Evreux

Visit Evreux, Normandy

Evreux is inland in Normandy, in the Eure department (of which it is the capital).

The town is pleasant to visit - start your visit in the region around the cathedral, the Episcopal City, which is the heart of the town.

Evreux Episcopal City

This region of Evreux contains two important monuments - the cathedral and the episcopal palace (home to the bishop).

Evreux cathedral: the imposing cathedral was originally built in the 12th century, although damage at the end of that century, then again during the wars of religion, and finally during the second world war, mean that the current cathedral has undergone significant rebuilding over the centuries. Each period has left its mark, and there is much of interest to see when you visit.

The first thing you will see is the exuberantly decorated outside of the north facade and the 15th century lantern tower, both in the so called 'Flamboyant-gothic' style of architecture. Other particular highlights include the 16th century entrance on the western side of the cathedral and the stained glass windows (including a bright yellow glass which is particularly associated with this building), the ornate 'rose' windows and the pretty cloisters.

Bishop's Palace: this grand palace dates from the 15th century with significant 19th century additions. Within the Bishop's Palace you can visit the Evreux town museum, with a fascinating collection of historically interesting local objects.

Church of Saint-Taurin: another important religious monument in Evreux is the abbey church of Saint Taurin. Not unlike the cathedral, the church also covers a wide range of architectural styles and periods of construction, with the decorative 12th century entrance being among the oldest parts of Saint Taurin church. Among the highlights are the substantial medieval baptism fonts and the stained glass. See also the remarkable 'model' about a metre long of a gothic church ornately decorated with silver and and a shrine containing the relics of Saint-Taurin.

Other Evreux highlights

You will also see an imposing tall clocktower near a decorative fountain, some medieval half-timbered buildings, and parts of the original town defensive walls. There are several highlighted paths through the the town and along the banks of the River Iton to help you make the most of your visit.

The market in Evreux is held in the town centre (in Place Clemenceau) each wednesday and saturday morning.

Interesting fact: Jimi Hendrix kicked off his first tour with the Experience in the town of Evreux, 13 October 1966 - an event commemorated by a plaque in the town.

To visit near Evreux

Gardeners will enjoy a visit to the gardens at the nearby Chateau de Miserey (also about 30 km east of Evreux are the famous Monet gardens at Giverny, the most visited gardens in France), while church lovers will appreciate the quaint little 13th century church in a picturesque setting at Normanville.

There are numerous attractive walks and cycle rides possible in the surrounding countryside.

Tourist classifications for Evreux: Village in bloom (ville fleurie) 2*;

Suggested places to visit near Evreux, France

Distances shown are direct, driving distances will be greater.

More suggestions: La Bouille 40km; Rouen 47km; Lyons-la-Foret 48km; Jumieges Abbey 52km; Pont-Audemer 59km;

See these places and more on a map at places near Evreux

Evreux tourism: sights and attractions nearby

Les jardins du château de Miserey - remarkable garden (9km) : Les jardins du château de Saint-Just - remarkable garden (23km) : Jardins du château du Champ de Bataille - remarkable garden (27km) : Jardin de Claude Monet - remarkable garden (29km) : Jardin du musée d’art américain - remarkable garden (29km) : Arboretum d'Harcourt - remarkable garden (31km) : Elbeuf - town of art and history (32km) : Domaine de Villarceaux - remarkable garden (40km) :

French version: see Evreux (Francais)