{"id":107,"date":"2023-01-01T16:49:18","date_gmt":"2023-01-01T16:49:18","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.lalevriere.com\/en\/?page_id=107"},"modified":"2026-03-16T10:46:16","modified_gmt":"2026-03-16T10:46:16","slug":"tourism-near-la-levriere","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.lalevriere.com\/en\/tourism-near-la-levriere\/","title":{"rendered":"What to see near La L\u00e9vri\u00e8re : Giverny, Lyons la For\u00eat, Rouen and Normandy’s finest"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Within a 30km radius of our guesthouse La L\u00e9vri\u00e8re, discover the finest sights of the Vexin Normand: Giverny and Claude Monet\u2019s famous gardens<\/strong>, Lyons-la-For\u00eat, Gerberoy, La Roche-Guyon <\/strong>\u2014 three villages listed among the Most Beautiful Villages in France \u2014 magnificent ch\u00e2teaux (Ch\u00e2teau Gaillard, Ch\u00e2teau de Gisors<\/strong>, Boury-en-Vexin, Bizy, Gaillon, Fleury-sur-Andelle, Martainville), world-renowned abbeys<\/strong> at Mortemer, Saint-Germer-de-Fly and Fontaine-Gu\u00e9rard and incredible gardens. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The region has long inspired painters \u2014 the Impressionists above all \u2014 as well as writers and poets. A true escape into Norman’s nature and culture, just one hour from Paris.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The unmissable sights near La L\u00e9vri\u00e8re<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"\"
Claude Monet’s gardens, Giverny \u00a9digitalimagination<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Giverny and Claude Monet’s garden<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

At the heart of Normandy, Giverny<\/strong> is a timeless village where painter Claude Monet<\/strong> 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\u2019s Gardens <\/strong>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 \u2014 alive, ever-changing, true to Monet\u2019s spirit. The water garden <\/strong>reveals a more serene atmosphere: the famous Japanese bridge, weeping willows and water lilies seem lifted straight from a canvas. The Mus\u00e9e des impressionnismes Giverny celebrates the artistic dialogue between French and American painters.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Lyons la For\u00eat<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Listed among the hundred most beautiful villages in France<\/strong>, Lyons-la-For\u00eat <\/strong>is a picture-perfect setting of half-timbered houses, colourful fa\u00e7ades and quiet lanes where time seems to have stood still. The central covered market hall<\/strong>, the village\u2019s 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, <\/strong>one of the largest beech forests in Europe \u2014 a vast swath of green ideal for walks and hikes through nature and heritage alike, including a trail to the Abbaye de Mortemer<\/strong>, a wonderful outing for families. Every season transforms the forest : golden light, morning mist, blazing autumn colours.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ch\u00e2teau de Vascoeuil<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

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 ch\u00e2teau <\/strong>is a place steeped in history and one of Normandy\u2019s most vibrant contemporary art centres.<\/strong> Throughout the year, the estate hosts exhibitions and outdoor contemporary sculpture displays in its beautifully tended gardens<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ch\u00e2teau Gaillard et les Andelys<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"\"
Ch\u00e2teau Gaillard, \u00a9olrat<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Dominating the Seine valley from on high, Ch\u00e2teau Gaillard <\/strong>is one of Normandy\u2019s most impressive medieval sites<\/strong>. Perched on a rocky spur, this ruined fortress offers a spectacular panorama<\/strong> 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, Ch\u00e2teau Gaillard was designed to defend Normandy against French invasion. Its architecture \u2014 bold walls and ingenious defensive systems, revolutionary for its time \u2014 speaks to its founder\u2019s military genius and the site\u2019s 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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Below, the heart of Les Andelys i<\/strong>nvites you to wander its ancient lanes and stroll the quays along the Seine. Les Andelys is also an ideal base for nature lovers<\/strong> : hiking, cycling and river boat trips all offer a fresh perspective on the Seine valley.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"
Les Andelys \u00a9Tashka<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Gisors<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Its fortress,<\/strong> built in 1097 by William Rufus, King of England and son of William the Conqueror, to watch over the River Epte \u2014 then the border between Anglo-Norman territory and France \u2014 carries a rich history tied to the Knights Templar<\/strong>. The castle grounds are open and free to visit year-round. The Church of Saint-Gervais-et-Saint-Protais <\/strong>is one of the finest examples of Norman religious heritage; its scale and richly layered ornamentation give it the grandeur of a cathedral.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Vernon<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"\"
The old Mill, Vernon \u00a9JaySi<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Just 5km from Giverny, Vernon is worth a detour for its quintessentially Norman half-timbered houses \u2014 including the celebrated Maison du Vieux-Moulin, <\/strong>a picturesque landmark poised at the water\u2019s edge \u2014 its medieval lanes, and its collegiate church. Overlooking the Seine, the Ch\u00e2teau des Tourelles<\/strong> recalls Vernon\u2019s medieval past and makes for a lovely backdrop to a walk along the riverbanks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

La Roche-Guyon<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Built against a chalk cliff above the Seine, La Roche-Guyon is one of the Most Beautiful Villages in France.<\/strong> The jewel of the village, the Ch\u00e2teau de La Roche-Guyon<\/strong>, 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\u2019s summit, connected to the ch\u00e2teau below by an underground staircase. Take time to explore the ancient lanes, the troglodyte dwellings and the ch\u00e2teau\u2019s remarkable gardens<\/strong>. The riverbanks and surrounding footpaths offer superb walks and sweeping views over the valley and the Vexin natural park.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Gerberoy<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Listed among the Most Beautiful Villages in France, Gerberoy is a tiny medieval village<\/strong> celebrated for its rose festiva<\/strong>l. With its cobbled lanes and rose-covered fa\u00e7ades, it was brought to wider attention by the painter Henri Le Sidaner, who settled here \u2014 much as his friend Claude Monet had done at Giverny. Henri Le Sidaner\u2019s garden<\/strong> \u2014 well worth a visit \u2014 bursts with roses, wisteria and irises each spring. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n

The Abbey of Saint-Germer-de-Fly<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Saint-Germer-de-Fly is well known to medieval historians and architecture enthusiasts for its 12th-century abbey church<\/strong> and, adjoining it, a 13th-century Sainte-Chapelle \u2014 a direct echo of the Sainte-Chapelle in Paris. Not to be missed on the road to Gerberoy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Reilly<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

A small medieval village<\/strong>, 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Two perfect day trips from La L\u00e9vri\u00e8re<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"\"
Le Gros Horloge du XIVe si\u00e8cle, \u00e0 Rouen<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

A day in Rouen <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Rouen\u2019s historic centre is a treasure<\/strong> : its Notre-Dame Cathedral inspired Claude Monet<\/strong>, 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 <\/strong>\u2014 the city\u2019s iconic landmark \u2014 leads to the Place du Vieux-March\u00e9, where Joan of Arc was burned at the stake in 1431. Rouen is also a city of great museums : the Mus\u00e9e des Beaux-Arts <\/strong>holds an exceptional collection including works by Caravaggio, Vel\u00e1zquez, G\u00e9ricault and Monet. Less than an hour from La L\u00e9vri\u00e8re, Rouen makes for a perfect day out.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A day by the sea: head for Varengeville-sur-Mer<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

A quiet, unspoilt haven between countryside and coast near Dieppe, Varengeville-sur-Mer has long captivated painters, musicians and poets. Claude Monet <\/strong>stayed here several times and immortalised its church. Visitors come for the peace, the wide sandy beach<\/strong> perfect for swimming, and the beautiful walk along the foot of the cliffs at low tide. The church of Saint-Val\u00e9ry <\/strong>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\u2019t miss the Bois des Moutiers <\/strong>\u2014 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n
BOOK YOUR STAY<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Our village : Saint Denis le Ferment<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\n

Saint-Denis-le-Ferment is a charming village of beautiful old houses<\/strong>, a pleasure to explore on foot. The River L\u00e9vri\u00e8re, which gives our guesthouse its name, runs through it. Worth seeing: the ensemble formed by the 12th- and 13th-century church <\/strong>\u2014 whose 18th-century choir is listed as a Historic Monument \u2014 the ch\u00e2teau and its postern gate, and the manor house. On the hillside, in a wonderfully secluded setting, stands the Chapelle Sainte-Austreberthe<\/strong>, founded by the Bernardine nuns of the Cistercian order.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Where to find local products<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Apples, juice, cider, beer, cheese\u2026 the Vexin Normand is a gourmet destination<\/strong>, with many local producers<\/strong>. Here are our favorite local producers<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n
\"\"<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Apples, pears, and apple juice<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Le verger d’Ang\u00e8le, Bezu Saint Eloi<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Emmanuel Drique, organic farming,
02.32.55.17.59.
https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/vergerdangele<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Organic and artisanal bread and cheese<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Le chant des Meules<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Organic bread made by David Nadaud, farmer baker and organic goat cheese made by Camille Dutry, goat cheese maker.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Craft beers<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Brasserie de Sutter<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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.
T\u00e9l 02 32 27 57 17.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

La Grange du Vexin<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Market in Gisors<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Friday and Sunday mornings from 8.30am to 1pm.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Within a 30km radius of our guesthouse La L\u00e9vri\u00e8re, discover the finest sights of the Vexin Normand: Giverny and Claude Monet\u2019s famous gardens, Lyons-la-For\u00eat, Gerberoy, La Roche-Guyon \u2014 three villages listed among the Most Beautiful Villages in France \u2014 magnificent ch\u00e2teaux (Ch\u00e2teau Gaillard, Ch\u00e2teau de Gisors, Boury-en-Vexin, Bizy, Gaillon, Fleury-sur-Andelle, Martainville), world-renowned abbeys at Mortemer, […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_seopress_robots_primary_cat":"","_seopress_titles_title":"What to see near La L\u00e9vri\u00e8re : Giverny and Normandy's finest","_seopress_titles_desc":"Within a 30km radius of our guesthouse La L\u00e9vri\u00e8re, discover Giverny and Monet's gardens, Lyons la For\u00eat, Gerberoy, La Roche-Guyon, Ch\u00e2teau Gaillard, Vernon.","_seopress_robots_index":"","footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-107","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.lalevriere.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/107","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.lalevriere.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.lalevriere.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.lalevriere.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.lalevriere.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=107"}],"version-history":[{"count":17,"href":"https:\/\/www.lalevriere.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/107\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":790,"href":"https:\/\/www.lalevriere.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/107\/revisions\/790"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.lalevriere.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=107"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}