Explore Damville, Eure, Haute-Normandie and its charms

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!

A special place, assembling a collection of objects associated with the famous French composer in the house where he was born: Claude Debussy's birthplace is located in the historic quarter of Saint-Germain-en-Laye. It was in this 17-century house in the town that Claude Debussy was born, on 22 August 1862, and spent his early childhood. His father ran a china shop on the ground floor. After the composer's death in 1918, it soon became the main gathering place of his many admirers. Once inside, you will discover a wonderful little inner courtyard, where a splendid wooden staircase will lead you up to the museum. The museum, officially recognised as a 'Maison des illustres' ('Houses of the Famous'), displays objects and photographs that help provide a better understanding of the composer's creative process. In fact, Debussy liked to surround himself with objects from different places and artistic movements, which influenced his music. For example, a Japanese lacquered panel, which came from his Parisian mansion, depicting two fish swimming under a willow, musically metamorphosed into 'Poissons d'or', a piano piece (1907). A small museum but a grand tribute to one of France's greatest composers!

The Grand Trianon was built in 1687 by Jules Hardouin-Mansart. Thus, the King Louis XIV could escape from all the ceremony of the Court and relax in the company of his concubines. The Grand Trianon is based on the Italian architecture and invites you to poetry and wandering. One little story: the Grand Trianon used to be surrounded by thousands of flowers in pots that were changed every day. Even now, this tradition is carried on every season. The display was amazing: we could admire flowerbeds of all colours and we could smell lots of scents. Thereafter, the Grand Trianon was frequented by Napoleon Bonaparte and the French Presidents.

The Petit Trianon was built between 1763 and 1768 by the architect Gabriel, requested by Madame de Pompadour, mistress then friend of king Louis XV. Mme de Pompadour was the former mistress of the king but still his friend. She was the instigator of this little palace, built by Gabriel from 1763 to 1768 near the botanical gardens and the new menagerie to entertain him with one of his passions : sciences. To please the Marchioness, always aware of the last trend, the architect changed his rocky aesthetics to adopt pure lines and cubic shape. It was the latest architectural style, called “the Greek style”. It is not as simple as it looks like : each frontage is different, built to reply to its surrounding : the Courtyard, the French Garden and its lovely pavilion, the Botanical Garden and the Flower Garden. Even inside we find a modern style. The decoration of the Small Trianon is more simple than the rest of the estate. It is not about materials, you will notice the absence of gold for example, but more about the fineness and elegance of the sculptures dedicate, like the palace, to nature. Sadly, Mme de Pompadour died before the completion of the Palace in 1764. Nowadays it keeps the souvenir of an other inhabitant : Louis XVI made a gift of the Trianon Estate to his queen Marie-Antoinette in 1774. She lived there a distant life from the court, maybe too distant for some of the courtier.

ArrayYour Experience Use Your Passport to Tour the Château de Versailles Your ticket gives you access to the most famous places within the royal estate including the Royal Palace, the Park, Gardens, Marie Antoinette’s Estate, and entry to any exhibitions on show at the time of your visit. If you plan to visit on a Friday, Saturday or Sunday, it’s worth paying the extra €8 for an upgraded Passport ticket, which includes access to the Musical Fountain and Garden shows. Learn About the French Monarchy with the Help of a Multilingual Audio Guide Upon entering the Palace, collect your complimentary audio guide from one of the two pick-up counters located on the ground floor, one at the entrance to the Apartment Ladies and the other at the entrance to the Gallery of Castles. Audio guides are available in 11 languages: Spanish, Chinese, English, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Polish, Portuguese and Russian. Begin your visit by exploring the ornate King and Queen's State Apartments. Learn about the French monarchy and peek into the private lives of the infamous King Louis XIV and Marie Antoinette. Next, make your way to the glittering Hall of Mirrors. Designed to protect the ornate walls and ceilings from smoke, the hall’s 357 mirrors were strategically placed to reflect the light of candles. With just a few flames, the reflection from so many mirrors was enough to light up the whole hall! Explore 250 Acres of Gorgeously Landscaped Lawns and Fountains After admiring the inside of the Palace, head outdoors and take in the grandeur of the estate’s impressive architecture. Stroll along the cobblestone grounds, through the beautiful French gardens, and pass by the gorgeous Versailles fountains. Next, stop by the Estate of Marie Antoinette and discover the life and antics of the Queen at the Petit Trianon. Walk around the Village of the Queen and English gardens, then see where Marie Antoinette built her own house, a Mill, a Preparation Dairy, a Cave, a Belvedere and the magnificent Temple of Love where lovers get engage. At the Carrosses Gallery, travel back in time as you explore carriages, coaches, sculptures and other artifacts left behind by the French Monarch. If you’re short on time and would prefer to skip the long lines, a Versailles skip-the-line entry ticket will allow you to save your time. If you’d like to maximize your time at the palace of Versailles and get a more in depth Castle experience, click here. Each year, it is estimated that approximately 5 million people visit the Palace of Versailles, and between 8 and 10 million people walk its gardens. A place of immense beauty, Versailles stands as a symbol of France’s monarchy and its glorious history.

ArrayWhat to Expect Begin your visit by exploring the ornate King and Queen's State Apartments. Learn about the French monarchy and peek into the private lives of the infamous King Louis XIV and Marie Antoinette. Next, make your way to the glittering Hall of Mirrors. Designed to protect the ornate walls and ceilings from smoke, the hall’s 357 mirrors were strategically placed to reflect the light of candles. With just a few flames, the reflection from so many mirrors was enough to light up the whole hall! After admiring the inside of the Palace, head outdoors and take in the grandeur of the estate’s impressive architecture. Stroll along the cobblestone grounds and pass by the gorgeous Versailles fountains. At the Carrosses Gallery, travel back in time as you explore carriages, coaches, sculptures and other artifacts left behind by the French Monarch. If you’re short on time or would prefer to skip the long entry lines, a Versailles skip-the-line entry ticket will allow you to save anywhere from 1-3 hours of waiting. If you happen to visit the Palace on a Tuesday, Saturday or Sunday, consider opting for a Versailles Passport ticket and catch one of the famous water fountain and musical shows. Each year, it is estimated that approximately 5 million people visit the Palace of Versailles, and between 8 and 10 million people walk its gardens. A place of immense beauty, Versailles stands as a symbol of France’s monarchy and its glorious history.

Versailles is renowned for its famous Palace but the city has many more points of interest! Spend 90 minutes with your guide discovering all the secrets of the city of Kings. VERSAILLES IS RENOWNED FOR ITS FAMOUS PALACE BUT THE CITY HAS MANY MORE POINTS OF INTEREST. SPEND 90 MINUTES WITH YOUR GUIDE DISCOVERING ALL THE SECRETS OF THE CITY OF KINGS! In order to set up the necessary services for the Court, Louis XIV created the city of Versailles in close proximity to the palace. As the former seat of power and birthplace of the Revolution, Versailles is an authentic multifaceted city!  During this guided tour, follow your guide as you discover either the Notre-Dame neighborhood or the Saint Louis neighborhood In the Notre-Dame neighborhood, admire the church (formerly the royal parish), hotel du baillage, and visit the market. You will also enjoy walking along the streets and listening to anecdotes from your guide. The Saint Louis neighborhood is typical of Versailles, and located near the King's kitchen garden. Here, see picturesque stone houses, visit the Saint Louis cathedral, and walk through the English garden. A living example of French history, Versailles today is an artistic and cultural city with many green spaces, and will surely surprise you!

Relive the early days of the French Revolution. Follow your guide into the Royal Tennis Court, which is now a museum dedicated to the events of 1789! RELIVE THE EARLY DAYS OF THE FRENCH REVOLUTION. FOLLOW YOUR GUIDE INTO THE ROYAL TENNIS COURT, WHICH IS NOW A MUSEUM DEDICATED TO THE EVENTS OF 1789! It was in this room, once used for playing tennis, that the members of parliament from the Third Estate met together on June 20, 1789. They then vowed not to separate until France had its constitution. This vow has been known ever since as a pivotal event for French democracy: “We vow to never separate and to reassemble wherever circumstances require, until the constitution of the kingdom is established and consolidated on firm foundations.” The Royal Tennis Court museum was put in place to commemorate the centenary of that event and retraces the early stages of the French Revolution. Your guide will reveal all the details of that historic year and will give you anecdotes unknown to the public. Make the most of this tour to the “oath room” and learn all about the events from 1789! 

In the Pays d'Ouche in Normandy, come and explore this very old farm, now turned into a modern farm that has been converting to organic farming since June 2019. The farm has a herd of 25 suckler cows, 40 hectares of cereal crops, a small outdoor pig production, and an educational farm workshop with hens and sheep. It uses integrated farming (80% reduction of pesticide use) and has planted 17 hectares of trees in 2014 and 2015 as part of its agroforestry planning. For more than 10 years the educational farm has organised activities about cows and milk, the transformation of milk into dairy products, cereals, bread making and baking in a wood fired oven, modern farming approaches, sustainable development, water, agroforestry, etc. The farm is also open to groups and private individuals.

Nonancourt was fortified shortly before Verneuil-sur-Avre by Henry Beauclerc circa 1112. 700 years ago, a powerful fortress flanked by 14 towers stood there. During your visit have a look at Saint Martin's Church and its stained-glass windows, listed a Historic Monument in 1975. The Norman half-timbered houses, the remains of the 12th century fortification wall, and walks along the water constitute Nonancourt's heritage. During the 19th century, this town was considered as a "centre of the textile activity" with its cotton and wool spinning mills.

Overlooking the Rouloir valley, the town of Conches-en-Ouche is surrounded by a forest that is well-known by hunters. Stroll down the streets, explore the squares, and have a look at the keep, the 15th century half-timbered houses, the former abbey with its vaulted cellars, the 16th century stained-glass windows, that are all part of the town's significant cultural heritage. Do not miss: the Glass Museum dedicated to the local glass artist, François Décorchemont, and to contemporary glass makers.

In the heart of the Norman Pays d’Ouche, grasp the art of glass making in one of the rare Glass museums in France. Blowing, casting, cutting... glass becomes art. A delight to the eyes. From works made by François Décorchemont, born in Conches and a leading figure in glass art, to those made by the Leperlier brothers, Jean-Claude Novaro, Yan Zoritchak and Jean-Pierre Umbdenstock, the museum provides an overview of contemporary glass works in France. Every year, artists' exhibitions show the vitality of this art. Good to know: Décorchemont (1880-1971) was one of the greatest contemporary glass artists; his work is very distinctive and includes the stained-glass windows of St Odile's Church in Paris and of more than thirty churches in the Eure.

Saint Foy's Church, topped with a 52-metre high spire, was completely rebuilt at the end of the 15th century. With its sober Flamboyant Gothic architecture, the church gives an impression of harmony and grandeur with its apse overlooking the Rouloir river. Inside, have a look at the 22 16th century stained-glass windows that are 10 metres high and form one of the most remarkable examples of glass art of the Renaissance period in Normandy, as well as the various 16th and 17th century statues.

In the Pays d’Ouche, find out about the regional collective memory thanks to thousands of daily life objects and tools. Nestled in the arboretum, the large restored barn, which houses the museum, is in itself, a piece of the collection. Masses of objects and tools from Normandy are displayed. Organised into themes, they reveal how life in Normandy was in the 19th and early 20th centuries. Craftsmanship is also given pride of place with the showcase of old crafts: farrier, shoemaker, saddler, etc. A building is dedicated to apples. It is a pleasant way to discover or re-discover little-known or even lost traditions. In summer, activities and temporary exhibitions are organised for rural life lovers. The arboretum neighbouring the museum comprises an interesting conservation orchard where more than a hundred varieties of apple trees are displayed.

In the heart of the Eure Department, come and meet trees, plants, birds and insects from the Norman forests. In Conches-en-Ouche, the Prés Bourbeux Forest is a protected area for walks and recreation with an observation point, a picnic area, petanque grounds and a playground for children. Two discovery trails - one short (2 km / 1.2 miles) and one longer (3.5 km / 2.1 miles) allow visitors to explore this natural area at their own pace. And what a pleasure to learn how to recognize the different species living and growing there: Scots pine, common heather, oak, silver birch, honeysuckle, Lanius shrike, common linnet, warbler, tree pipit, and more. A lesson about nature. Free booklet available at the Tourist Information Centre.

A history book of civilisations that invites visitors to look back at the 2,000 years of history that have shaped this territory. Follow the trail available to guide you and help you discover the architectural heritage - Gallo-Roman remains, Notre-Dame d’Evreux Cathedral, the bishop's palace, the Belfry, the post-war reconstructions, etc. - typical of these periods!

In Evreux, in the heart of Normandy, travel through time thanks to history and art from the Paleolithic Period to the 21st century. Located in the former bishop's palace of Evreux since the 1960s, the museum houses varied collections that will suit all tastes. On the ground floor, two rooms are dedicated to the local history and are followed by the Chapter House which holds religious art collections from the Middle Ages and the Renaissance period. Do not miss the most beautiful pieces of the archaeological collection displayed on this floor at the moment: the bronze statues of Jupiter (1st century) and Apollo (3rd century). The archaeological crypt, located in the basement, regularly holds temporary exhibitions dedicated to archaeology. It also houses a meditation area for the children, where experiments and observation activities allow them to discover the city's Gallo-roman fortification wall, all along the length of the room. The upper floors display furniture, ceramic pieces, decorative arts and Flemish, Italian and French paintings from the 17th to the 20th centuries (including major Abstract artists such as Pierre Soulages, Zao Wou-Ki and Hans Hartung).

In Evreux, capital city of the Eure in Normandy, this impressive cathedral combines all the main trends of religious architecture. Built in the 10th century, the nave has kept the semi-circular arcades from the Romanesque period while the upper parts were rebuilt in the 13th century in the Gothic style with the transept and the choir. You will be amazed by the 70 stained-glass windows considered as masterpieces of French 13th to 16th century stained-glass art and the 13 radiating chapels enclosed with wood fences sculpted between the 15th and the 18th centuries, which are among the most beautiful ones in France.

The Clos Saint André Restaurant serves up refined dishes made with seasonal and locally sourced ingredients. The owners provide a friendly welcome and a warm atmosphere in a "handmade", craft-inspired decor that evolves throughout the year.

In a simple setting that perfectly combines the charm of old beams, contemporary furniture and modern colours, Xavier Buzieux offers relevant seasonal dishes with surprising flavours. Known as one of the best restaurants in Evreux, food lovers are sure to spend a delicious time in a pleasant and elegant setting. By the reception, there is a little shopping corner where the chef sells a selection of local products.

Relaxing place: a fireplace, cotton tablecloths and towels, elegant and cosy atmosphere, where the studied lighting enhances the works of the artists on display. In addition to the home-made preparation of breads, sorbets and ice creams, Jérôme Lambert also cooks seasonal, à la minute meals. Located at the traffic lights in Chandai, a small village eight kilometres from Center Parcs (Les Bois-Francs) and L'Aigle, the Ecuyer Normand offers a quality, fair table. Free Wifi. Dear guests, Within our establishment, we respect barrier gestures and social distancing. All our premises, furniture and equipment are regularly disinfected. Wearing a mask is compulsory for you (except once at your table) and the staff. Hydroalcoholic gel is available at different places in the establishment. Also in order to facilitate the respect of all the sanitary measures which are imposed to us by the current situation, we privilege the reservation. We look forward to welcoming you in our establishment.

The restaurant La Terrasse is located on the bank of the river Eure. The Chef invites you to enjoy his cuisine made with local and seasonal produce while taking in the view of the water. You can also take time to enjoy a canoeing trip, try SUP boarding, play bubble football, etc. The restaurant also caters for events (weddings, christenings, birthdays, business meetings, etc.) whether for a buffet, group dining or a bucolic barbecue.

A simple and successful stop at a reasonable price in the heart of the Eure Department. South of Evreux, close to the main road N13 and to the motorways leading to Rouen, Paris and Orléans, the Brit Hotel La Bonne Etape comprises 42 bedrooms (double, twin and triple) including two accessible for people with reduced mobility to meet all needs! The hotel's extra advantages: free Wi-Fi, free private and closed car park, a bar and restaurant with a terrace and a meeting room for corporate events. An ideal place for your business trip or for a stop between Orléans or Paris and the Norman Coast.

The Grand Hôtel de la Gare features 29 well-equipped, soundproofed bedrooms opposite the train station and a 5-minute walk from the city centre of Evreux. A useful place for your business trips or to visit the capital city of the Eure Department.

Spend the night in a hotel with a four-star comfort in the centre of Evreux! Fully renovated in 2012, the hotel Best Western Plus in Evreux is ideally located along the banks of the river Iton, really close to the Convention Centre and to the city centre. The 60 bright and spacious rooms are decorated with cosy trendy colours. An ideal place for your holidays or your business trips in Normandy with all the services and equipment of a four-star hotel with a good value for money!

Apartment hotel: rooms, fitted small flats (kitchenette with microwave, hotplate and refrigerator), with hotel services, reception 24h/24, 63 rooms with mod cons: private bathrooms, flat screen LCD, free Wi-Fi, closed and supervised parking.

Spend the night in a former coaching inn in the heart of Evreux 200 metres away from the Cathedral! Ideally located in the heart of Normandy, 35 minutes away from Rouen and Giverny, and one hour away from Honfleur and Paris, the hotel features 19 bedrooms and a typically Norman restaurant where you can have dinner by the fireplace or on the terrace in summer. There is also a bar with a muted atmosphere ideal to relax and make new friends.

The campsite in Ezy-sur-Eure, with 52 pitches, welcomes you to a pleasant and green setting close to a river, where fishermen are sure to find a tranquil natural site. The town centre with its numerous shops is within easy reach which makes it easy to do your daily shopping and make the most of the markets on Thursdays and Sundays to stock up on good local produce.

Come and stay in Normandy in this holiday cottage ideally located between Le Neubourg and Evreux. Close to the owner's house, the holiday cottage is detached and not overlooked. It is located next to an orchard and comprises a terrace and private car park. Bright and spacious, it is built with natural materials (bonded wood wool for insulation) to bring comfort and well-being. It provides a pleasant and relaxing setting in the heart of the Norman countryside. Giverny and Claude Monet's house and garden, Rouen, "the city of a hundred steeples" and its outstanding medieval heritage are located 45 minutes away. On site or nearby, you will enjoy: the typical market in Le Neubourg with many local producers, the tree-top adventure park, the Greenway Evreux-Le Bec Hellouin, the numerous walks and trails, the vast fields that are especially in spring when flax and rapeseed are in full bloom. But also: the city of Evreux with its promenade along the Iton river, its cathedral, its museum and Gisacum (a remarkable Gallo-roman site), Le Bec-Hellouin and its renowned abbey, the Domaine d'Harcourt with a medieval castle and an exceptional arboretum (the oldest one in France), the magnificent Château du Champ de Bataille and its French garden, etc.

Located in a green setting, Ivry-la-Bataille is located at the meeting point of 2 rivers (the Eure and the Vesgre), 3 departments (the Eure, the Eure-et-Loir and the Yvelines) and 3 regions (Haute-Normandie, Centre, Ile-de-France). The Camping du Petit Pont campsite has 75 pitches and offers an introduction to fishing in the surrounding lakes.

On the edge of a 500 ha forest, House labeled "ECOGITE" entirely built with respect for sustainable development (certified wood, panels photovoltaic-recuperator of heat recovery of rainwater for toilets, insulation reinforced,...). " The nearby city of L'Aigle will also allow you to enjoy its many activities and services. Independent ECOGITE to frame wood built in 2016, on one level and adapted for people with disabilities: stay (pellet stove) with sitting area and kitchen, 1 bedroom (1 bed 2 people), 1 bedroom (1 bed 2 people), 1 bedroom (1 bed 2 people, 2 beds 1 person bunk), bathroom (shower) with toilet, wc independent. Aerovoltaique heating and wood. Garden 1200 m² with covered terrace and bike shelter.