Just an hour from Paris, Verneuil-sur-Avre has been awarded the Cité d’Art et d’Histoire (small town of art and history) label, and its medieval architecture has resulted it it becoming listed as one of France’s 100 most beautiful detours.
A town of art and history
This town in the south of the Eure département had the good fortune to escape the terrible destruction wreaked upon Normandy in 1944. Its half-timbered houses, 18-century mansions (known as hôtels particuliers), and the use of grison over the ages – a type of ruddy stone typical of the area – confers a certain cachet to the town. It once had extensive fortifications, built by King Philippe Auguste in the early 18th century, of which the Grey Tower is an outstanding feature. In this quaint setting, you might also catch one of the flea markets or antiques fairs held here through the year, and pick up that French antique you’ve long been looking for!
Things to see and do in Verneuil-sur-Avre
- Tower of the Church of Sainte-Madeleine
- Center parcs – Les Bois Francs: one of France’s most famous holiday villages
- The grey tower
- Abbey of Saint-Nicolas