Mexican Riviera -Puerto Vallarta Beach Villa Rentals, Hotels, Resorts

Where to visit in France for a Holiday - Eure in Normandy

Eure (department number 27) is located in the region of Haute-Normandie and has an estimated population of 541,054.

The department is a largely wooded plateau cut by the valleys of the Seine River and its tributaries.

Why you should visit Eure for your next holiday in France: Ancient ramparts and gothic architecture combine with lush green countryside, orchards and flowing water to make this department something quite special. Visit this delightful area and see for yourself what inspired the impressionists. Plenty of things to see and do for either a long holiday or short break. The department enjoys a similar climate to the UK but its location means it is slightly milder year round. As with England, summers are warm with temperatures in the mid 20C and in the height of the season, temperatures can reach into the 30's.

What to see in Eure The main tourist attraction is Giverny (4 km from Vernon) where Claude Monet's beautiful house and garden can be seen, in addition to other places of interest. Richard the Lionheart's ruined Ch?teau Gaillard perches above Les Andelys with superb views across the Seine. Evreux's cathedral is a gothic masterpiece with brilliant stained glass. Charming Pont Audemer is on the edge of the huge Brotonne Forest.

Evreux

Evreux is the capital town of the department and is an important commercial and market center. It is one of the oldest towns in France, with many splendid sites. Evreux has a bishop and boasts a cathedral which is one of the largest and finest in France.

On the Iton river just west of the Eure, it is surrounded by postwar architecture, but offers three fabulous attractions: an excellent museum with exceptional Gallo-roman finds; a Cathedral of Notre-Dame (11th-18th C.), which managed to miss the war bombs and today still displays its flamboyant Gothic features and stained glass; and the Abbey of St Taurin (11th-15th C.) that contains the thirteenth century shrine of Saint Taurin, a masterpiece of French goldsmith's work.

Evreux has had its fair share of historical bad luck. The town was flattened by the Vandals in the 5th century; it was pillaged by Normans in 892; taken and burned by Henry I of England in 1119 and in 1194 it was captured by Philip Augustus of France. During the 15th century, control of the town alternated between the English and French.

Evreux was badly damaged during the air raids of 1940 (when the town burned for an entire week) and also in 1944.

Another 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!

Bernay

Bernay, once a religious centre is today a busy market town. It is located south of Pont Audemer. The town is a major farming centre with surrounding fields full of cows. There is a small museum in the centre with a collection of paintings, furniture and ceramics.

Le Bec-Hellouin

Le Bec-Hellouin is a typical Norman style village with half timbered houses set among the orchards. Probably its most major attraction is its abbey, which was founded in 1034. The abbey was once one of the most important religious sites in northern Europe.

Pont-Audemer

A lovely market town, nicknamed "Norman Venice", Pont Audemer is situated tothe west of Evreux. It has a town centre worth exploring on foot with a popular market held on Mondays.

Verneuil sur Avre

This delightful ancient town is located in the south west corner of the Eure department. Once heavily fortified, the ramparts now make an enjoyable walk and there are some picturesque medieval houses around the towns centre.

Vernon

The town of Vernon lies on the banks of the Seine and is an ideal base from which to explore both Les Andelys and Giverny. A popular destination, you will often find hotels fully booked and restaurants very busy.

Nonancourt

Nonancourt's origins go back to the Roman invasion, but the town really came into its own when Henry I of England established a fortress here in the 12th century as a defence against the French to the south. The town was rebuilt in the 16th century after it was badly destroyed during the Hundred Years' War. Although the fortress no longer exists, the little town still offers plenty of architecture from the late middle ages as well as very pretty walks along by the river Avre.

Giverny

Normandy was the birthplace of Impressionism and in Monet's garden at Giverny it is easy to see why he wanted to capture the beauty on canvas. The garden is open from the spring to the mid-autumn and queues can get very long, but many agree it is worth the wait. Conches-en-ouche The picturesque town of Conches-en-ouche is located near the River Rouloir. There are plenty of sites to see including many beautiful medieval houses, the church of Ste-Foy whose windows are made of superb Renaissance stained glass and a ruined twelfth-century castle. In addition to everything ancient, Conches also boasts many modern sculptures that are placed around the town. The surrounding countryside is made up of lush pastures, orchards, rivers and forests, which are perfect for afternoon strolls and picnics.

Les Andelys

The hill-top Ch?teau Gaillard at Les Andelys conjures up images of days of old, where Richard the Lion heart held court (his heart is entombed in Rouen cathedral). The Ch?teau dominates any approach by land or along the Seine and is said to have been captured by brave souls coming through the sewers. It is advisable to double check opening hours with the local tourist office before making the climb.

How to get there

Holiday accommodation in Eure is easily accessible.

By air, Skysouth are the only direct airline and they fly six times a week direct from Shoreham (ESH) to Caen (CFR). Prices start at around ?70 for a single trip. Alternatively, the nearest international airport is in Paris

Driving would be the common mode of transport to get to the department as Normandy is just a quick hop across the channel to either Le H?vre or Dieppe, both conveniently located close to Eure. A couple of auto routes go to the nearby city of Rouen and from there take the N154 to Evreux.

By train, go by Eurostar from the UK to Calais and then take the TGV to Le Havre or Rouen. The train station ?vreux-Embranchement is on the railway line from Gare Saint-Lazare to Cherbourg. It is served by regular Intercity and regional rail services to both Paris and Basse-Normandie.

About Author: Glynis Shaw is from French Connections where you can Find Self Catering Holiday Properties in Eure, Normandy including gites, villas or bed and breakfasts. Plus discover more about Eure and many other areas of France to help you plan your next French holiday.

Glynis Shaw is from French Connections where you can Find http://www.frenchconnections.co.uk/en/search/property/512-holiday-in-north-west-france/151-normandy/223-eure Self Catering Holiday Properties in Eure, Normandy including gites, villas or bed and breakfasts. Plus discover more about Eure and many other areas of France to help you plan your next French holiday.

MORE ARTICLES:

Spring Break Soccer Training and Spanish Language Camp in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico
Spring break soccer training and Spanish language camp will take place in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico.

My Holiday Villa Rentals, Vacation Rentals and Holiday Homes by Owner
More and more vacationers are choosing the cheaper, more cost worthy option of renting a home. This is often a way to give holiday makers a larger more comfortable space for far less cost than a hotel room. Sending inquiry messages are free, any commissions are cut out completely as you rent direct from the owners. This is now becoming the most popular way to vacation around the world.

Livin' La Vida Loca at Puerto Vallarta, Mexico
Mexico is in itself a paradise with its lot of places that offer nothing but the best comfortable life to anyone. Out of the several coastal resort-type offerings in the region, Puerto Vallarta is possibly the greatest epitome of wonderland.

Casa Velas in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico Receives AAA Four Diamond Award
Casa Velas Hotel Boutique in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, is again joining the ranks of AAA Four Diamond Award winners. Casa Velas is the only adults-only all-inclusive golf resort in Mexico to receive this AAA Four Diamond award.

CasaHelga.com Offers Over 120 Luxury Villa Rentals in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico - New Website Offers More Photos, Videos, Search by Availability
Our new and improved website allows vacationers interested in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico to find a luxury villa suited exactly to their needs and available during the dates they specify. We've also added more photos and videos of the exclusive villa homes we represent.

A Mexico Vacation Special To The Maroma Resort In The Mayan Riviera
Some very good reasons for booking a Mexico vacation special and choosing the best of luxury hotels the Maroma Resort in the Mayan Riviera

Uncovered: A New Resource for Real Estate Investment Opportunities in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico
fundVallarta announces a full online resource for discovering real estate investment opportunities in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. With conditions similar to the property boom in California, Puerto Vallarta is poised to become an international performer with a solid return on investment. Visitors are able to access a significant knowledge-based investment resource center at the fundVallarta.com website.

Iconic Mexican Performers Take Flight In Puerto Vallarta
Every weekend in Puerto Vallarta, a group of famous Mexican performers take flight From a central location on the Malec?n ? Puerto Vallarta?s beloved boardwalk ? the Papantla Flyers dazzle visitors with six performances each Saturday and Sunday

Mendocino Coast Hotel Pacific Mist Inn Whale Watchers Festival Vacation Rental Home Special
Mendocino Coast Hotel offers a new special during Whale Festival. Pacific Mist Inn and Cabins announced that throughout the month of March, they are offering a special for travelers to the Mendocino Coast, if a guest books any room or full cabin for two nights, the third night is for free.

More Vacations at Puerto Vallarta MX
Puerto Vallarta MX is definitely one of the places where people can stay and enjoy more vacations Puerto Vallarta MX is in the state of Jalisco and is one of Mexicoýs premier resort cities

Discount Last Minute Puerto Vallarta Packages To The Four Seasons Resort Punta Mita
We managed a discount last minute Puerto Vallarta package to the Four Seasons Resort Punta Mita. In truth the discount was the bonus, because we fully intended to go there anyway, and pay the full price, but thanks to some work online, we got a huge discount. A quick thank you to The Vacation Bargain Finder, details of which can be found at http://www.worldwidevacationspots.com/pages/Vacation-Bargain-Finder.html

Puerto Vallarta: The City of Festivals
After Puerto Vallarta found its way onto the international tourism map following the release of ?The Night of the Iguana,? the city became a meeting place for artists, musicians and anyone seeking a cosmopolitan destination amongst incredible natural beauty As a result, numerous festivals have developed in Puerto Vallarta, celebrating everything from independent film to haute cuisine

Celebrate Grandparents at Grand Velas Resort in Puerto Vallarta
Dolphin Encounters, Spanish Lessons, Mexican Folkloric Night and More As part of the Grandparents Package Available Until October 1st

Dream Destination Wedding in a Puerto Vallarta Villa
Every woman dreams of her wedding at some exotic destination with beautiful white sand beaches, pristine clear waters, magnificent Villa and surrounded by her close ones. If you thought this is just a dream then you could not be more wrong. You can have your wedding with great style and sophistication in a luxury Villa in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico.

In-Suite Spa Treatments Exude Romance in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico
New In-Suite Spa Treament and Diamond Bath for Couples at Grand Velas All Suites & Spa Resort