A year of special events and activities.

In 1860 the seaside resort of Deauville was born. To celebrate its 150th birthday this town in Normandy will host all kinds of events all throughout the year. With concerts, trade fairs, fêtes, theatre and dance, sporting events and so on there is plenty for everyone.
Special highlights include the New Year festivities, the Asian film festival, the Omnivore food festival, the festival of American cinema, and guided tours of interesting places in town.

Ink worth its weight in gold.

Building on the success of the "Cartooning for Peace" foundation, the Caen memorial will be displaying a selection of works dealing with this powerful, universal theme. Cartoonists, illustrators and professionals in graphic arts were called upon to produce a number of works to explore the theme.

Organised for the first time in October 2006 at the UN headquarters, the event draws artists and illustrators from throughout the world to take part in an artistic melting pot unlike any other…

Shortbread treats.

Created in 1904 by Charles Bansard, Asnelles shortbread continues to perfume the air of the town to this day. The factory also produces other shortbread cakes as well as cookies and financiers (almond cakes), still using traditional craftsman's methods. Visits (by appointment) explain the manufacturing process and production line.

A proud casino.

In 1912, the duke of Morny, who founded the seaside resort of Deauville in the 1860s, entrusted Eugène Cornuché, the director of the resort, and Mr Le Hoc, owner of the Trouville casino with the construction of a new casino in order to liven up the sea front.

The building was inaugurated on 11 July 1912 in front of 1 500 guests.
In 1975, the first Festival of American Film, held in the cinema and the reception rooms of the Deauville Casino Barrière.
In 2007, the Casino's game rooms were extended and the O² Sofa Bar opened.

18th century heritage.

Lovers of history, ancient buildings, open spaces and walking... welcome to Alençon and its surrounds.
An little-known example of local heritage is the town's private mansion that dates from the 18th century. Tours of the exterior on request.
Don't be shy!

A concept to discover.

Discover the Mont Saint Michel like never before. The Archéoscope is a new multimedia project put together by Yves Devraine, a concept which will represents a completely new approach to visiting this historic edifice. The Archéoscope is a sound and light show designed to paint the Mont and adjoining abbey with video projections, a laser show, holograms… Expect a fantastic show and see the Mont in its finest, most original attire!

Steel and music.

This foundry workshop has been crafting bells since as far back as 1865; the Cornille Havard foundry has become one of if not the top manufacture in the field.

Working with moulds, molten metal and thousand-degree environments are only some of the aspects of this difficult profession. Discover an age-old craft, a tradition that has trickled through the generations to bless a select few aprrentices.

Lest we forget.

In chronological order, the museum retraces the different stages in the history of the Second World War, from the exodus to the Liberation.
It stresses the primordial role played by the port of Cherbourg as a supply base for the Allied armies fighting to win back France.
The permanent collection has been reorganised and new displays created: prisoners of war, everyday life under the Occupation, and the victims of genocide. Whether this is your first visit or one of many, the Liberation Museum is well worth your attention.

Mature trees providing a home for diverse populations.

The forest, once a "royal forest", is made up of mature oaks and is divided into three massifs occupying the terraces of the Sarthe and the adjoining hills, and became a national forest in 1868.
Granite markers laid in 1875, still to be seen around the edges of the forest, mark the boundaries of its 1,190 hectares.
It provides a refuge for familiar forest animals and birds (deer, wild boar, hares, foxes, magpies, etc.) and the forest ponds are home to an immense variety of pond life.

A place of Marian worship.

Funded by subscription, the first stone of the basilica was laid on 26 March 1855, and the church was consecrated on 7 May 1872 par Monseigneur Rousselet in the presence of a vast crowd.
On stepping inside the door, the visitor is transfixed by the play of light filtering through the 48 stained glass windows, the many ex votos, the scintillating reflections of the gold in the great Holy Trinity medallion above the Virgin.

Dedicated to the Virgin Mary on the occasion of the Proclamation of the Dogma of the Immaculate Conception in 1854, the iconography of the basilica is dedicated to explaining, illustrating and glorifying this act of faith.
Special celebrations and pilgrimages are held on key dates in the Marian calendar, in the Month of Mary, and on the anniversary of the basilica's consecration.

All the civilisations in one museum.

Founded in 1832 and surrounded by a magnificent botanical garden, the museum invites visitors to discover a fascinating and original collection of archaeological and ethnographic exhibits from the 5 continents.
Immerse yourself in the unique atmosphere of the one-time "cabinets of curiosities" to discover a fabulous collection of stuffed animals, fossils, minerals and exotic objects (rooms dedicated to Egypt, Asia, Oceania, Africa and America) or yet more treasures unearthed by archaeological digs in the region.

Over 200 breeding animals.

This small breeds conservatory, specialising in miniature breeds, features ponies, donkeys, cows, goats, sheep, pigs and alpacas:
Pets for sale, warranties/deliveries in France and abroad;
Approved show-farm: see over 200 breeding pairs during a guided tour of the farm.

From apples to cider.

Since 1932, the Cidrerie Marcel Viard has been producing traditional cider from local Norman cider apples. See how "Bayeux" cider is made: the orchard, the cellars, the packing room. The cider farm was the first to be liberated in France in June 1944.
It was designated a primary military target, to ensure supplies needed for the freshly-landed British troops.

Don't lost your compass.

Good times are just growing on trees in Bayeux's Labyrinth. Take a tour of the gardens and enjoy a cultural and educational experience among friends, young and old, or with the whole family. Remember to pack some water and snacks, because this will be a two-hour tour where you might, and probably will, get side-tracked or completely lost.

Do not dispair, visitors are given a map upon entry and can always check the book when they take a wrong turn again, and again…

Bring a horse-shoe for good luck…

The city of Deauville boasts not one but two racecourses: Deauville - La Touques and Deauville - Clairefontaine. La Touques is a stunning, expansive racecourse with all the amenities to keep parents happy and children occupied (pony-rides included). Free tours are even organised on race days.

When it comes to the actual event, this racecourse is well-tended and run professionally and makes for an exciting, action-packed afternoon!

Not just on Fridays!

Every Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday morning, the catch of the day is sold at Honfleur fish market on the Jetée de Transit.
If you love fresh-caught fish, here is the place to find all the best of the seasonal catch, to be cooked or eaten raw, as tartare in a lemon -juice marinade, as a ceviche, or as sushi.

Church listed as an historic monument.

The 11th century church of Sainte-Marguerite was used as a place of worship by the faithful of Carrouges until the 19th century.
Originally Romanesque in style but substantially modified over the centuries, the church today is a vast granite building in the shape of a Latin cross.
Not to be missed: the impressive Louis XIII polychrome wood retable, the tabernacle and the rotating pulpit, all listed as historic monuments.

Beach babes and culture-vultures.

The Trouville museum, set up in the Villa Montebello, will tell you all about the history of this historic beach resort.

Ethnographic artefacts, along with rich art collections, retrace the history of this fascinating commune from different perspectives to give you a rounded view.

The museum's other halls are more focused, with for example a display space dedicated to Raymond Savignac and another to the André Hambourg collection. One of the galleries, on the dock of the harbour, hosts temporary exhibitions throughout the year.

An open history-book...

Situated in the centre of the Orne département, a stone's throw from the forest of Ecouves, Sées has been an episcopal town city since the 5th century and has managed over the centuries to retain all the charm of a small town while gradually acquiring the essential facilities of everyday life.
Any visitor who enjoys characterful towns will appreciate the simple pleasure of exploring the historic, craft and gastronomic legacy of this administrative centre of 5,000 souls living around their cathedral, a masterpiece of Gothic art bearing witness to a long history of some considerable interest.

To explore Sées is, above all, to open up a precious history book to be deciphered street by street, monument by monument, with an epilogue that gives pride of place to local craftsmanship.
The Tourist Office organises guided tours of the episcopal city and its cathedral, by appointment only and for groups.

A regional product.

"Le Carrouges" is a farmhouse gruyère-type cheese that can also be found featuring in recipes by local restaurateurs as well as on the cheese counter at grocery stores.
Look for it on market stalls in Alençon, Argentan, Carrouges, la Ferté-Macé, Caen, Lisieux, Falaise and Bagnoles-de-l'Orne.

A natural habitat to be protected.

Les Petits Riaux lies within the Ecouves forest, in the commune of Lande-de-Goult, and is a typical example of the peat-bogs of the Massif Armoricain.
These rare habitats are home to a distinctive range of plants capable of adapting to the harsh prevailing conditions.
Guided tours are available through the Park or the Conseil Général de l'Orne.
Group visits can be organised on request (for predetermined groups).
Plants of particular interest include drosera (sundew), butterworts (small carnivorous plants), sphagnum mosses forming thick, spongy carpets, or the bog asphodel (Narthecium Ossifragum).

In the hamlet of Goult, explore "Caesar's camp" (a Neolithic settlement) and the Priory of Saint-Michel de Goult (12th century porch).

Label Orne Terroir.

Buildings new and old on the edge of the Forêt d'Ecouves, with free-range birds roaming in green fields.
On sale, per kilo:
Chicken: 6.10€
Duckling: 7€
Guinea fowl: 7.10€
Turkey: 7.62€
Duck: 6.40€
Capon: 13.10€

A bike, my kingdom for a bike!

March 23rd 2008 is the inauguration date for the new self-service bicycle-rental system organised by the Caen town hall: V'eol.
With over 40 parking stations throughout the city, a new transport system is available for locals and tourists alike. The service will be at your disposal 24/7, forever changing the workings of inner-city transportation. Not only will it reduce pollution, but users will be getting fitter at every ride!

V'eol parking stations are positioned throughout the city.

Sticky but delicious.

Before it gets to that annoying but delicious stage of sticking to our teeth and palates, toffee has to go through a series of transformations, all of which are described in this factory tour which takes visitors through every phase of the manufacturing process.

From bubbling in a copper vat, with the addition of different ingredients that produce various toffees, through to the packaged product, you'll find your mouth watering from start to finish.

Meet William the Conqueror!

You may not believe it, but you can see pirates, Vikings, princesses and 19th-century damsels all in the same day...

Festyland, a major theme park set up near the city of Caen, will welcome you with open arms. Children of all ages as well as teens and adults can be sure to find something to their liking in this magical environment!

The park's colourful shows, made of moving stories and breathtaking stunts, will keep you on the edge of your seat from start to finish. Don't miss out, get into the "festy" mood!

A different world.

This display will cover 25 years of paintings signed Françoise Boueste-Coüasnon, an artist who reveals the world in a different light.

Her creations have a certain dream-like quality, a sense of the unreal that is hard to describe. Her works show a certain sensitivity, a certain warmth - in particular the dioramas and naturalist works. So don't think twice and step into a dreamscape, courtesy of Françoise Boueste-Coüasnon.

Bringing to life the epic history of William the Conqueror.

This mind-blowingly immense tapestry, made entirely from wool, has told the story of the conquest of England by William Duke of Normandy for the past millenium…

This archaic comic strip, truly a graphic history book, will transport you into a medieval epic filled with viking "Drakkars" and Normand knights.

From the Middle Ages till the present day.

Built in the 14th and 15th centuries, the Halles du Marché are one of the more popular areas in Dives-sur-Mer; possibly one of the top attractions in the whole of Normandy. Made entirely from stone and wood, the structure is startlingly well preserved - furthermore its ingenious design ensures that even in summer the atmosphere is cool. These historic "Halles" host the weekly market to this day…

An historic beach.

On Omaha Beach itself, the museum exhibits a nice collection of uniforms, weapons, personal objects and vehicles in a surface area of 1200 m2.
Numerous scenes, beautiful archive photographs, maps, themed panels, a barge, a Belgian barrier, a 155mm canon named Long Tom, a Sherman tank etc, as well as a film with testimonies of American veterans will clearly explain the landings on Omaha and the Pointe du hoc.

In the footsteps of Marcel Proust…

By walking up the beach in Cabourg you cannot help but notice the imposing Grand Hôtel… This imposing palace, boasting no less than four stars, seems to embody the character and history of this beach resort from its darkest hours to its golden era.

Elegant, refined and imbued with a sense of prestige, this establishment brings to mind the French Belle Epoque and the beginnings of the sea-bathing craze, when Paris's high class flocked to the shores in summer. Marcel Proust, for example, was a recurrent holidaymaker in Cabourg.

A sailor's nook…

Make your way to Honfleur's musée d'Ethnographie et d'Art Populaire for an otherworldly experience… The Mariner's Hall (Salle du Marin) is designed as a reproduction of the residence of a typical sailor from 18th or early 19th-Century Honfleur.

Within, one can admire a Louis XVI clock, a dog-sculpture in English china, a Sheep-bone crucifix and a variety of other items that are unique or representative.

Where silence reigns.

With its church and conventual buildings, the abbey of Saint-Martin forms a fine classical example of the 18th century. Visit the abbey church, the sacristy and the main convent rooms including the extensive library containing 50,000 volumes.

Norman collection.

The museum owns an extensive collection of 15th and 19th century works. From Fra Angelico to Camille Claudel by way of Guillaume Fouace and David, the museum offers a splendid collection of some 300 paintings and sculptures from the 15th to the 19th centuries.
As Normandy's third largest museum, it houses a unique collection of the works of Jean-François Millet, Van Gogh's "spiritual father" (some thirty paintings, plus sketches, charcoals and prints).
One room is entirely given over to the works of Guillaume Fouace, a local artist who enjoyed considerable success during his lifetime, particularly with his still-lifes. They hang in the section following the Millet exhibition...

The biggest forest in the département.

The forest of Ecouves, covering an area of 8,153 hectares, is managed by the French forestry commission, the Office National des Forêts, and is the largest in the département.
The ONF, which manages 27,000 hectares of state-owned forests in the Orne, is charged with preserving France's natural heritage by implemeting multi-functional management of the three main functions assigned to the national forests:
- economic activity, through the production of high quality workable wood;
- A choice of tree species and techniques appropriate to the ecological conditions (climate, soil, etc.);
- Sustainable game management;
- Recreational functions including:
- public amenity areas;
- environmental education in schools and for the general public;
- Opening of footpaths;
- An environmental function: with a programme of campaigns aimed at the conservation and/or rehabilitation of habitats and species of special heritage interest.

A taste for the authentic.

Every Wednesday morning, Honfleur holds its organic market in the Place Sainte-Catherine.
All those who love truly healthy fruit and vegetables, often smaller than usual because not artificially swollen with water but tasting the way fruit and vegetables used to taste, will find a wide selection of organic food products guaranteed free of pesticides, chemical fertilizers or additives.

3 different ciders.

Drop in and taste 3 very different ciders made in the cider-apple orchards in the Normandy bocage in the centre of this granite-built hamlet (10 min from the Château de Carrouges).
When the current owners took over the farm 15 years ago, they planted 10 different varieties of apple tree.
Taste the ciders and the cider jelly.
John will be more than happy to answer all your questions.

When in Normandy, drink cider!

Le Buhot farm is located near the town of Sées, in a former 15th century priory.
We make our cider from eight varieties of cider-apple.
You are cordially invited to taste our products at the farm.

On sale:
Cider: 2.03€ to 2.45€ per bottle;
Apple juice: 1.70€ ;
Aperitif: 9.15€.

Nature disciplined by reason.

Magnificent in itself, the Château de Brécy can also boast 17th century Italianate gardens magnificently laid out in terraces, culminating in ornamental wrought-iron gates by Isaac Geslin that seem to open onto empty sky.
Numerous sculptures and flower beds framed in embroidery-patterned box borders in the style of Claude Mollet make this a truly unique sight.

Lover of authentic local foods?

The farm is organised to handle the full range of farming operations starting with 2 day-old ducklings and ending in finished products for sale at the farm or at market.
The ducks grow and develop peacefully on the farm's three hectares of meadowland.
At 13 weeks, they are force-fed exclusively on whole grain corn.
The next step in preparation takes place in spacious areas under strictly-controlled conditions, to arrive at our outlets in the form of pâtés and ready-cooked dishes, duck terrine with whole foie gras or blocks, rillettes... Bon appétit!

A delicious market display.

Honfleur's traditional market is a positive delight for anyone who appreciates the best fresh fruit and vegetables or fish, as well as for lovers of fine food looking for the best local produce (milk jam, honey, marmalade, garden vegetables, orchard fruit, chicken, rabbit, cheese, farmhouse butter, foie gras, oysters, etc.)

235,000 hectares of greenery!

Le Parc Naturel Régional Normandie-Maine is one of France's 44 regional national parks.
It covers a rural area recognised nationally for its heritage and landscape.
Between Argentan and Sillé-le-Guillaume from north to south, and between Le Mêle-sur-Sarthe and Mortain from east to west, the Park covers a total of over 235,000 hectares.
Vast moorlands, the hills of Normandy and the Maine (the westernmost point), forests, orchards of full-size fruit trees (pears in particular), streams and rivers flowing down from the watershed, outstanding cultural heritage (chateaux, manor houses, religious monuments, knowhow and traditions, etc.) set the countryside apart.

Not to be missed:
- The Maison du Parc in Carrouges: Park information centre (walking guides and maps, climbing site, discovery guides, programme of events);
- In Carrouges: exhibitions and sale of craft and food products in July, August and December, in a remarkable 16th century collegiate church;
- An outdoor activity centre in the Alpes Mancelles: outdoor activities for a better knowledge and understanding of nature (kayaking, climbing, mountain-biking, orienteering, archery, understanding the environment).

Memories of war.

Close to the town centre of Colleville-sur-Mer, 9 841 soldiers are buried in the American cemetery of Omaha Beach, near the site of the Landing of 6 June 1944, a tribute to the Second World War and the Normanie landings.

On the never-ending lawns, the lines of white crosses remind us of the courage and folly of man.

A theme park for all ages.

Located only 25 minutes from the Mont Saint-Michel, this theme park offers children a staggering array of activities and events…
Discover the "Fun" section of the park with its thirty or so activities such as the "Crazy Cars" or "Wall of Champions". During the summer season there is even a water-park where you can slip and slide and splash to your heart's content. The Chalet area is perfect for young adults or toddlers' parents, a place where they can play pool, bowling or table-football.

Delicious duck

Duck farming, production of farmhouse foie gras;
Sale of duck products: foie gras, confits, terrines, rillettes, smoked breast fillets;
Ready-cooked dishes in sealed jars: cassoulets, sauerkraut with duck confit, duck with orange, duck thighs in cider, etc.

A giant preserved.

The Château de Fontaine-Henry is perched high over the rich green valley of the Mue.
Its dizzyingly high roofs top a richly sculpted building in the 15th and 16th century styles.
Follow the guide around the interior of the chateau and admire an outstanding collection of furniture and old masters. Children will enjoy the special activities laid on for them in the grounds, and the old-fashioned toys and games.

Discover the Andouille fo Vire

Typical component in the cuisine of Normandy, and source of pride, the andouille (special sausage) of Vire is still produced artisanally in the Andouillerie in Sienne Valley.
Located near the Mont Saint-Michel and the D-Day beaches, this small family business, run by Jacqueline and Bernard Boscher, produces andouille, smoked ham, traditional pates and other regional products.

During guided tours of the facilities, the public is invited to discover the manuel fabrication of the andouille followed by a tasting of this speciality whose recipe has been passed down from generation to generation.

36,000 hectares of unspoilt nature.

The Perche is an ancient French province enjoying something of a revival, and is distinguished by a strong geographical, historical, landscape and architectural identity. The Parc Naturel Régional du Perche, created five years ago, covers 118 communes divided between two départements, the Eure-et-Loir and the Orne. The Perche is characterised by a wide diversity of natural habitats: bocages (a mixture of fields, hedgerows and woodland), pastures, 36,000 hectares of forest, ponds and wetlands, hillsides and moorland supporting over 1,200 plant species and a varied fauna including some thirty species listed as of European interest.
The Perche also enjoys a remarkable architecural heritage: manor houses, splendid farms and picturesque villages. The identity of the Perche is also expressed in its customs, local events, traditional activities and popular arts and crafts.
The Manoir de Courboyer, standing in a 65 hectare landscaped estate, houses the Maison du Parc. The estate is a focal point for tourism and cultural activities, offering a range of events and activities: tours of the manor house, exhibitions, Perche produce stalls, a gastronomy centre, etc.

A 19th century church and later works.

Built to the plans of the architect Toutain, the Notre-Dame-de-Bon-Secours church was built in the second half of the 19th century, in 1883. This large building is surprising in its proportions and appearance. Behind a tall narrow facade, lies a church that is bathed in light.

Inside, do not miss the works of religious art which are shown there, such as the Flagellation tapestry, from the 15th century, and the wrought iron candle holder from the same period.

An elegant city hall…

The Trouville City Hall is a Louis XIII-style building that dominates the skyline in Trouville-sur-Mer. As you explore this historic beach resort, be sure to stop and admire this stunning edifice with its sober, elegant lines and red brick facades. It was designed by architects Paul and Laurent Farge.

The facade also includes one of the most original circular foreparts you will ever see, giving an unusual character to a building that is all angles and planes.

A selection of treasures of sacred art.

The museum displays a selection of masterpieces of sacred art: paintings, sculptures, gold and silver work, cabinet-making, liturgical ornaments from the Middle Ages down to the present day.
These include the ivory liturgical comb of Saint Thomas à Becket, reliquaries from the abbey of Saint-Evroult, the Carrouges chasuble.

A poet, a freedom-fighter.

Nazim Hikmet, who is no less than one of Turkey's greatest poets, fought for freedom his whole life.

The poet passed away at age 61, but only after being sentenced to 50 years of prison term - he finished his years in exile. One of the great tragedies of his life was to lose his Turkish nationality, yet his writings will forever remain powerful weapons in his battle for justice…

Seeing is believing…

The Voir, Savoir expo is in essence a study of the relationship between pedagogical content and graphic images… The core concept was to map out the usage of images throughout Western history, in particular their usage in educational contexts.

More than 300 documents will be on display and set up so that the visitor may admire them chronologically. From the first prints to our current image-saturated culture, learn the truth behind the expression "seeing is believing"…

Two lakes to fish!

Two lakes on a private estate in the Eure valley: fishing competitions organised on request.
Picnics, barbecues, tennis, pétanque, mountain-biking, cycling.
Nearby, canoeing on the Eure available.
Gîte rural 3 épis and furnished cottage on the property.

Learn, understand, pick, enjoy!

Picking fruit and vegetables fresh from the garden is such a pleasure... But it's important to know when, where and how. All will be explained during this fruit-picking event: when to pick and how, because picking is not as easy at is might seem.

There is a method to the harvesting process, particular to each fruit or vegetable, in order to avoid damaging your hard-earned goods. Instructive, healthy and value for money: pick-your-own is a winner on every count.

Takes your breath away!

Nature provides the backdrop for an original round-up of family leisure activities at the heart of the French forests.

The setting is ideal for the Adventure Forest, a place of discovery, physical activities and excitement.

Make your way along the tracks, paths and circuits and to the different workshops offering something for everyone.

Learning and understanding go hand in hand with walking, crazy exploits and daredevil stunts: that's what the Adventure Forest is all about.

Bowling late into the night.

Looking for an evening out with family or friends where you can relax and have fun? Look no further. Parvis Bowling in Evreux is open for bowling until late into the night.
There are plenty of other facilities to enjoy, too, including a bar, restaurant (closed Sunday and Monday except for groups), an ATM, TV screens, etc.

Tolysland = Toyland!

Swings, pools, slides and even a tour train! This is the kind of fun-filled cocktail you can expect to find at the Tolysland leisure centre in Tosny. Think of the great memories to be made in the ball-pits (with ball-cannons!), on slides or taking pony rides. And even if the weather isn't on your side, there is a whole range of indoor activities to keep you busy!

Frances historic port.

The Maritime Museum Association of Rouen was founded in 1980, having taken up residence in an old port hangar since 1989. The hangar was renovated over time until 1999 when the museum, named the musée Maritime, fluvial et portuaire, opened its doors to the public.

This establishment has been hosting permanent exhibitions from the start, boasting a total of 2 000 objects related to the world of sailing and man's relationship with nature. Boats, scale-models, whale skeletons, boat motors, tools, materials and instruments that have their place on a ship…

Discover a rich heritage spanning from the 18th century to the present day.

Keeping fit in a relaxed, friendly atmosphere.

A little below par, or just want to feel fit? The 2,000m² of the Wellness centre help you get back in shape with your favourite sports and activities: squash, badminton, sun beds, sauna, bodybuilding or fitness training. The friendly way to keep fit.

On the line…

Boasting a significant collection of artefacts linked to open sea fishing, this museum is dedicated to mariner lifestyle and culture. Aside its artefact collection, the museum also boasts a range of scale-models that outlines the development in boat design, from the picturesque sailing craft of last century to the fishing trawlers we know today.

The museum also deals with the range of sailing-related activities on dry land: naval construction, coast guards, sea bathing, port construction, etc.

545 hectares of beautiful woodland.

The Evreux Forest is made up of 545 hectares of beautiful woodland, perfect for any number of walks and rides, from the Mare aux Biches to former quarries. Maps are available from the Tourist Office.
Take a walk with family, friends, or by yourself.

Japanese prints.

Claude Monet's property in Giverny has been owned by the foundation bearing his name since the year 1980. The figurehead of impressionism was a resident of Giverny from 1883 to 1926.

Within one can admire a collection of Japanese prints collected by the artist himself throughout his life. The exterior, while of interest, isn't particularly notable save the beautiful garden. Shifting in colour and atmosphere from one season to the next, this small, poetic universe is a nothing short of an artistic dreamland. The Japanese bridge, a favoured tourist attraction, can be seen in a number of Monet's paintings.

War and Liberation in 1944.

It is late August 1944. Tens of thousands of German soldiers are trying to flee the Allied troops. Yet, the bridges across the Seine have been destroyed and their retreat is slow and chaotic. For days the Allied artillery and air raids cut into the masses crowded up against the river. The death-count is unimaginable.

The British and Canadian forces are breaking through the last bastions of German defences and finally liberate the civilian population.

The musée Août 1944 is a reminder of those tragic times of warfare and bitter struggle, and of the relief felt by an entire nation. You can gain a better understanding of these world-shaking events by reading the testimonies of soldiers and civilians, by seeing a collection of everyday objects, now artefacts…

Open space and animals

This is a wonderful day out for all the family. Find out about the heritage of the region while the children find out all about the farm animals.
The farm is six hectares big, and contains a maze, flower gardens and a whole farmyard menagerie.

A choice of three circuits.

Here's a completely unheard-of way to explore the countryside and rural heritage of the Eure county. The train runs along the Eure Valley tour line, a stretch of the former Rouen-Orléans axis. Visitors have three circuits to choose from.
Every care has been taken to re-create a historic atmosphere: ticket offices, weighbridge, the goods shed, all the buildings that made Pacy one of the biggest stations on the Acquigny to Saint-Georges-Motel section of the line.
Adults enjoy it, and children are thrilled to play train-driver!

A great idea for a family outing...

Le Havre by the sea.

Spend 1h30min aboard the "Ville de Fécamp" to discover France's leading freight and container port.
The many activities of the port of Le Havre are best appreciated from the sea. Weather permitting, you will sail along the coastline of Le Havre to appreciate the town that was rebuilt after the Second World War by Auguste Perret, and is now a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Straight to the heart of the town's heritage.

Here is a circuit that will fascinate all ages, stepping into the history of Evreux: its cathedral consecrated in 1076, its town hall (in particular the marriage room) and former bishop's palace.
Walk classified as "easy" by the Comité Départemental de Randonnée Pédestre.

Relaxation and sports.

The gardens are an ideal setting for relaxing, strolling and playing sports.
Against their splendid natural background, take advantage of the mini-golf, the exercise circuit, the BMX track, playgrounds and picnic spots.

Architectural heritage and cultural events.

Periodic events: concerts and exhibitions of paintings and sculptures, seminars and symposia (programme available on request).
Permanent exhibition: visits by appointment:
Architectural heritage, workshops, turbines and exhibition rooms.

Equatorial temperatures.

Feel like taking time out for relaxation, whether you live in Evreux or are just passing through?
The Equatorial Sauna, an open-minded gay and lesbian establishment, offers a sauna, hammam (steam bath), jacuzzi, relaxation area and alcohol-free bar.
Relax and recharge your batteries alone or with friends.

Over 5 centuries of the history of ceramics.

The museum is built around the core collection amassed by André Pottier (1799-1867), author of Histoire de la faïence de Rouen.
Established temporarily (1870) in a gallery in the cloister of the former convent of Sainte-Marie, already home to the Antiquities Museum of the Seine-Inférieure, the Ceramics Museum was officially opened on 15 August 1864.
The municipal collection of faïence remained here until February 1888, when it was transferred to the first floor of the new Musée des Beaux-Arts.
In the 1930s, there was talk of setting up a separate Ceramics Museum to offset the lack of space caused by the steady growth of the collections of both paintings and ceramics.

The Hôtel d'Hocqueville, built in 1657 and redecorated in the 18th century, was acquired for the purpose in 1936, but it took another half-century for the project to reach completion.
The collection was finally transferred to the new museum in 1984.

The collection currently contains some 6,000 exhibits, ranging from the simple ceramic tile to monumental busts, two thirds of which were made in Rouen, giving the museum monographic status.
The visitor is offered a full historic and aesthetic overview, beginning with the first production of faïence by Masséot Abaquesne in the mid 16th century, then the second wave which began with Edme Poterat in 1647, flourished in the following century and disappeared at the beginning of the 19th century.

1,000m² dedicated to health and fitness.

Euro Fitness offers bodybuilding, cardio training, sauna, sun beds or relaxation in its 1,000m² town centre premises, followed by a snack at its health-food bar.
Euro Fitness offers 28 group lessons a week, from ballroom dancing to personalised bodybuilding.
A real convenience for visitors: the club offers a one-day subscription for those just passing through.

Gentleman burglar.

The Clos Arsène Lupin, which opened to the public in Etretat in 1999, recounts the life and memory of Maurice Leblanc, creator of the famous Arsène Lupin.
The visit is divided into 7 stages to create an original, entertaining adventure in the footsteps of the most famous and most charming of burglars.

Everyone on horse-back!

The Centre Equestre du Havre Rouelles is located in the centre of the 6 hectare Parc de Loisirs de la Bouteillerie and offers a wide range of horse-riding activities.

All disciplines are covered, from the classics (dressage, show jumping) to less formal activities such as horse-ball or voltige.
Courses, lessons, initiation, etc. Instructors for every level from beginner to experienced rider.
The Centre has 60 loose-boxes, a tack-room, 2 schooling rings, 2 covered schools, a cross-country course and a field equipped for staging competitions.

A rich natural heritage.

The Parc Naturel Régional des Boucles de la Seine Normande lies between Rouen and Le Havre, in the Eure and the Seine-Maritime départements. Shaped by the meanders of the Seine, the area provides glorious panoramas and sweeps of well-watered meadows. Plateaux, valleys and hillsides carved out by the river make up the landscapes of the five natural regions of the Park: the Seine valley, the Pays de Caux, the Roumois, the Basse Vallée de la Risle and the Marais Vernier.
Three abbeys, rural museums, châteaux and thatched cottages forge the identity of the Park's cultural heritage. The wetlands, the Park's ecological highlight, sink into soft silences, punctuated by pollarded trees.
There are natural sites to be visited in the Marais Vernier and the Basse Vallée de la Risle, with or without a guide. These habitats, which are of vital importance to the Park as a whole, are the subject of special awareness and preservation campaigns.

New and improved impressionist museum.

Founded by Daniel J. Terra in 1992, The Giverny Museum of American Art was for its 16-year existence one of the most active art institutions in the country. Its programme of exhibitions, publications, debates, conferences and countless "in residence" programmes (for historians, artists, etc.) were for the most part dedicated to American Art generally speaking.

The new and improved museum, now turned towards Impressionism, will be opening its doors in 2009 thanks to a partnership with local givernment bodies, the Orsay museum and the Terra Foundation. This new establishment will be mostly centred on the impressionist tradition, starting with a major inaugural exhibition: Monet's Gardens in Giverny: Inventing a Landscape.

Unrivalled in Europe.

Since 1921, the church of Saint-Laurent (15th and 16th century) has housed a collection of wrought ironwork that was and is a reference of its kind in Europe.
Its donor Henri Le Secq des Tournelles made over to the city of Rouen the first methodical collection of ironwork, begun in 1862 by his father Jean-Louis Le Secq Destournelles (1818-1882).

The latter, a member of the Mission Héliographique mounted by Prosper Mérimée to take photographs of outstanding monuments on behalf of the French Monuments Historiques department, was at once a practical, hands-on man, a painter and an art-lover. His was the original idea of taking an interest in hitherto overlooked objects: he began acquiring, from demolition sites as well as on the art market, every article of outstanding ironwork that he could find, with the exception of arms and armour, which others were already collecting.

Discover the monastic life.

The abbey was founded by Herluin, a Norman knight, in 1034 and had a far-reaching intellectual influence in the 11th century, owing mainly to the monks Lanfranc and Saint Anselme.
The present buildings date from the 17th and 18th centuries when they were reconstructed by the Benedictine congregation of Saint-Maur around a vast courtyard adjoining the cloister. The two refectories, the old and the new, are perhaps the abbey's most remarkable rooms. The tall Saint-Nicolas tower dates from the 15th century.
The abbey of Bec-Hellouin was used as military stabling throughout the 19th century and suffered considerable damage. Since 1948, however, it has been home to a community of Olivetan Benedictine monks who have succeeded in restoring much of the abbey's former glory, with the help of the French historic monuments fund, the Caisse des Monuments Historiques et des Sites.

The thrill of a lifetime.

Are your kids tired of smog and concrete? Do you dream of giving them fresh air, old-fashioned fun and a sense of adventure?

Well look no further, your answer is right here: acrobatic tree-climbing activities in the thick of the forest! Here old and young will be able to swing, climb, scale and jump from one tree to the next. Each circuit is perfectly suited to a certain age-group and general fitness. Let the little ones take to the trees as children have done since time immemorial. Thrills to be expected.

How to…

Mrs Cozzi offers you private or group lessons of up to 5 people.
Learn to prepare and cook original and exotic dishes.
Simple, quick and economical.
Treat your friends to sweet and savoury delights!

Horse-racing, and other runners.

Punters and horse-lovers are certain to be found here every year in spring and summer for the traditional horse racing, but the racecourse park is also an ideal place for walks and is very popular with runners of the two-legged variety!