1. Claude Monet’s house
You are bound to be impressed as you explore this famous painter’s home, nestled among the enchanting scenery of Giverny. With their bold, vibrant colours, the rooms transform into real tableaux vivants. The walls seems to whisper stories and anecdotes about the numerous masterpieces that were made here.
2. Château-Gaillard
Come and explore this fortress in the Seine Valley and follow in the footsteps of Richard the Lionheart. Found in Les Andelys, between Paris and Rouen, Château-Gaillard overlooks one of the Seine’s most beautiful meanders. Once there, you can admire the gorgeous views of the Seine and its hills. It’s the perfect spot for photos in Les Andelys,
especially at sunset!
3. Hikes
Put on your walking shoes and set off on one of our hiking trails into the heart of nature! The Eure Valley, Vexin-sur-Epte, Giverny, Vernon, Les Andelys, Fourges… Nouvelle Normandie has all sorts of landscapes to offer and a wide choice of routes for seasoned hikers or to enjoy as a family. You can even head off the trail to visit a typical Normandy village or take in views of the Seine.
4. The Eure Valley Railway
Marvel at the old-style décor in Pacy-sur-Eure train station or go back in time to become the driver of a vintage locomotive on the railways of yesteryear. The Eure Valley Railway offers heritage train rides so that you can discover the area on the old Rouen-Chartres-Orléans railway line.
5. The cuisine of Normandy
Discover local products from Nouvelle Normandie, such as honey or cheese, and help to support the area’s farms. Taste (and adopt!) a good farm-produced cider (or a sparkling apple juice) from a local cider house before savouring a delicious apple tart.
6. Le château de Bizy
Make a date with history at Château de Bizy: our own little Palace of Versailles here in Normandy with rather illustrious owners. Explore salons decorated with beautiful woodwork and the Bonaparte family’s trinkets. Don’t miss the Gobelins tapestries and a marquetry pedestal table given as a gift by Napoleon I. Afterwards, wander through the English-style park and admire its centuries-old trees, fountains, ponds and statues.
7. On the water
Gather your family or friends and go for a revitalising, relaxing, refreshing day out on kayaks or paddle boards in the Eure Valley, in the Epte Valley or on the Seine. See Nouvelle Normandie’s architectural heritage from another angle and discover the cutoffs along the river as you explore.
8. The mills of Nouvelle Normandie
Get to know the area’s heritage from Vernon to Les Andelys as you visit the villages of the Seine, Eure and Epte valleys! These are the hidden gems, the real treasures of Nouvelle Normandie. Marvel at the Vieux-Moulin in Vernon, a mill that seems to be suspended above the Seine, then have lunch in the Moulin de Fourges restaurant, before taking a look at the Moulin de Muids on a walk through the Seine’s rolling, hilly landscapes.
9. The Seine
Wander along the banks of the Seine in Vernon or Les Andelys and enjoy scenery that inspired the greatest Impressionist painters, or sail along the Seine as you admire a beautiful sunset in pastel tones. Nouvelle Normandie and the Seine are inextricably linked. Whether you are on a peaceful walk alongside it or an enchanting adventure on its waters, the Seine invites you to get carried away by its timeless magic.
10. The charm of Normandy
Stroll along the streets of Vernon’s old town or the lanes of Le Petit-Andely on the banks of the Seine and fall under the spell of Normandy’s traditional timber-frame houses. These architectural gems are testament to the region’s rich history. Their iconic façades, which marry sculpted wood with traditional rendering, are the result of ancient expertise passed on down the generations.
11. Local excellence
Treat yourself to a meal at a Michelin-starred restaurant. But not just any Michelin-starred restaurant! Book a table at Le Jardin des Plumes in Giverny, the restaurant run by David Gallienne (winner of Top Chef 2020), where he is on a mission to elevate the local products from his region. Be delighted by unexpected compositions and flavour combinations in this authentic Normandy hotel-restaurant in the heart of a vast wooded park.
12. The designer outlet village
Go for a wander and do some shopping outdoors in the McArthurGlen Paris-Giverny designer outlet village, which opened recently in Douains. Once there, you will find luxury items at outlet prices. Don’t forget to head to the artisan market: a place entirely dedicated to craftspeople from the Normandy region and their local, premium products.
