Pont-Audemer, the Venice of Normandy

Pont-Audemer is perhaps one of the biggest surprises on my journey through Normandy. The half-timbered houses in Pont-Audemer seem to be part of a fairytale setting. With the canals in between, it’s not hard to imagine what it was once like here when craftsmen were busy at work. A place where you really step back in time.

History of Pont-Audemer

Time goes back to the Middle Ages in Pont-Audemer. In the 11th century, Pont-Audemer was built around a feudal castle and in the 13th century the town even received city rights. From the 18th century, Pont-Audemer was mainly home to tanners, who had a perfect spot on the banks of the Risle River.

Venice of Normandy

The many tanners in Pont-Audemer needed a lot of water for their work, so many canals and canals were built. The tanners have since disappeared from the streets, but the water, the bridges and the many vistas have remained. Pont-Audemer is now also known as the Venice of Normandy.

L’église Saint-Ouen

Pont-Audemer is also known for the L’église Saint-Ouen, a church built in the 15th and 16th centuries. This church is an architectural masterpiece as it brings together different architectural styles, including Romanesque, Gothic and Renaissance. The impressive combination of these architectural styles makes it a unique and fascinating building. If you are interested in historical architecture, a visit to this church is definitely recommended.

Picturesque half-timbered houses

In Pont-Audemer you will find many picturesque half-timbered houses. The characteristic houses are a reminder of the rich past of the city and provide a charming streetscape. There is an authentic atmosphere, especially in the old streets. Wonderful to look up narrow alleys and old streets, to walk through them and enjoy the traditional architecture.

Have a nice lunch or dinner in Pont-Audemer

There are a number of places in Pont-Audemer where you can eat nice and cozy. Place Victor Hugo is a nice square with several eateries. Le Chantaco is the eye-catcher here, with an interior full of old furniture. Like walking into an antique store! Next to Le Chantaco you will find O’ diner, where you can enjoy burgers and fries in an American setting. Since it is full at Le Chantaco, during my visit to Pont-Audemer I end up on the other side at Palais de la Biere, where you can certainly have a good lunch.

Beautiful places near Pont-Audemer

There are so many beautiful places in Normandy! Many people mainly stay along the coast, but you will also find beautiful villages and towns inland. Beautiful places near Pont-Audemer include Le Bec-Hellouin, a Les Plus Beaux Villages de France village. Lisieux, place of pilgrimage of Saint Thérèse of Lisieux, is a city where time goes back to the Gallo-Roman era. The imaginative Honfleur and the fashionable city of Deauville are also not far from Pont-Audemer. Curious about more beautiful places in this region? Then read the article about beautiful places, cities and villages in Normandy.