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Verneuil-sur-Avre

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City
—°457
Verneuil-sur-Avre (France)
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Practical info — Verneuil-sur-Avre

🌤 Weather — 5 days

📍 Nearby

Sights nearby

💡 Tips

  • Don't miss the Tour de la Madeleine; its architectural details are best appreciated with binoculars.
  • Follow the old water moats (les fossés) that encircle the historic center for a scenic walk.
  • Saturday morning is the best time to visit for the lively market on the main square.
  • Keep looking up as you walk to spot the intricate wood carvings on the medieval timber-framed facades.

🍽 Food

🍽
Norman Cheeses

Look for regional varieties like Pont-l'Évêque and Livarot in local fromageries.

🍽
Buckwheat Galettes

Enjoy savory buckwheat crêpes at one of the traditional crêperies in the center.

🍽
Norman Apple Tart

Try this classic dessert from a local bakery near the church.

🛍 Shopping · 🧘 Quiet spots

🛍
Place de la Madeleine Market

Great for picking up local crafts and fresh regional foods on Saturdays.

🛍
Artisanal Chocolates

Find excellent local chocolate shops located in the historic pedestrian streets.

🧘
Parc Faugère

A quiet, beautifully maintained park great for a break from sightseeing.

🧘
Iton River Banks

Stroll along the river and the old fortifications for a peaceful escape.

Highlights of 2026

4

Verneuil-sur-Avre, located in the Eure department of Normandy, is a historic stronghold that has preserved its medieval grandeur. Founded in 1120 by Henry I Beauclerc, Duke of Normandy and King of England, it served as a vital frontier fortress against the French crown. The town's military origins are still visible in its street layout and the remnants of its ramparts. Its architectural crown jewel is the 15th-century Madeleine Tower, a memorable example of Flamboyant Gothic art that stands 56 meters tall. The town center is a maze of appealing streets lined with over 100 timber-framed houses and elegant mansions built with 'grison' (local ironstone) and brick. Unique to Verneuil are its narrow medieval canals, which once formed part of the town's complex defensive waterworks and now add to its easy on the eye appeal. History buffs recall the massive Battle of Verneuil in 1424, a significant conflict during the Hundred Years' War. Today, Verneuil-sur-Avre is recognized as one of the 'Most Beautiful Detours in France,' offering a high quality of life with its bustling markets, art galleries, and proximity to the scenic Perche countryside, making it a well-suited destination for a cultural getaway.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C3461013171919151174
Rain mm544653426357515341606366

Geography

Population
7,229
Coordinates
48.73890, 0.92780

Facts

  • Population: 8,595.
  • Founded in: 1120.
  • Madeleine Tower height: 56 meters.
  • Major historical event: Battle of Verneuil (1424).
  • River: Avre.
  • Department: Eure (27).

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

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© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Verneuil-sur-Avre (5)

Saint-Nicolas Church⛪ religious

A significant religious building that anchors the town square, featuring impressive architectural details from the 15th to 16th centuries.

Saint-Nicolas Abbey

A former Benedictine nunnery that has played a central role in the town's history for centuries, now serving as a cultural space.

Iton Canals🌿 nature

The city features a network of ancient canals diverted from the Iton river, originally built to fill the moats of the medieval city.

Église Notre-Dame⛪ religious

The Église Notre-Dame is a central place of worship in Verneuil-sur-Avre.

Guichardire ( Gauche) / Fougères (à droite)🏰 castle

This site comprises the notable architectural structures of Guichardire and Fougères in Verneuil-sur-Avre.

Frequently asked questions

What is the landmark of Verneuil-sur-Avre?
The Tour de la Madeleine is a masterpiece flamboyant gothic church tower that dominates the town.
What is the Tour Grise?
A 13th-century medieval keep built of dark 'Fer-Gris' stone, which is open for visits.
Is it worth walking through the old town?
Yes, the town is one of the 'Most Beautiful Detours' in France, with many 15th and 16th-century timber-framed houses.
How do you get from Paris to Verneuil-sur-Avre?
There are direct trains from Paris-Montparnasse station; the journey takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes.
Is there a Center Parcs nearby?
Yes, the well-known Center Parcs 'Les Bois-Francs' is located just a few kilometers from the town.
Verneuil-sur-Avre: where is it located?
Verneuil-sur-Avre is located in Normandie, France.
Verneuil-sur-Avre: what is there to see?
Highlights include Saint-Nicolas Church, Saint-Nicolas Abbey, Iton Canals.
Verneuil-sur-Avre: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
Verneuil-sur-Avre: why is it worth visiting?
Verneuil-sur-Avre, located in the Eure department of Normandy, is a historic stronghold that has preserved its medieval grandeur.
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