Indeed this is the other Normandy, might say off the beaten path and worth the detour. It was a collegue native of Evreux who told me first about the city, and the traveler in me told us to come visit. Glad we did,another gem of a Cathedral and nice Evreux!
Let me update the post and tell you a bit more on nice Evreux, different Normandy!
A very lively city tuck away in the Normandy countryside by the Eure river in the department of the Eure no 27. Its easy to get here by road from the autoroute de normandie A13 exit 13 just before the toll bridge. You have great parking underground at hotel de Ville, and Victor Hugo off rue Franklin D Roosevelt. Not far from here is the train station at 4 blvd Gambetta, direct trains to Paris Gare Saint Lazare.
It is an old city first bishop Taurin from 989, and once under the kingdom of Navarra (Spain) until 1400.
We enjoyed the canals as well as the wonderful Notre Dame Cathedral. Some of the highlights of the trip would be the Bell tower or Beffroi, the bishop’s palace is today the museum of Evreux (open as such in 1960) with many works since antiquity to the 18C, especially see the statue of Jupiter , as well as painting from Flemish and French masters.
The ramparts along the canals are very picturesque quaint areas of walk and great for a lunch and people watching.
It has a wonderful theater de la ville de Evreux, and nice market or marché at Place Clemenceau good on wednesdays and sundays mornings.
As far as places to eat there are plenty ,good, and excellent prices if compare to Paris. My favorites are the Le Benjamin at 2 rue Franklin D Roosevelt just before getting into the pedestrian city center area,and parking by place victor hugo. You can have bowling here too; webpage: LE Parvis bowling and Benjamin resto Evreux
For sweets, macarons, chocolates, and delicacies made at home try the Chocolatier Normand Auzou at 34 rue Chartraine city center, also properties in Le Havre, Amiens, etc . The chocolates are mouthful and the macarons sublime! Webpage Chocolatier Auzou at Evreux
Shopping here other than wine is the ciders of the Auge, at A la Vallée d’Auge, 16 pl Clemenceau, Place du Marché :webpage: A la Vallee d ‘Auge Evreux
La Cave du Beffroi, 6 rue de l’Horloge, great for wines, liquors, ciders,and accessories; open Monday thru Saturdays, great selection of local goodies to grab by the case! Webpage: La Cave du Beffroi Evreux
In all, the city center has pedestrians walkways and its loaded with stores all at better prices than Paris. Hope it helps you see the other France just as beautiful in the other Normandy, and nice Evreux.
And remember, happy travels, good health, and many cheers to all!!!
Paris1972-Versailles2003 