Vernon

Vernon is a charming town in the Eure department, located on the Seine River between Paris and Rouen. It is best known as the gateway to Giverny and Monet's Gardens, just 5 km away. Vernon has a well-preserved medieval center, a riverside location with old mills, and the ruins of a royal castle.

Vernon has a train station with direct service from Paris (Gare Saint-Lazare, about 45 minutes) and Rouen. The A13 motorway passes nearby, with an exit for Vernon. Regional buses connect to Giverny and surrounding towns.

The town center and the Seine riverfront are walkable. Bicycles can be rented to reach Giverny (5 km along a quiet road). A shuttle bus runs between Vernon station and Giverny in peak season.

• Château de Vernon — the 12th-century royal castle ruins on the Seine bank

• Collégiale Notre-Dame de Vernon — a Gothic collegiate church with a 14th-century tower

• Vieux Moulin — the old mill perched on the Seine bridge, a signature view

• Musée Alphonse-Georges-Poulain — local museum in a 15th-century mansion

• The Seine riverfront promenade

• Walk or cycle the path from Vernon to Giverny

• Take a Seine river cruise

• Explore the medieval streets of the old town

• Visit the Sunday market

Restaurants along the Seine and in the old town serve Norman cuisine and traditional French fare. Crêperies and brasseries offer casual dining.

Cafés along the Seine and around the church square serve coffee, cider, and Calvados. The town has a few wine bars.

Vernon has hotels near the train station and in the town center. Chambres d'hôtes are available, particularly for visitors to Giverny. Many visitors also stay in Giverny itself.

Vernon's town center has shops and boutiques. The Sunday market sells local produce and Norman specialties. Art-related souvenirs are available in Giverny.

• Giverny and Monet's Gardens — 5 km east
• Les Andelys and Château Gaillard — 30 km north along the Seine
• Rouen — 50 km north, Normandy's historic capital
• Évreux — 35 km southwest
• Paris — 70 km southeast via A13