The quiet and unspoilt department of Eure in the Normandy region of France is an ideal destination for those who enjoy peaceful walks, pretty villages and interesting historical attractions. Located within a couple of hours drive from Paris, the area could also be seen as a perfect retreat from the hustle and bustle of city life. Whether you enjoy beautiful natural scenery, medieval castles or unusual rural museums, then the Eure region will have something to draw you there.
The pretty town of Giverny on the banks of the River Seine is a must for any art lovers, as this is the town where impressionist painter Claude Monet lived and worked from the 1880s until his death. You can still visit the gardens that inspired him and featured in many of his works, while the town’s Museum of American Art provides space for exhibitions and cultural events based around Monet’s works. You can even visit the house where the artist lived, which has been restored to how it would have looked when he lived there.
On the cliffs above the picturesque village of Les Andelys stand the ruins of the Chateau Gaillard, offering spectacular views over the whole Eure region. Originally built in the 12th century and then destroyed in the religious wars with Britain, the ruins still give visitors an idea of the size and scale of this impressive fortification. In the nearby town of Vernon, you can take boat trips on the Seine River to enjoy the scenery, and views of the castle, from a different perspective, while the town is also home to the Chateau de Bizy, an extravagant country house whose gardens were modelled on those at Versailles. Also overlooking the Seine from a commanding position on the cliffs is the Château de La Roche Guyon which Rommel used as his headquarters during the Second World War.
The whole Eure region is dominated by its rivers, whether the impressive Seine or the smaller tributaries. The picturesque town of Pont-Audemer on the River Risle is a great base for exploring the west of the region, where some of the most unspoilt countryside can be found. This includes the Brotonne forest with its many walking and cycling trails and the small town of Bernay, home to an 11th century abbey and a museum dedicated to that staple of rural life, the cart. It’s worth spending some time in Pont-Audemer itself, wandering its medieval streets still populated with half-timbered houses and impressive historic churches.
Looking for self catering holiday accommodation in Eure? Then below is a selection of gites in Eure and villas in Eure that can be rented direct from their owners. You can either click on each listing for further details or you can use our search engine on the left if you are looking for something in particular.
