Belle Isle sur Risle

Pont-Audemer

Pont-Audemer is a small French town, also located in the middle of the Risle river. The town's close and natural connection to the water, as well as the settlement over the many small drains from the Risle, have earned it the nickname "The Venice of Normandy." The small medieval town has a few little surprises to offer, ask for a city map at the hotel reception, it may help you find your way around.

Start with a visit to the Saint-Ouen church on Rue de la Republique, a beautiful old church from the 15th century with some exceptionally beautiful stained glass windows and incredible colours. Also visit the Musée Canel, which pays tribute to the humanist and republican, the archaeologist and one of the great proponents of the secular school, Alfred Canel. The cosy museum is divided into floors for the permanent exhibitions, the large library and the temporary exhibitions, which are located on the top floor - definitely worth a visit and Monsieur Canel's spirit is still felt all over the place, on every hall and in every room!

There are also small shops in Pont-Audemer offering a little bit of everything. Here you're likely to find something different and quirky to take home. There are also cosy little cafés and restaurants tucked away in the side streets, so feel free to explore and find out for yourself why the town is called the Venice of Normandy.

Honfleur

When holidaying by car in France, take the scenic drive along Normandy's popular Flower Coast to the cosy port town of Honfleur at the mouth of the Seine. In Honfleur you can enjoy a delicious fish dinner at the small harbour, where a host of small restaurants serve fresh fish. Another option in the area is to visit a Calvados distillery. Normandy is famous for its more than 9 million apple trees. The apples are used in the production of cider and calvados. Learn more about the production methods and, of course, taste the fresh drink. Summer holidays in France are almost synonymous with culinary experiences of many kinds!

Rouen

Rouen is the historic capital of Normandy and soars with a hundred towers. Every hour of the day it lights up with colours that always reveal something new. This is shown by the cathedral and the famous painting by Claude Monet: the stones are in dialogue with the sun and the stained glass paintings are filled with light while showing the birthplace of Impressionism. There are hundreds of ways to discover Rouen and its historic centre. Take a stroll through the city's old quarter, where Joan of Arc was burned at the stake in 1431. See more of the city's historic sights. For example, visit the Church of Joan of Arc, built on the site where she was burned. Also visit the city's courthouse, the picturesque atrium of the Aître Saint-Maclou and the cathedral, where Richard the Lionheart is buried.