What to see in France

Normandy holidays: discover the Eure by camping

Les Andelys (Eure)
Les Andelys (Eure)

Just an hour from Paris, the Eure opens the doors to a green and peaceful Normandy, where deep valleys, flower-filled hedgerows and charming villages come together. Here, rivers meander between forests and castles, trails invite you to take a stroll, and small markets are brimming with local produce. An ideal destination for a camping holiday, in tune with nature.

Campsites in the Eure

Choosing a camping holiday in the Eure, in Normandy, means enjoying a wide choice of family campsites in the heart of unspoilt nature. Most of the establishments in the department are 3-star rated, guaranteeing simple, friendly comfort. There are also a few 4-star campsites offering additional facilities such as heated swimming pools and wellness areas, and even a 5-star campsite for those who want to combine nature with luxury.

The charm of a 3-star campsite in the Eure
The charm of a 3-star campsite in the Eure© LES FONTAINES (Ivry-la-Bataille - 27)

Among them, Les Fontaines*** campsite in Ivry-la-Bataille stands out for its warm atmosphere and green setting. Ideally located near rivers and major tourist attractions, it offers spacious pitches, modern mobile homes, a swimming pool, family entertainment and numerous services, making it the perfect base for exploring the south of the Eure.

Things to see and do during your camping holiday in the Eure

With its historical heritage, picturesque villages and wide open spaces, the Eure offers a wealth of discoveries to enrich your camping holiday. Here are a few ideas for exploring authentic Normandy.

Immerse yourself in history through exceptional castles and mansions

The Château du Champs de Bataille and the canal
The Château du Champs de Bataille and the canal© Patrick from Compiègne, France, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

The department is full of castles that bear witness to its rich past. In Neubourg, the château du Champ de Bataille (Battlefield Castle), a 17th-century masterpiece, boasts magnificent gardens designed by Jacques Garcia, worthy of Versailles. In Mesnil-en-Ouche, the Beaumesnil Castel, nicknamed the "Norman Versailles", charms visitors with its Baroque architecture and bookbinding museum. Further south, the Harcourt Castel, one of the oldest medieval fortresses in Normandy, stands in the heart of a 95-hectare arboretum.

The Gaillon Castel, the first Renaissance building constructed in France, proudly dominates the Seine valley, while the Gisors Castel, steeped in Templar legends, immerses visitors in a mysterious atmosphere. Finally, the Acquigny Castel, surrounded by romantic gardens and rushing waters, invites you to take a peaceful stroll through nature and history.

Stroll through the most beautiful villages and historic towns of the Eure

Half-timbered houses in Bernay
Half-timbered houses in Bernay© iStock

Along its roads, the Eure reveals charming towns where time seems to stand still. Listed among the Most Beautiful Villages of France, Le Bec-Hellouin charms visitors with its Benedictine abbey, which is still inhabited, and its half-timbered houses lined with flowers. Bernay, Normandy's first "City of Art and History", invites you to stroll through its cobbled streets and visit its 11th-century Romanesque abbey church.

A little further south, Verneuil-sur-Avre, the former stronghold of Henry I Beauclerc, still has its medieval towers and impressive ramparts. Les Andelys, dominated by Richard the Lionheart's spectacular Château-Gaillard, offers one of the most breathtaking views of the bends in the Seine. Pont-Audemer, nicknamed the "Little Venice of Normandy", charms visitors with its canals and half-timbered houses. Finally, Évreux, the capital of the department, charms visitors with its Gothic cathedral, art museum and peaceful walks along the Iton River. The towns of Brionne, Louviers and Vernon complete this mosaic of authentic destinations.

Finally, marvel at Giverny in the alleys of the fabulous multicoloured garden of the impressionist painter Claude Monet.

Breathe deeply in the heart of unspoilt nature

Hike in the magnificent Lyons Forest
Hike in the magnificent Lyons Forest© Doronenko, CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

The Eure offers a highly diverse natural setting, ideal for lovers of walks and fresh air. The majestic Lyons Forest, one of the most beautiful beech forests in France, stretches for miles of trails. Nearby, the forests of Breteuil and Conches-en-Ouche offer the perfect setting for family walks or bike rides.

The Risle and Iton valleys unfold their bocage landscapes, dotted with water mills and picturesque villages. Further north, the Vernier marsh, a vast classified wetland, is home to exceptional flora and fauna: storks, herons and Camargue horses find refuge there. From the viewpoint, the view over the Seine valley is simply superb.

Get active, explore and enjoy outdoor activities

Old half-timbered watermill on the Seine
Old half-timbered watermill on the Seine© iStock

The Eure can also be explored in the great outdoors. Hikers will enjoy the many marked trails through the Lyons forest, the Risle and Iton valleys and the Pays d'Ouche trails. Cycling enthusiasts can take the routes linking Bernay, Brionne and Harcourt, in the heart of peaceful countryside.

On the water, the rivers offer pleasant opportunities for canoeing, fishing or simply cruising along the water. Along the Seine, river cruises allow you to admire the cliffs, castels and villages from a unique perspective. Finally, curious visitors will appreciate the many stops dedicated to rural heritage: restored mills, half-timbered cottages and small farms that perpetuate Norman traditions.

In short: the advantages of camping for discovering the charm of the Normandy countryside

With its cultural discoveries, abundant nature and gentle way of life, the Eure has all the ingredients for a successful camping holiday. Whether you are a couple, a family or a group of friends, you will find the perfect balance between relaxation, sightseeing and authentic Normandy here. So, are you ready to settle down in the Eure?

 

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