The pretty, flower-filled town of Pont-l’Évêque in the Pays d’Auge (Calvados) is ideally situated between the countryside and the sea. It’s famous for its colorful half-timbering, which we loved to see. You’ll also appreciate the peace and quiet. Situated at the confluence of 3 rivers, its bucolic landscapes make it an ideal destination for a quiet, romantic weekend.
Here’s our guide to the must-see places in Pont-l’Évêque, Normandy, and useful tips for planning your visit.
This guide is completely independent, based on our experiences. We visited the region anonymously, making our own choices and paying our bills in full.
Is Pont-l’Évêque worth a visit?
Pont-l’Évêque is well worth a visit.
This pretty little town was established at the confluence of three rivers, giving it a very bucolic aura. It has always been an important passageway and trading center, and has inherited a rich heritage. Here, for example, you’ll find many old houses typical of the region, dating from the 16th and 18th centuries, and a former 19th-century prison. What’s more, it’s easy to visit Pont-l’Évêque on foot.
It’s one of the most beautiful towns in Normandy, and especially one of the most beautiful places in the Pays d’Auge!
If you don’t have a car, you can discover Pont-l’Évêque and Normandy on an organized tour from Paris. More info and booking.
1. Stroll through the historic part of town and admire the half-timbered houses
Strolling through the historic district of Pont-l’Évêque, we plunged into the heart of Normandy’s architectural heritage. You’ll discover half-timbered houses, emblematic of the region. These buildings, some of them brightly colored, bear witness to ancestral know-how and unique aesthetics.
Take the Rue Saint-Michel and Rue de Vaucelles, and you’ll discover a remarkable group of these houses. We enjoyed discovering the Vaucelles district and its picturesque alleyways. Note the fascinating architectural details, such as the corbels and St. Andrew’s crosses that embellish the facades. We really enjoyed admiring and feeling the soul of this Norman town steeped in history.
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2. Visit Saint-Michel Church
Discovering this remarkable religious building was a real pleasure during our visit. Built between 1480 and 1530, it features a late Gothic style. The interior of the church is also well worth a visit! Here, you’ll be able to observe remarkable elements of the flamboyant Gothic style. In particular, there is a decoration of liernes and tiercerons, as well as hanging keys in the collateral vaults, which are relatively rare in Basse-Normandie.
We learned that the fighting to liberate the town in 1944 had seriously damaged the building, which has since been restored. The Church of Saint-Michel, listed as a historic monument since 2008, stands proudly in the heart of Pont-l’Évêque. It offers an opportunity to admire the religious architecture of the late Middle Ages and early Renaissance. Before you leave, walk behind the church to discover a charming little garden.
- The church is open daily from 9:30 am to 7 pm.
- Price: free admission.
- See the latest news on the official website here.
OUR ADVICE FOR RENTING A CAR IN Normandy
- Compare prices on our preferred platform: DiscoverCars – one of the best rated sites.
- Choose a car that is comfortable enough (distances can be long) but compact (some parking lots and villages are narrow).
- Think of thecomplete insurance (some roads are tortuous and narrow).
- There is a lot of demand, book it early.
3. Discover how Calvados is made
Take advantage of your visit to Pont-l’Évêque to discover the Calvados Experience! This immersive attraction invites you to plunge into the fascinating world of calvados. This cider brandy, the fruit of traditional know-how, is the emblematic spirit of Normandy! We believe that visiting a region also means discovering its terroir and traditions. This unique museum offers a journey through 500 years of history, enhanced by sound, visual and olfactory effects that awaken the senses. You’ll discover how apples are transformed into calvados. It’s also an opportunity to see how the history of Normandy is intertwined with that of Calvados. The tour includes a guided tasting to introduce your senses to Norman gastronomy.
- Opening hours: open daily from 10am to 7pm from March 15 to November 31, and from 10am to 6pm the rest of the year.
- Price: €14.50 for adults, €6 for children.
- Book your Calvados experience now!
- See the latest news on the official website, here.
4. Spend the night in Pont-l’Évêque
Spending the night in Pont-l’Évêque is a great way to make the most of it! This charming, authentic little town is perfect for a romantic evening. With its picturesque lanes, half-timbered houses and river, it’s an enchanting setting for a getaway. It’s also an opportunity to treat yourself to a meal of Normandy specialities and the famous Pont-l’Évêque cheese!
See the best rated accommodations in Pont-l’Évêque
WHERE TO STAY IN Deauville
Option 1: downtown
For easy access to the beach, beautiful downtown and restaurants… We recommend..:
- Hotel Villa Augeval with its charming manor houses – see prices, pictures and availability
- Hotel Le Patio for good value – see prices, photos and availability
- And for luxury, Hôtel Le Normandy is a must – see prices, photos and availability
Option 2: in the countryside
Less than 15 minutes from Deauville, you can enjoy a peaceful stay surrounded by greenery. We recommend..:
- Hotel Les Manoirs de Tourgeville – prices, pictures and availability
- Hotel Les Manoirs des Portes de Deauville – prices, pictures and availability
Option 2: Trouville
On the other side of the harbor is the twin town of Trouville, also with beautiful villas but a more relaxed atmosphere. We recommend..:
- Hotel Le Flaubert, les pieds dans le sable – see prices, pictures and availability
5. Take advantage of the Yvie, Touques and Calonne, the 3 rivers that flow through Pont-l’Évêque.
As you stroll through the town, you won’t want to miss the waterways that give Pont-l’Évêque such a bucolic feel. Indeed, the commune has the particularity of being crossed by 2 rivers: La Calonne and L’Yvie. And a river: La Touques.
We learned that, historically, La Touques played a crucial role in the town’s commerce. Boats called “gabarres” transported materials, sand, wood, cider and more.
The quays of Pont-l’Évêque were very lively, particularly in the 15th century. Despite its importance, we discovered that navigation finally came to an end after 1848, in favor of overland routes.
Today, it’s possible to enjoy water sports on these various rivers. Find out more here.
6. Visit the Happy Prison
We recommend you take a look at this former prison, also known as Joyeuse Prison. In fact, it’s a rare example of a French prison building preserved after its closure. We also learned that its popularity stems from 2 major events in its history. First and foremost, it was a place of detention for resistance fighters during the Nazi occupation. It was also the setting for the popular French comedy La Joyeuse Prison, directed by André Berthomieu in 1956.
Today, it’s a unique place of memory and heritage that can be visited.
- Guided tours are organized on certain days of the week, depending on the season. Find out more here.
- Price: €4.60
7. Go back in time in the former Dominican Convent of Isle
Located in the heart of Pont-l’Évêque, this former religious establishment has been transformed into a cultural center. Note its facade along rue du couvent. It has been listed as a historic monument since 1927.
The former convent is now an important place of life, housing a cultural center known as “Les Dominicaines”. It’s a space dedicated to culture, offering various activities and exhibitions. Find out more here. We also discovered an old-fashioned country market on the Place des Dominicaines, in front of the former convent. It takes place every Sunday in July and August from 10am to 1pm. Find out more here.
- Opening hours: Espace Culturel & Artothèque Les Dominicianes is open Wednesday to Friday, 2.30 pm to 6 pm and 10 am to 12.30 pm, then 2 pm to 6 pm on Saturdays and Sundays.
- Price: you’re free to enter.
- See the latest news on the official website, here.
HAVE FUN WITH THESE activities in Normandy
- Helicopter flight over the cliffs of the Côte d’Albâtre
- Book your time to visit Mont-Saint-Michel Abbey
- Take a microlight flight over Mont-Saint-Michel
- Climb the Via Ferrata in Switzerland Normandy
8. Admire the old Hôtel de Brilly
Built in 1624, it now houses Pont-l’Évêque’s town hall. We loved the elegance of its architecture, with its mix of stone and brick. French playwright Robert de Flers was born here in 1872. Before the 2nd World War, this hotel was used as a sub-prefecture. Unfortunately, it was badly damaged by bombing in 1944, but has since been renovated. We believe this beautiful building contributes to the charm of Pont-l’Évêque’s historic center.
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Other attractions in and around Pont-l’Évêque
Get up high to admire the landscape
If you love the great outdoors, you’ll love exploring the countryside around Pont-l’Évèque. On foot, on horseback or by bike, there’s something for everyone!
If you’re just passing through, we recommend you take the time to enjoy a city panorama from the Route de Caen. The view is dominated by Saint-Michel church and its tower.
Relax near Lac Terre d’Auge
This lake near Pont-l’Évêque is bordered by a park planted with trees. It’s the ideal place for swimming and water sports. There’s also a sandy beach to delight young and old alike. Find out more here.
Discover the history of the Brossard Fountain
During our visit, we discovered the history of the Brossard Fountain. Situated opposite the old courthouse, it is a tragic tribute offered by the Comtesse de Brossard in memory of her son: the Vicomte Léonce de Brossard. He died in 1848, dreaming of bringing water to his home town. To honor this wish, his mother financed the construction of the fountain and several standpipes, which have since disappeared. Every year, the granite and cast-iron fountain is replenished, perpetuating Léonce’s memory, as his mother wished.
How to get to Pont-l’Évêque + parking lot
Where is Pont-l’Évêque?
- In the Normandy region,
- In the Calvados department,
- 20 min drive from Deauville
- 30 min drive from Cabourg
- 40 min drive from Caen
Here’s a map to help you find your way:
How to get there
The easiest way is to come by car. Pont-l’Évêque isn’t served much, apart from the 119 bus between Caen and Pont-l’Évêque.
Find out all our tips for renting a car.
Parking in Pont-l’Évêque
The city offers numerous parking lots and parking spaces, making it easy to visit. Among the parking lots, 2 have more than 100 spaces:
- The Place du Maréchal Foch parking lot
- Parking du parc du Bras d’Orq
For further information and a full list of parking lots, click here.
Useful tips for visiting Pont-l’Évêque
How long and when?
We recommend that you allow at least one day to discover Pont-l’Évêque. Or a weekend if you’d like to take the time to immerse yourself in the city and its history, then visit the surrounding area.
In our opinion, spring (April to June) and early autumn (September to October) are the best times to visit. The climate is pleasant, the countryside green, and there are fewer tourists than during the high summer season.
Summer (July and August) is also a good time, but it can be more crowded.
Tour direction and difficulty
We recommend you start your visit on the eastern side of the town, where you’ll find St. Michael’s Church, close to the Tourist Office. Then head west up the main street, lined with the town’s various points of interest. All on foot.
Strolling around the city seems accessible for people with reduced mobility. We didn’t notice any major difficulties.
Restaurants
We haven’t yet tested the restaurants in Pont-l’Évêque, but some of them, such as La Popote en Cocotte, La Clé de Sole and the crêperie L’atelier Gourmand, are on our list. We can’t wait!
PLAN YOUR TRIP TO Normandy
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Practice
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- See our tips for renting a car at CDG airport, Orly airport, Beauvais airport, Caen, Rouen, Bayeux…
SHE MADE THE TRIP Claire
