Evreux

Évreux is the prefecture of the Eure department in eastern Normandy, situated on the Iton River. The city has a long history dating back to Roman times and features a magnificent Gothic cathedral with exceptional stained glass. It is a commercial and administrative center with a charming old town.

Évreux is well served by train from Paris (Gare Saint-Lazare, about one hour) and from Rouen (about one hour). The A154 motorway connects to the A13, providing direct access from Paris and Caen. Regional buses serve surrounding communities.

The historic center is compact and walkable, with the cathedral, museum, and gardens concentrated in a small area. The train station is within walking distance. The bus network (Trans Urbains) covers the wider city.

• Cathédrale Notre-Dame d'Évreux — a Gothic cathedral with spectacular 13th–15th-century stained glass

• Musée d'Évreux (Musée de l'Ancien Évêché) — housed in the former bishop's palace, with archaeology and fine arts collections

• Tour de l'Horloge — a 15th-century clock tower

• Jardin Botanique — the botanical gardens

• Église Saint-Taurin — a former abbey church with Romanesque and Gothic elements

• Walk the old town's medieval streets and half-timbered houses

• Shop at the Saturday market held in the city center

• Walk or cycle along the Iton River

Restaurants in the historic center serve traditional Norman cuisine. Crêperies and bistros offer casual dining, and there are several brasseries near the cathedral.

Cafés around the cathedral square and the main streets serve coffee and cider. Calvados and local beers are available at bars.

Évreux has a range of hotels including budget chains near the train station and independent hotels in the city center. Chambres d'hôtes are available in the surrounding countryside.

The city center has shops around Rue de la Harpe and the pedestrianized streets. The covered market (Marché Couvert) sells local produce and Norman specialties.

• Rouen — 50 km north, the capital of Normandy
• Giverny and Monet's Gardens — 40 km east
• Vernon — 35 km east on the Seine
• Chartres — 80 km southeast, famous for its cathedral
• Paris — about 100 km southeast via A13