Eure department

Located in the north-west of France NormandyEure is a department rich in history, picturesque landscapes and culinary traditions. Crossed by the eponymous riverIt offers a multitude of tourist sites, charming towns and gastronomic specialities that will delight visitors in search of authenticity.

Must-see tourist sites in Eure

The Eure region is home to many emblematic sites that bear witness to its rich historical and cultural heritage. Here is a selection of places not to be missed during your visit.

Giverny: Claude Monet's garden

Giverny is world-famous as the home of the famous Impressionist painter Claude Monet. His home and gardens, a source of inspiration for many of his works, are now open to the public. Visitors can admire the famous water lily pond and Japanese bridge, immortalized by the artist.

Château Gaillard: Richard the Lionheart's fortress

Perched on a hill overlooking the Seine, Château Gaillard is an imposing fortress built in the late XIIᵉ century by Richard the Lionheart. The site offers exceptional panoramic views over the Seine valley and is a testament to medieval military architecture.

Lyons-la-Forêt: One of France's most beautiful villages

Classified as one of the "Most Beautiful Villages in France", Lyons-la-Forêt has a seductive atmosphere, with half-timbered houses, 18th-century covered market halls and a peaceful ambience. Surrounded by one of the largest beech forests in France, this village is an invitation to relax and discover Normandy's heritage.

Le Bec-Hellouin: Village and abbey

Le Bec-Hellouin is renowned for its Notre-Dame du Bec Abbey, founded in the XIᵉ century. This spiritual place is still inhabited by a monastic community and offers visitors a peaceful setting conducive to meditation. The village, with its traditional Norman houses, completes the charm of this site.

Landscapes and towns in Eure

The Eure region is distinguished by the diversity of its landscapes and the richness of its towns, combining historical heritage with modern dynamism.

Évreux: A dynamic prefecture

Évreux, capital of the département, is a city where history and modernity meet. Its Notre-Dame cathedral, a masterpiece of Gothic architecture, and its former bishop's palace, now an art museum, bear witness to the city's prestigious past. Évreux also offers a rich cultural life, with numerous festivals and events throughout the year.

Vernon: At the gateway to the Ile-de-France region

Situated on the banks of the Seine, Vernon is a town with a remarkable architectural heritage. Among its treasures are the Vieux Moulin, the town's emblem, and the Collegiale Notre-Dame, a Gothic edifice dating from the XIᵉ century. Vernon is also the ideal base for exploring the surrounding area, including the nearby village of Giverny.

Landscapes of the Seine Valley

The Seine valley crosses the Eure and offers breathtaking panoramas. The meandering river, bordered by chalk cliffs and verdant forests, is an idyllic setting for nature lovers and photographers. Numerous hiking trails are available to explore these enchanting landscapes.

The region and surrounding departments

The Eure is surrounded by several départements, each contributing to the cultural and natural wealth of the Normandy region.

Normandy: A multi-faceted region

Normandy is made up of five departments: Eure, Seine-Maritime, Calvados, Manche and Orne. This region is renowned for its historic D-Day beaches, elegant seaside resorts like Deauville, and bucolic landscapes of bocage and orchards. Normandy is also the cradle of renowned gastronomic specialties.

Departments bordering Eure

Eure shares its borders with several departments:

• Seine-Maritime North: home to port cities like Le Havre and the spectacular cliffs of Étretat.

• Oise and Val-d'Oise to the east: offering historic sites such as the Château de Chantilly and the town of Pontoise.

• Yvelines south-east: famous for the Château de Versailles and its vast gardens.

• Eure-et-Loir to the south: home to Chartres Cathedral, a masterpiece of Gothic art.

• Orne and Calvados to the west: offering a varied landscape of forests, beaches and historic towns like Caen.

Gastronomy and culinary specialities of Eure

The Eure, a Normandy department rich in agricultural and culinary traditions, offers a wide range of culinary delights. authentic gastronomyinfluenced by its generous terroir and ancestral know-how. From dairy products at apple dishesthrough to exceptional meats and sweet treats, Eure is a land of gourmet delights.

Normandy cheeses: a local staple

Normandy is famous for its cheesesEure is no exception. Among the must-try cheeses :

• Le Neufchâtel Originating from the Seine-Maritime region but very popular in the Eure, this cheese heart-shaped is a cheese soft cheese with bloomy rind. It is often compared to Camembert, but with a more melting texture and a slightly saltier taste.
• Livarot and Pont-l'Évêque These cheeses raw cow's milk are known for their powerful flavor and creamy texture. They are often served with farmhouse bread and Norman cider.

Apples and cider: emblems of the Eure region

The apple is undoubtedly the king fruit of Normandy, and in the Eure, it takes many forms:

• Norman cider Made from local apples, it is distinguished by its finesse and balance between sweetness and acidity. The Eure region is home to many artisanal cider makers who produce quality farmhouse cider.
• Calvados : This distilled apple alcoholis typical of Normandy, and is used in cooking to flambé meats and desserts. It is also served as a "trou normand", a tradition in which a small dose is taken between courses to aid digestion.
• La tarte normande Composed of caramelized apples and creamIt is often flavored with Calvados for even more flavor.

Cream and butter specialities

Normandy is famous for its cream and buttertwo essential ingredients in euroise cuisine:

• Auge Valley Chicken A typical dish in which chicken is simmered with apples, cider and crème fraîcheThe result is a creamy, fragrant sauce.
• Mussels à la Normande Unlike classic mussels marinières, these are prepared with a sauce based on cream and cider.

Sweet treats from Eure

Eure is also a land of sweet delicacies, with several local specialities:

• Norman shortbread : These little Normandy PDO butter are melt-in-the-mouth and slightly crispy.
• La Teurgoule A traditional Norman dessert made with slow-baked rice pudding with cinnamon. It is often enjoyed with the family at Sunday meals.
• Le Douillon d'Elbeuf A typical specialty wrap a whole apple in puff pastry before baking. This dessert is particularly popular in autumn.

Local meats and charcuterie

Eure is also renowned for its quality breedingin particular those of beef and lamb :

• Norman beef from local breeds such as Normande, its meat is a pleasure to eat. Tender and marbledideal for slow-cooked dishes such as cider-braised beef.
• Salt-meadow lamb Although more often associated with La Manche, Eure is home to a number of salt-meadow lamb farms that offer meat with a delicate, slightly iodized taste.

Local drinks

• The perry Less well known than cider, this is a sparkling pear winevery refreshing.
• Norman liqueurs : In the Eure region, artisanal production of apple, blackcurrant or hazelnut liqueurs to be enjoyed as an aperitif or digestive.

The Eure is therefore a a veritable gastronomic paradiseEach specialty tells its own story and reflects the local terroir. Whether you're a fan of cheeses, comforting dishes or gourmet dessertsThere's something for everyone in this Normandy department!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about the Eure département

What's so special about the Eure department?

Eure is a department of Normandy known for its rolling landscapesand its rich historical heritage. It is home to emblematic sites such as Givernythe Château Gaillard and several of France's most beautiful villages.

What are the main towns in the Eure?

The most important towns in the Eure are Évreuxthe prefecture, Louviers, Vernon, Les Andelys and Bernay. Each of these towns has its own unique heritage, with cathedrals, castles and museums to discover.

What are the must-see tourist attractions in the Eure?

The Eure region is packed with places to visit, including :

• Claude Monet's gardens at Giverny
• Château Gaillard, fortress of Richard the Lionheart
• Bec-Hellouin Abbeya major religious site
• The Seine Valley and its impressive landscapes

When is the best time to visit the Eure?

Spring and summer are the ideal seasons for discovering the Eure, especially for enjoying the gardens of Giverny in full bloom and numerous nature walks. Autumn is also a great time to enjoy the flamboyant colors of Normandy's forests.

What are the Eure's culinary specialities?

The Eure region is famous for its local produce, including :

• Le Neufchâtela Norman cheese
• Cider and Calvadosiconic beverages
• Auge Valley chickensimmered with cider and cream
• Norman apple tart and the Teurgouleslow-cooked rice pudding

What activities are available in the Eure?

The Eure offers a wide range of activities:

• Hiking and cycling along the Seine valley and in the Boucles de la Seine Normande regional nature park
• Cultural tours castles, abbeys and museums
• Gastronomic tastings at local producers of cider, cheese and Normandy specialities

How to get to Eure

The Eure is easily accessible by car from Paris (approx. 1h30 drive). There are also train lines linking Évreux, Vernon and Louviers to the capital.

Which departments border the Eure?

Eure is surrounded by several départements:

• Seine-Maritime to the north
• Oise to the east
• Eure-et-Loir and Yvelines to the southeast
• Calvados and Orne to the west

Why visit Eure rather than another Normandy department?

The Eure offers the perfect blend of nature, history and culturewithout the influx of tourists from some of Normandy's coastal departments. Its proximity to Paris makes it an ideal destination for a relaxing weekend exploring Normandy's heritage.

The Eure is a seductive destination nature lovers, history buffs and gourmetsthanks to its verdant landscapes, rich heritage and delicious cuisine.