Bernay
The Art and History town of Bernay at the heart of Normandy and 1½ hours from Paris, appeals as much to history lovers as to those seeking to recharge their batteries surrounded by nature.
Bernay, traditional Normandy
The Art and History town of Bernay at the heart of Normandy and 1½ hours from Paris, appeals as much to history lovers as to those seeking to recharge their batteries surrounded by nature.
Take your time to explore Bernay ! Wander around its streets and alleyways and discover its treasures : half-timbered houses in the typically Norman Rue Folloppe, the basilica of Notre-Dame founded at the end of the 14th century, the abbatial church with its typical Romanesque architecture, the 11th century abbey originally surrounded by numerous convents, like the Couvent des Cordeliers whose cloister is still visible, and the salt tax collector’s mansion
Keep looking up as you walk around and you will discover lots of secrets : unusual decors, grimacing faces and monsters on half-timbered houses, ornate capitals in the abbatial church and don’t hesitate to go into N°9 Rue Thiers to admire this amazing 16th century house –definitely not one to miss !
Bernay means « passage of water »
In fact, the town is very well-named as there is water everywhere ! It stands on arms of the Rivers Charentonne and Cosnier and has many heritage curiosities linked to water including mills, wash pools and drinking troughs.
Bernay moves with the times ! Heritage preservation is very strong not only by conserving listed buildings, but also through a desire to combine ancient and modern by successfully converting historic buildings into modern amenities : the library is in an old water mill, the former Rohmer factory has become a community centre. The magnificent Art Deco ‘maison paquebot’ is also well worth going out of your way to see.
My favourite thing to do in Bernay is to go up the hill to marvel all these wonderful sights in one go !
Explore the delicious Château de Beaumesnil, just a few kilometres from Bernay. Built in around 1630 on the ruins of a feudal castle, the remarkable Louis XIII Baroque-style is beautifully preserved as are its grounds « à la Française » which feature a maze and reflection pool (miroir d’eau). But the château has a surprise in store for gourmet visitors of all ages : a toffee making demonstration followed by a tasting session. And for P’tits Chefs (children) there is a cookery workshop to guarantee a memorable visit !
Enjoying the great outdoors…
Explore Bernay and the surrounding Normandy countryside along no less than twenty signposted footpaths.
If you prefer cycling in safety, the Bernay Broglie Voie Verte (traffic-free greenway) which runs along 13km of former railway line is great for a family bike ride !
Bernay is 150km from Paris, accessible via A13 and A28 autoroutes or by train from Paris, Rouen and Caen.
Château de Beaumesnil, cookery demonstrations 14h.30 - 16.30 and Atelier des P’tits chefs (children’s cookery workshop) at 15.30, every Sunday in May and June, every day in July and August.
Continue discovering Normany by visiting emblematic Giverny.
