Lisieux

Lisieux is a town in Calvados, best known as the home of Saint Thérèse of Lisieux (The Little Flower), one of the most popular modern Catholic saints. The town is a major pilgrimage destination, centered on the massive Basilica of Sainte-Thérèse. Lisieux also has a historic center with a Gothic cathedral and half-timbered houses.

Lisieux is accessible by train from Paris (Gare Saint-Lazare, about 2 hours) and from Caen (about 30 minutes). The A132 motorway connects to the A13. Buses serve nearby towns.

The basilica sits on a hill above the town — it is walkable from the center but the climb is steep. A shuttle bus runs from the train station to the basilica. The historic center is walkable.

• Basilique Sainte-Thérèse — a vast Neo-Byzantine basilica built in the 20th century, a major pilgrimage site

• Cathédrale Saint-Pierre — a Gothic cathedral dating from the 12th century

• Les Buissonnets — the childhood home of Saint Thérèse

• Carmel de Lisieux — the convent where Thérèse lived (interior not open to the public)

• Musée d'Art et d'Histoire — local history museum

• Attend a pilgrimage service at the basilica (major dates in October)

• Walk the pilgrimage path from the cathedral to the basilica

• Explore the historic center's half-timbered buildings

• Visit the Saturday market at Place de la République

Lisieux has restaurants in the town center serving traditional Norman cuisine. Crêperies and brasseries are common. Several cafés near the basilica cater to pilgrims.

Cafés around the cathedral and the basilica serve coffee and local beverages. Cider and Calvados are the regional drinks.

Lisieux has hotels concentrated near the basilica and the train station. Pilgrim accommodation (simple hotels and hostels) is available, as are chambres d'hôtes in the countryside.

Religious souvenirs and books are available at shops near the basilica. The town center has shops selling Norman specialties including cider, cheese, and Calvados.

• Caen — 45 km north, with William the Conqueror's castle
• Deauville and Trouville — 35 km north, seaside resorts
• Honfleur — 50 km north
• Pays d'Auge — the surrounding cider-producing region with cheese farms
• Alençon — 80 km south, birthplace of Saint Thérèse