France
My personal experience to learn any foreign language is to visit that foreign land and to buy travelers kit (one of those Lonely Planet books) for that country. Walking inside the country you want to know more about makes to feel more involved and then you will be able to absorb more about that nation. Then, your basic travel guide and interactivity with local people makes you learn the lingo more easily, and thoroughly. Although there are few things before you step on this land of romantic language as follows: