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Home » Évreux and its region

Best things to do in the village of Bec-Hellouin (Normandy)

by Claire | March 18, 2023 | no intrusive ads, no sponsored content, just some affiliate links - if you use them, we get a small commission (info)

Discover the charming village of Le Bec-Hellouin with its half-timbered houses and its old abbey.
It is one of the most beautiful villages in Normandy and deserves a visit.
Here is our guide to help you plan your stop in this village: map, photos, tips… Best things to do in Bec-Hellouin!

village le bec hellouin normandie what to see

Why visit the village of Le Bec-Hellouin?

Is Bec-Hellouin worth it?

Yes. Le Bec-Hellouin is one of the most charming villages in Normandy:

  • it is built around several rows of old half-timbered houses of different colors
  • the village is nestled in a valley with green hills on either side
  • it houses an old abbey with a fascinating portal and a peaceful environment

It is a typical Norman village that is very well maintained for the pleasure of photographers. Look at this view!

Village of Le Bec-Hellouin
Village of Le Bec-Hellouin

One of the most beautiful villages in France

Le Bec-Hellouin is officially one of the most beautiful villages in France. It has received the label “Les plus beaux villages de France”.
And it was definitely one of my favorites and among the places not to be missed in Normandy.

Sign of the most beautiful villages of France in Le Bec-Hellouin

Best things to do in Bec-Hellouin

Our Top 4

We will detail later our visit of the village and the places to see, with photos, but here are our top 5, to give you an idea already:

  • Stroll through the streets of the village to appreciate the half-timbered houses
  • Take a seat on the abbey square to admire it from all perspectives, including the very special front door.
  • Visit the abbey with its square tower
  • Sit down at a café to enjoy the country life

Video – virtual visit

Below is a short video that will give you an idea of what a visit can look like.
First you have the abbey, then the village.

Practical tips and map – Le Bec-Hellouin Normandie

How to get to Le Bec-Hellouin

  • Department of Eure
  • South of the Seine, in the heart of Normandy
  • Rouen to Le Bec-Hellouin = 45min drive
  • Evreux to Le Bec-Hellouin = 50min drive
  • You need a car to get to the village
  • Here is a map to help you find your way:
Map Le Bec Hellouin Normandy location
Map – Le Bec Hellouin in Normandy

Need to rent a car in Normandy?

Our advice:

  • Compare prices on our preferred platform: DiscoverCars – one of the best rated sites.
  • Choose a compact car (some city streets are narrow).
  • Think of thefull insurance (some winding passages in the old villages and tight parking in the big cities).
  • There is a lot of demand, book it early.

Voir nos conseils

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Tips for visiting

  • The access is easy.
  • Parking is limited near the abbey, but there are more spaces near the river.
  • Free access to the abbey or guided tours
  • The abbey is closed on Tuesdays – more information on the official website
  • It is easy to walk around with slight slopes.
  • Allow 2 hours to enjoy the village and the abbey
  • But you can also enjoy a good lunch in one of the restaurants.
  • See the best rated accommodations in the area
Parking in Le Bec-Hellouin
Parking in Le Bec-Hellouin

Norman half-timbered houses

Many towns and villages in Normandy have a few half-timbered houses.
But at Bec-Hellouin, there are several rows of them.
They are impressive and beautiful. They all have different colors and are well maintained.
They are simply charming, as you can see:

Le Bec-Hellouin - Normandy half-timbered houses

As you can see in the picture above, the village is surrounded by hills covered with trees. It is nestled in the Bec Valley. (The name Bec comes from bekkr of Scandinavian origin, which means stream).
It is therefore very green, which enhances the beautiful houses.

Also, as you can see from all the photos, the city and the homeowners are careful with their gardens and land.
Flowers and beautiful landscaping make the views even more beautiful!

Le bec Hellouin - Normandy half-timbered houses 2
Le bec Hellouin - Normandy half-timbered houses 3

It was so charming that we made an early morning stop at the little café downstairs (blue building on the right). It was really nice.
We wish we had been there for lunch because of the atmosphere…we just wanted to sit back and relax.

Le bec Hellouin - Normandy half-timbered houses 4

Plan your trip to Normandy!

→ Inspiration destinations

Deciding where to go in Normandy – the best destinations
Our weekend ideas: best-of, romantic, unusual, seaside, luxury, family

→ Best-of

Best things to do in Normandy
Best cities in Normandy
Most beautiful beaches of Normandy
Most beautiful villages of Normandy
Best castles of Normandy
Best abbeys of Normandy
Read our complete guide to visit the Mont-Saint-Michel
Discover the D-Day sites

→ Practice

Where to stay in Normandy – best places and hotels
See our tips for renting a car at CDG airport, Orly airport, Beauvais airport, Caen, Rouen, Bayeux…


See all our tips for a successful trip to Normandyarrow

Abbey gate and history of the village

One of the most striking architectural pieces is the door of the abbey of Notre-Dame-du-Bec.
And they made it even more special with the landscaping of the square.

Gate of the Bec-Hellouin abbey

Below is the view of the gate from the outside.
You can see :

  • the 2 towers of different shapes and sizes
  • and the rectangular stones in 2 colors

And below, you can see this same door from inside the abbey. You can see more clearly the difference in size of the towers.

History of Le Bec-Hellouin

You have now entered the abbey and this is where the history of the village began.
The abbey was founded in 1034/35 by a man called Hellouin or Herluin. He was first a knight, then converted to the monastic life.
It quickly became a famous spiritual center thanks to two famous Italian religious who brought attention to the abbey:

  • Lanfranc de Pavie, who founded a school
  • Anselm of Aosta, who developed Christian thought and spread spirituality

They both later became Archbishops of Canterbury.

As is often the case, a village developed around the abbey where the workers who helped maintain the abbey lived.

The abbey was still shining in the 14th century. Unfortunately, in 1417, fearing an attack by English troops, the abbot destroyed the village.
It was reformed and re-established in the 17th century.

During the revolution, the buildings were transformed into barracks.

The monks finally returned in 1948.

Plan a dream trip to Normandy

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Notre-Dame-du-Bec Abbey

Now that you’ve learned a bit about the history of the abbey, let’s take a look inside.

On a self-guided tour, there is not as much to see as in the other abbeys of Normandy.
However, I really appreciated the peaceful environment of the park that surrounds it. I felt very relaxed after my walk.

Abbaye Notre-Dame-du-Bec 1
Notre-Dame-du-Bec Abbey

You enter through a tunnel under the building.
On the other side, there is still a high tower that was part of the church: The Saint-Nicolas tower. It dates from the 15th century.
The tower is square, 11m on a side. There was a spire at the top, but it was destroyed by fire in 1810.
It was the bell tower with 4 big bells but they were destroyed during the revolution.
It’s quite impressive to see her, so high up, standing alone like that.

Abbey Notre-Dame-du-Bec - the tower

Afterwards, you can enjoy the walking path with beautiful trees and views.

Abbaye Notre-Dame-du-Bec 3

On the one hand, the monastic buildings are quite impressive with rows and rows of windows.
They date from the 18th century.

Abbey Notre-Dame-du-Bec - 18th century

If there is no service, you can enter the actual church which is quite amazing inside the same building.
It was set up in the old refectory.
There is almost no decoration and the long ceiling is quite fascinating in my opinion.
The alley is 75 meters long.

Abbaye Notre-Dame-du-Bec:
  church

Don’t forget to stop by the store. The abbey is famous for its candles and ceramics.

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Saint Andrew’s Church

In the center of the village, you can also see another religious building. A small church : Saint-André
It is quite austere in appearance. However, it is built on a slope, so it is quite original to look at.
Until the Revolution, the church depended on the abbey.

Saint-André Church, Le Bec-Hellouin 1
Saint-André Church, Le Bec-Hellouin 2

Note: 2 kilometers from the abbey, there is also a convent, according to the rule of Saint Benedict, in modern buildings.

Don’t make the same mistake we did!

On one of our last trips to Europe, a hacker stole our credit card details while we were using a hotel WiFi.
So our trip began with a “card blocked” call… Not funny at all!
Learn from our mistake, make a small VPN investment to surf without worry.

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About the bloggers…

Claire et Manu blog normandie Bonjour, we are Claire and Manu, sister and brother, and we have been publishing travel guides around the world for 9 years. As true lovers of the beautiful regions of our country, France, our ambition is to bring you all the information and inspiration you need to make your trip there a success.
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