The 12 things to do in Eure

Discover some of the treasures of Normandy by going to visit the Eure. Here are the twelve must-sees in this department.

Not well known for its tourist attraction, the Eure remains full of more interesting points of interest than others. Just an hour from Paris, visiting the Eure is simple. So quickly you are transported in the middle of the country with many plateaus, valleys, forests and rivers.

In addition to a refreshing landscape, Eure is also a department responsible for History. This is where the famous impressionist, Claude Monet, realized his greatest works. A foundation was created in his memory.

If you want to escape, it’s time to discover this region and its treasures. To facilitate your stay, Wanderlix has selected the must-sees to be made in Eure.

1. Giverny

It is inconceivable to visit Eure without passing through Giverny. This city, considered one of the most beautiful in France, has a crazy charm. Mainly known for having seen the famous painter Claude Monet flourish, Giverny is full of exceptional sites.

In addition to the foundation dedicated to the painter, the city of impressionism welcomes the garden of feathers, the brewery of artists, the tithe of Giverny and of course, the museum of impressionisms. It is also here that Hotel Baudy is located. This is a former workshop where artists stayed to find inspiration, such as Cézanne or Rodin.

If you don’t want to miss anything from the city, a course is planned to totally impregnate you with the artistic atmosphere that reigns there. This is the Trail of Giverny.

Giverny is located at the gates of Normandy, only 1h15 from Paris. This is the perfect place to recharge your time for a weekend or even for a day. You will immerse yourself in a colorful universe with houses and flowery gardens. During your walks in the streets of the city, take the time to stop in the workshops, art galleries and shops that live in Giverny.

2. A boat ride on the Seine

What to do in the Eure apart from discovering its picturesque villages? If you want full nature and escape, choose a boat ride on the banks of the Seine. This allows you to discover the variety of landscapes while being on the water. You are transported to another world, away from the stress and agitation of large cities.

Several options are available to you for this walk by the water. Cruises of two to four hours are possible to escape for a few moments. And if you prefer total disconnection, six or eight-hour walks are ideal, with optional breakfasts and lunches included.

During the navigation you will discover the route of the mills and the natural landscapes cherished by the impressionists.

3. Claude Monet

Dive into the world of the master of impressionism by visiting the Claude Monet Foundation. You will discover his home and gardens which were his privileged places to find inspiration.

Claude Monet’s house was kept identical. The period furniture, Japanese prints and faiences are authentic. Just in front of the house, there is the painter’s workshop which allowed him to reveal all his genius. The Norman enclosed remains in the image of the artist’s works; all in color.

The garden of the master of Impressionism is a true treasure. It is a work of art in its own right, which he designed thanks to his passion for gardening and colours. Whatever the season, the flowers are omnipresent.

Despite the years that have passed since the artist’s death, magic is still there. Within this space of time, you will find its water garden with its Japanese bridge, nympheas, glycines and azalées. The Japanese bridge and Nymphéas are among Claude Monet’s major paintings.

The painter lived in this house in Giverny for 43 years, from 1883 to his death in 1926.

4. Animal gardens Biotropica

Come visit the Eure and the richness of its fauna thanks to the Biotropica animal gardens.

This park carries you in seven different universes:

• The tropical greenhouse: exotic animals hide behind dense vegetation;
• The creek of the casks: direction the great cold to attend a nautical ballet of manchots;
• The Australian bush: here are the kangaroos who populate the territory;
• The African bush: wild animals coming straight from Africa will inspire you during your visit to Eure;
• The gardens of Asia: a bit of softness with red pandas and dwarf otters in this space dedicated to Asia;
• The Pelican Lake: this universe has two hectares entirely dedicated to these impressive birds;
• The children's farm: Small and large will be delighted to be able to touch goats and discover more unusual species that you find on the farm.

In total, the Biotropica animal garden offers three hours of visit to discover a wide variety of animal species; mammals, reptiles, fish, amphibians, ... they are all present. The aim of this wildlife park is to enchant visitors, but also to repopulate endangered species.

5. Bernay

Dive into a typically Norman universe by visiting the city of Bernay. Walk through the alleys and discover the unusual boutiques. Among the must-sees of Bernay, the bookshop red and black offers hundreds of literary works. The dreamer’s workshop brings you to childhood with its multitude of toys. And of course, enter the premises of antique dealers to find treasures.

To refuel the energy, test local specialties in one of Bernay’s traditional restaurants, the Bistrot. The beams are visible and the china objects are invited everywhere in the decoration. Sit next to the fireplace, soak up the atmosphere and smell the smells of delicious dishes that circulate. This is the time to taste!

Every Saturday morning, the market offers local products to its residents and visitors. The Normans are in awe at this weekly meeting.

Depending on the period of your visit to the Eure, you will be able to attend local events such as the puppet festival, bookshops on the waterfront, the festival on the courtyard side, the garden side, etc.

6. Château Gaillard

Uncontournable in the Eure, Gaillard Castle is a must visit. The former fortress of King Richard Cœur de Lion immerses you in medieval times. Built more than 800 years ago to protect the Normandy from the French invasion, the castle watches over the Seine.

Faced with the wars between the Kings of England and the Kings of France, Richard Coeur de Lion, embarked on the construction of this fortress in record time. It took only a year to build this military building. The castle is located on a strategic point at the top of the Andelys hill.

Today, the function of the fortress is no longer military, but touristic. In addition to discovering the history of France, you enjoy one of the most beautiful views on the Seine. After your visit to the castle, stay until sunset to enjoy an exceptional panorama.

7. Equitation in the marsh Vernier

Visiting Eure is enjoying a quiet weekend. For this, nothing better than a walk in the Marais Vernier where nature is queen.

Located in the park of the Seine Normande, the Marais Vernier promises a total disconnection. From a panoramic tower, you can observe the entire ecosystem that lives there; ducks, migratory birds, frogs, swans, etc.

To explore the Marais Vernier and relax, take a walk on the back of a horse. Several riding centers offer you walks of one hour, half a day or a full day. Whether you’re a beginner or experienced, climb your frame to make one with the surrounding environment.

On the way, you will cross other horses, Scottish cows, cottages and orchards filled with apple trees. The Marais Vernier site is classified as a site of ecological interest at the European level. The main objective is to preserve the fauna and flora that live there. Man is only passing through this protected area.

8. Lyons-la-Forêt

Ranked among the most beautiful villages in France, Lyons-la-Forêt is an indispensable step if you come to visit the Eure. It is a romantic and bohemian getaway that awaits you in this Norman town.

The atmosphere is unique with its doves, wood-paned houses and brown wood. It is here that the adaptation of Madame Bovary’s novel was turned.

Lyons-la-Forêt is a city that attracts all artists; Maurice Ravel, Louis Aragon or André Breton settled there to find inspiration. To immerse yourself in the Norman atmosphere, take a café on the terrace and observe the life of the village and its inhabitants.

Just 1h30 from the capital, Lyons-la-Forêt is the ideal place for a romantic getaway. Guests can sleep in charming hotels, enjoy local specialties in good restaurants and chiner rare items in galleries or antique shops around the corner.

9. Domaine d’Harcourt

Dive into the Middle Ages by visiting the Harcourt area. This land of lords is a must-see in Eure. The Harcourt estate is one of the best preserved fortresses in all Normandy.

Built in earth, in wood and then in stone, the castle of Harcourt was born in the 12th century. Thanks to the permanent exhibition, you will discover the history of the fortress and large families of France.

In addition to its building, the Harcourt estate makes you discover an impressive arboretum. It is the oldest in France with more than 500 varieties of trees and shrubs. You will be impressed by the size of trees (some are more than 40 metres) and their age (some are over 150 years old). The ideal is to come to Harcourt in autumn to admire the colours of the season.

10. The Bec-Hellouin

Small village of Eure, Bec-Helloin has a crazy charm with its colorful houses and flowery alleys. Are you on Instagram? This is the time to make exceptional photos in this typical Norman town. The village welcomes the Abbey Notre-Dame-du-Bec dating from the 10th century.

Discover the monastic life within the building and enjoy a moment of relaxation while strolling around the abbey. If you stay for the day, take a bike ride along the green track.

11. Local specialities

What to do in Eure? Taste local specialties of course. You won't be disappointed. All Norman products are available in 1001 flavours; milk, cheese, apples, ...

One of Eure’s culinary must-sees; Plessis paved. It is a delicious cow’s milk cheese that can be used as an alternative to camembert.

For meat, Pont-Audemer's sausage is a clever mix of chopped pork and apples.

If you are rather sweet, taste the Mirliton of Pont-Audemer. It looks like a Russian cigarette with praline foam. A real treat!

And as any good cheese comes with wine, the Eure offers you its Vernon wine for an exceptional meal.

12. Notre-Dame d’Évreux Cathedral

Inconceivable to visit Eure without passing through the capital, Evreux. Here it is the Notre-Dame Cathedral that is worth a visit. Gothic style is the most impressive building in the city. Since 1862, the cathedral has been part of historical monuments.

Inside, you can admire its series of windows dating from the 14th century. The first stones of the cathedral were built in the fourth century. The monument suffered two fires and was remodeled over the years for an exceptional result.

How to go to Eure?

If you want to visit Eure, the best is to reach Evreux. Indeed, you can radiate on the must-sees of the department from this city. From Paris Evreux is 1h40. To reach it, you will have to take the highway A13 .

You can always choose the train. Once you arrive at Gare Saint-Lazare, an intercity train will take you to the station of Evreux.

Where to sleep in Eure?

The majority of hotel offers, apartment Airbnb , hostel, is located in Evreux and its surroundings. In order to find the best solution, we recommend using a hotel comparison .

All you have to do is prepare your bags and go to the Eure meeting!