Within a 30km radius of our guesthouse La Lévrière, discover the finest sights of the Vexin Normand: Giverny and Claude Monet’s famous gardens, Lyons-la-Forêt, Gerberoy, La Roche-Guyon — three villages listed among the Most Beautiful Villages in France — magnificent châteaux (Château Gaillard, Château de Gisors, Boury-en-Vexin, Bizy, Gaillon, Fleury-sur-Andelle, Martainville), world-renowned abbeys at Mortemer, Saint-Germer-de-Fly and Fontaine-Guérard and incredible gardens.
The region has long inspired painters — the Impressionists above all — as well as writers and poets. A true escape into Norman’s nature and culture, just one hour from Paris.
The unmissable sights near La Lévrière
Giverny and Claude Monet’s garden
At the heart of Normandy, Giverny is a timeless village where painter Claude Monet found his refuge and his inspiration, giving rise to some of the most celebrated works in the history of Impressionism. He settled here in 1883 and went on to paint his iconic Water Lilies. Monet’s Gardens are a genuine invitation to dream. As you wander the flower-lined paths of the Clos Normand, you are swept up in an explosion of colour, shifting light and carefully orchestrated harmony. Each season brings a different spectacle — alive, ever-changing, true to Monet’s spirit. The water garden reveals a more serene atmosphere: the famous Japanese bridge, weeping willows and water lilies seem lifted straight from a canvas. The Musée des impressionnismes Giverny celebrates the artistic dialogue between French and American painters.
Lyons la Forêt
Listed among the hundred most beautiful villages in France, Lyons-la-Forêt is a picture-perfect setting of half-timbered houses, colourful façades and quiet lanes where time seems to have stood still. The central covered market hall, the village’s emblem and once a favourite retreat of French kings, still anchors local life. Here, you stroll, browse artisan shops and linger over a coffee in the sun on the main square. All around stretches the majestic Lyons Forest, one of the largest beech forests in Europe — a vast swath of green ideal for walks and hikes through nature and heritage alike, including a trail to the Abbaye de Mortemer, a wonderful outing for families. Every season transforms the forest : golden light, morning mist, blazing autumn colours.
Château de Vascoeuil
Vascoeuil is a typical small Norman village of brick and half-timbered houses, nestled at the edge of the Lyons Forest in the heart of the Andelle valley. Its 15th-century château is a place steeped in history and one of Normandy’s most vibrant contemporary art centres. Throughout the year, the estate hosts exhibitions and outdoor contemporary sculpture displays in its beautifully tended gardens.
Château Gaillard et les Andelys
Dominating the Seine valley from on high, Château Gaillard is one of Normandy’s most impressive medieval sites. Perched on a rocky spur, this ruined fortress offers a spectacular panorama over the winding Seine below, the chalk cliffs and the lush landscapes surrounding Les Andelys. Built at the end of the 12th century by Richard the Lionheart, Château Gaillard was designed to defend Normandy against French invasion. Its architecture — bold walls and ingenious defensive systems, revolutionary for its time — speaks to its founder’s military genius and the site’s strategic importance. Walking among the ramparts, towers and fortress remains, it is easy to picture the lives of soldiers and the great battles of the Middle Ages.
Below, the heart of Les Andelys invites you to wander its ancient lanes and stroll the quays along the Seine. Les Andelys is also an ideal base for nature lovers : hiking, cycling and river boat trips all offer a fresh perspective on the Seine valley.
Gisors
Its fortress, built in 1097 by William Rufus, King of England and son of William the Conqueror, to watch over the River Epte — then the border between Anglo-Norman territory and France — carries a rich history tied to the Knights Templar. The castle grounds are open and free to visit year-round. The Church of Saint-Gervais-et-Saint-Protais is one of the finest examples of Norman religious heritage; its scale and richly layered ornamentation give it the grandeur of a cathedral.
Vernon
Just 5km from Giverny, Vernon is worth a detour for its quintessentially Norman half-timbered houses — including the celebrated Maison du Vieux-Moulin, a picturesque landmark poised at the water’s edge — its medieval lanes, and its collegiate church. Overlooking the Seine, the Château des Tourelles recalls Vernon’s medieval past and makes for a lovely backdrop to a walk along the riverbanks.
La Roche-Guyon
Built against a chalk cliff above the Seine, La Roche-Guyon is one of the Most Beautiful Villages in France. The jewel of the village, the Château de La Roche-Guyon, is a masterpiece of architecture, both medieval and classical. Partly carved into the rock itself, it impresses with its 12th-century keep perched at the cliff’s summit, connected to the château below by an underground staircase. Take time to explore the ancient lanes, the troglodyte dwellings and the château’s remarkable gardens. The riverbanks and surrounding footpaths offer superb walks and sweeping views over the valley and the Vexin natural park.
Gerberoy
Listed among the Most Beautiful Villages in France, Gerberoy is a tiny medieval village celebrated for its rose festival. With its cobbled lanes and rose-covered façades, it was brought to wider attention by the painter Henri Le Sidaner, who settled here — much as his friend Claude Monet had done at Giverny. Henri Le Sidaner’s garden — well worth a visit — bursts with roses, wisteria and irises each spring.
Gerberoy is one of the smallest villages in France, with just 130 inhabitants. Come to wander at leisure, savour the quiet and enjoy a glass of lemonade in a secret little garden.
The Abbey of Saint-Germer-de-Fly
Saint-Germer-de-Fly is well known to medieval historians and architecture enthusiasts for its 12th-century abbey church and, adjoining it, a 13th-century Sainte-Chapelle — a direct echo of the Sainte-Chapelle in Paris. Not to be missed on the road to Gerberoy.
Reilly
A small medieval village, very well preserved and quiet, just next to Chaumont en Vexin. Its beautiful old stone houses, its old wash house, its castle, its church and its beautiful abbey give it an undeniable charm.
Two perfect day trips from La Lévrière
A day in Rouen
Rouen’s historic centre is a treasure : its Notre-Dame Cathedral inspired Claude Monet, who painted it some thirty times in different lights. Around it, the old town unfolds a web of half-timbered lanes among the best-preserved in northern France. The Rue du Gros-Horloge, with its Renaissance belfry — the city’s iconic landmark — leads to the Place du Vieux-Marché, where Joan of Arc was burned at the stake in 1431. Rouen is also a city of great museums : the Musée des Beaux-Arts holds an exceptional collection including works by Caravaggio, Velázquez, Géricault and Monet. Less than an hour from La Lévrière, Rouen makes for a perfect day out.
A day by the sea: head for Varengeville-sur-Mer
A quiet, unspoilt haven between countryside and coast near Dieppe, Varengeville-sur-Mer has long captivated painters, musicians and poets. Claude Monet stayed here several times and immortalised its church. Visitors come for the peace, the wide sandy beach perfect for swimming, and the beautiful walk along the foot of the cliffs at low tide. The church of Saint-Valéry houses stained-glass windows by Georges Braque, who chose to be buried here. The clifftop marine cemetery, planted with hollyhocks, offers breathtaking views over the Channel. Don’t miss the Bois des Moutiers — an Arts and Crafts manor designed by Edwin Lutyens at the turn of the 20th century, surrounded by a 125-year-old English garden. The place is discreet, almost secret.
Our village : Saint Denis le Ferment
Saint-Denis-le-Ferment is a charming village of beautiful old houses, a pleasure to explore on foot. The River Lévrière, which gives our guesthouse its name, runs through it. Worth seeing: the ensemble formed by the 12th- and 13th-century church — whose 18th-century choir is listed as a Historic Monument — the château and its postern gate, and the manor house. On the hillside, in a wonderfully secluded setting, stands the Chapelle Sainte-Austreberthe, founded by the Bernardine nuns of the Cistercian order.
Where to find local products
Apples, juice, cider, beer, cheese… the Vexin Normand is a gourmet destination, with many local producers. Here are our favorite local producers
Apples, pears, and apple juice
Le verger d’Angèle, Bezu Saint Eloi
Emmanuel Drique, organic farming,
02.32.55.17.59.
https://www.facebook.com/vergerdangele
Organic and artisanal bread and cheese
Le chant des Meules
Organic bread made by David Nadaud, farmer baker and organic goat cheese made by Camille Dutry, goat cheese maker.
Direct sales at the farm on Friday evenings from 5pm to 8pm and on Saturday mornings from 10am to midday. You can pet the goats while waiting, a great outing with children.
Craft beers
Brasserie de Sutter
Made with love and hops, in Gisors. To drink on the spot or to take away. Open from 10am-12.30pm and 1.30pm-7pm Monday to Saturday. Visits on Saturday from 10.30am to 12pm.
Tél 02 32 27 57 17.
La Grange du Vexin
Gathers in a covered market producers and craftsmen of the Vexin Normand region. Open from Wednesday morning to Sunday from 9.30am to 12.30pm and from 2.30pm to 7pm.
Tel : 02 32 27 56 10.
Route Nationale 14
27420 Les Thilliers en Vexin.
Market in Gisors
Friday and Sunday mornings from 8.30am to 1pm.