Discover Brionne, Eure, Haute-Normandie: hidden gems and history

Come and spend a day among France's biggest monuments, all in one park! It's bound to appeal to both young and old! Prepare to explore France and its biggest landmarks in just a few hours by visiting the France Miniature park. Set off on a trip through France and discover 117 monuments reproduced at 1:30 scale and in the setting of a five-hectare park set out in the form of a map of France. Admire all of France's most beautiful sites, from Paris' most beautiful monuments in minature form, to Versailles, the Chateaux of the Loire region, the Auvergne Volcanoes, the Arles Amphitheatre, gothic and roman architecture, Normandy, Mont Saint-Michel and more... On this unconventional yet cultural tour you will find out the stories behind many French monuments. An attractions area, based upon the regions of France is also to be found in the park. Find inspiration for your future trips to France at France Miniature!

To the south of the Natural Regional Normandy-Maine Park, 10 kms from St Cénéri-le-Géréi classified most beautiful villages of France, this gîte offers an extraordinary view over the surrounding countryside.

In Giverville, in the heart of the Lieuvin region in Normandy, immerse yourself in the surprising atmosphere of the Philadelphus Garden. Roland Nuisement's imagination and gardening skills led him to design "Le Philadelphus", an out-of-the-ordinary botanic garden where numerous plants coming from all over the world, surprising colourful picnic areas, ponds, embankments, etc. and even an underground tunnel are mixed together! The promise of an unusual visit. Did you know? Philadelphus is a flowering shrub also known as "mock-orange".

Close to the splendid Château du Champ de Bataille, come and learn more about the Norman fauna and flora. In the heart of the rich farming region of Le Neubourg, the 250-ha woods of the Château du Champ-de-Bataille showcases perfectly the significant natural heritage composed by the forests in the Eure Department. Follow the discovery trail to learn more about the diverse plant species. It follows 1.5 km (1 mile) of paths and provides a pleasant breath of fresh air. The information panels that punctuate the walk allow you to better understand the local fauna and flora, their wealth and their diversity. Please note: the Allée du Champ de Bataille is currently closed to visitors. You can park behind the trees and walk through Vitot/Vitotel to reach the wood from behind.

In the heart of the Eure, Saint Pierre and Saint Paul's Church takes centre stage in the main square of the busy Norman town of Le Neubourg. It was rebuilt in the 15th century on the site of a former sanctuary and is characterized by its triangular choir and its three naves. Inside, have a look at its opulent furniture and the splendid retable, which was fully restored in 1987 by Norman craftsmen: its paintings, its gold decoration, its marble columns and its 17th century painting have regained their bygone splendour.

During the 19th century, Doctor Auzoux created what he called "les Ecorchés", anatomical models made of paper paste that would sell throughout the world and train generations of doctors. The museum displays this significant legacy - the only one of its kind in the world - and this unusual and very precise know-how: a model of a human body that requires 2,000 numbered parts! It also displays species of fauna and flora including a Tsetse fly, a bee, a fern and an algae.

Stop in Le Neubourg, a land of flax and cereals, and discover an important and unusual heritage. With its shops and its market held on Wednesday mornings, considered as one of the most important ones in the Eure Department, Le Neubourg is a busy town with authentic heritage sites. The ruins of the old castle, the square Dupont de l'Eure, the listed church, the Ecorchés Anatomy museum, the Château du Champ-de-Bataille are part of the town's highlights. Just like many Norman towns, Le Neubourg welcomed some crowned heads: Henry Beauclerc, Stephen of Blois, Margaret of France, etc. and some illustrious figures: Corneille, Dupont de l'Eure, etc. The Tourist Information Centre is located in the former train station that borders the Evreux - Bec Hellouin Greenway.

In St-Etienne-l'Allier, in the Lieuvin Normand region, learn about the story of the Resistance movement Maquis Surcouf, led by the illustrious Robert Leblanc during World War II. After the defeat in 1940, in St-Etienne-l'Allier, Robert Leblanc, a humble grocer, founded a Resistance network called Maquis Surcouf. With 300 armed men, it is considered as the most important underground resistance group in Normandy. The Surcouf joined the Allies during the Liberation of Normandy and continued as the 1st march batallion in Normandy. The permanent exhibition "Sur les Pas des Maquisards" (Follow the footsteps of the Maquisards) is divided into several themes that explain, among other things, daily life under the German Occupation, the Maquis' operations, the Liberation, the martyrs of the Resistance Movement, the Maquis Surcouf Memorial and other places of remembrance. The Maquis Surcouf Resistance Movement was founded in the Lieuvin area in 1942 and developed thanks to the extraordinary network of holloways and isolated farms in this area. Thanks to their actions, the men belonging to the Maquis made the area dangerous and hostile for the German troops.

In the heart of the Norman countryside, visit a church with remarkable carved wood panelling. Between Bernay and Pont-Audemer, the church of Saint-Etienne l'Allier is part of the treasures hidden the Norman countryside. Built in the 11th century, it houses a remarkable stone recumbent effigy from the 13th century, which was unearthed during restoration works in 1990. But what makes this church popular is its furniture and especially the sumptuous listed carved wood panelling from the late 17th century, as well as the seven stained-glass windows made by the local glassmaker, François Décorchemont, who perfectly mastered transparency and the brightness of colours. The altars on each side of the rood screen, carved in wood, are topped with statues of saints, which were particularly worshipped in the region at times of plague epidemics: Saint Sebastian, Saint Roch, Saint Mathurin, etc.

In the Norman bocage, 10 km (6 miles) away from Cormeilles, this 9,000 m² landscaped garden is very pleasant for a walk. Laurent and Marie-Catherine Lemoine open their private garden to visitors only for guided tours in order to share their love of gardening. The Clos de Chanchore that they have designed over 1.6 hectares, will charm you with its large perspectives, its rare and majestic trees both in the arboretum and the garden (Quercus palustris, American tulip tree, Weymouth Pine, Purple beech, Chitalpa, etc.), its two rose gardens that contain more than 400 antique and modern varieties and its 250 varieties of hydrangeas. Its collections of camellias, rhododendrons, hostas, daylilies, acers, dogwoods bloom one after the other thus making this garden beautiful and interesting in each season. It is particularly sumptuous in autumn.

Discover the 5 themes of this new museum: the collections history, sciences in Elbeuf, life in Seine, human occupation, the local natural environment and the textile. You can also visit the Architecture and Heritage Center of Interpretation created with the label Art and History, that gives you educational and interactive tools to understand the land evolution. This museum and the Archives Department are gathered in the Blin plant, a famous place of the town textile industry.

The staff at the Atelier du Bon Goût welcomes you to a warm setting where you will discover numerous products coming from different regions of France, a wide range of wines and beers, and enjoy meals made with fresh produce. Various events and activities including a tea room with board games, temporary trade shows, themed evenings, etc. will allow you to spend a pleasant time. The Atelier du Bon Goût serves meals made with locally sourced produce served with drink pairings, and offers a take away service and soon a delivery service for those who would like.

The chef of this restaurant by the Seine mixes traditional Norman cooking with savours of North Africa using only fresh local products. A very good service.

Restaurant located in L'Hôtellerie.

Bacchus et Marmitons, a culinary bistro and wine bar located in the village of Moyaux, invites you to rediscover homemade French cuisine based on fresh produce Measures in place for visitors: Compliance with the health protocol proposed by the Government.

In this inn by the water you can savour a traditional cooking with a beautiful view on the Seine bay. Very nice terrace.

On the little square, near the beautiful Abbey of Jumieges, this old inn was renovated in 2002 with a contemporary decoration completely in harmony with the old wood beams and the monumental fire place. This old inn revival is perfectly appropriate to the cooking of Loic Henry , the owner of the place. This young chef was a brilliant student of the famous Alban Perret, at the catering school of Rouen. A real reference ! Imagination and creativity with an infinite precision to achieve dishes such as Breton scampis roasted on a cold pulp of green olives or calf’s sweetbread with vegetables in their syrup and a light lemon cream. Loic Henry uses Norman products in a wonderful way with a Breton touch thanks to his roots (fish from Fecamp, poultry from Anneville Ambourville, fruits and vegetables from Jumièges and the beautiful Seine Valley).

A family atmosphere for this not-to-be-missed brasserie. Everything is homemade and the products are chosen with the greatest care. You'll appreciate the simplicity and precision of the dishes. Large sunny terrace with breathtaking views of the towers of Jumièges Abbey!

This beautiful house with colorful half-timbered frames, in the middle of its pretty landscaped garden is the ideal holiday home ! Jacques and Eric wanted it to be elegant, friendly and very comfortable : on the garden side, you can enjoy the various spaces equipped for your meals in the open air under the superb decorated charm, for a nap in a hammock, picking red fruits or some vegetables in the garden in season. On the interior side, the character of this old farmhouse blends perfectly with a very modern decor and comfort. Everyone will find their favorite little corner and activity there, between the very cocooning lounge in front of a beautiful blaze, the library, the leisure area with table football, the game of darts, board games, the games console, the bar area. for a coffee break, and why not a friendly cooking workshop. Your hosts have thought of everything ; they live right next door and can give you their tips on the region. Ground floor: entrance hall, large, welcoming living room with old terracotta tiles and exposed timber framing, lounge area with fireplace and beautiful dining area. Kitchen next door separated by a bar, utility room. Two large bedrooms, each with a 160x200 separable double bed and desk, one with its own bathroom with walk-in shower. Second shower room and separate toilet. Upstairs, beautiful lounge-leisure area : according to your desires, cocoon lounge for a moment of reading or TV (Netflix and children's channels) or friendly games room between the Xbox one console (with games), the table football, a game of darts or a board game ; also 2 spacious bedrooms with double separable bed 160x200 and a small shower room with wc. Everything is really comfortable and very well equipped. The large garden is closed and is about 5000 m² of which about 2000 are private. You are right next to the exceptional Château du Champ de Bataille, its gardens and golf course, or Neubourg, a lively town.

This quiet holiday accommodation for 2 provides a relaxing stay in the countryside (can sleep 1 or 2 children). At the Domaine du Bosc Normand, in the Eure Department in Normandy, the large and peaceful garden planted with flowers will be ideal to unwind thanks to the garden furniture available. You will be able to wander around the orchard and go and see the two hens at the far end of the property. Ten minutes away from Le Neubourg with its big market, its Ecorché Anatomy Museum and its nice shops, ten minutes away from the Château du Champ de Bataille, and ten minutes away from Harcourt and Bec Hellouin. You will have a 30 sq m (323 sq ft) studio flat with a bathroom (shower), a large living room with a kitchen area and a convertible sofa bed, as well as a bedroom with wardrobe. Bed linen included. You will be ideally located to go and explore Normandy, enjoy its leisure parks and picturesque villages.

The holiday cottage is set within 1.3 hectares in the peace and quiet of the countryside. The bird songs and the rustling of leaves in the wind will fill you with absolute delight... Outside, you will be able to enjoy the whole property. There is an orchard where you can pick some fruits, as well as a forest, meadow, and a shed with toys and games for children and grown-ups and a barbecue. Located 5 minutes away from all the shops including a supermarket offering online grocery shopping. Fifteen minutes away from the motorways A13 and A28. Our beautiful area of Normandy awaits you. There will be no lack of calm and tranquillity at the holiday cottage and vibrancy in the Risle Valley and along the Côte Fleurie (Flower Coast).

In the heart of a bucolic Normandy, stop for a peaceful break at La Charterie. In this natural motorhome service point, you will be welcomed to a quiet setting in the heart of the orchard of the "Ferme de la Charterie", rest and safety guaranteed. Presentation of our products: Farmhouse cider, Pommeau de Normandie, Calvados, apple juice, cider vinegar and cider confit.

A holiday cottage in the heart of Normandy, Pays du Lieuvin and Pays d'Auge, a few kilometres away from Pont-Audemer, Pont-L'Evêque, Honfleur and its painters, Deauville and its beach, Caen and the D-Day Landing beaches, but also Etretat and its cliffs, Rouen, Giverny and the Impressionist painters and many other nature, leisure and heritage sites. The holiday cottage includes bikes, barbecue, garden furniture, baby equipment, and even a piano. Hiking trails, horse riding centre, local shops, etc. within reach.

In the Norman Pays d'Auge, some 20 minutes away from Bernay, Pont-Audemer and Lisieux, there is a charming and picturesque farmhouse for a stay combining relaxation, countryside and sightseeing. In a small hamlet in the heart of the Pays d'Auge, this half-timbered farmhouse sleeping 6 guests, which has been recently renovated, is ideally located to make the most of the peace and quiet of the countryside as well as to explore the region or try one the numerous activities available nearby. On the ground-floor: sitting-living room with fireplace, fully equipped kitchen, laundry room, bathroom (shower), separate toilet. Upstairs: 3 bedrooms, including 2 adjoining ones, to comfortably sleep 6 people. Outside, there is a large enclosed garden with outdoor covered terrace, garden furniture and barbecue, small organic vegetable garden in summer where you will be able to pick tomatoes, cucumbers, squash, etc. The vibrant little town 4 km (2.5 miles) away holds all the shops you need as well as a country market on Monday mornings. No parties and gatherings.

Welcome to Marie-Christine and Christophe's holiday cottage! They will be delighted to welcome you to their pretty holiday home and to share their love for horses. Having just arrived from Paris, they wanted to reconnect with nature and especially allow their dear horses to live their golden years in comfort. Come and meet their dogs, their horses, their goats and their pig! Renovated at the end of 2019, the holiday cottage has three spacious bedrooms, ideal for couples of friends or families. Its warm sitting room and its big kitchen are perfect to enjoy nice meals and play games by the fireplace! Tranquillity, nature and change of scenery guaranteed!