![\"things](\"https:\/\/normandielovers.fr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/best-things-to-do-Bernay-visit.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\nThis guide is completely independent<\/strong>, based on our experiences. We visited the region anonymously, making our own choices and paying our bills in full.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n Yes, Bernay is well worth a visit. Its well-preserved historic center is a fine example of Norman architecture, with half-timbered houses and a remarkable Romanesque abbey. We were charmed by the authenticity of this small town, which has preserved its medieval character. In our opinion, it’s one of the most beautiful towns in Normandy<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n Notre-Dame Abbey is a jewel of Norman Romanesque architecture. We were impressed by its majestic nave and 11th-century carved capitals. Admire the stone vaults and massive columns that testify to the skill of the builders of the time. <\/p>\n\n The abbey church was built between 1013 and 1050 by the monk-builder William of Volpiano. In a way, it symbolizes the flowering of Romanesque art in Normandy. Unfortunately, over the centuries, the edifice was ravaged by fire, the Hundred Years’ War and a peasant revolt in the 16th century… The back of the church is particularly striking. The 3 levels are clearly visible, giving it an exceptional height for its time.<\/p>\n\n See all our tips<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n To discover Bernay, you can follow a walking tour that takes you past the city’s most beautiful monuments. It takes you past the best-preserved half-timbered houses, along the Charentonne River, from the river banks to the medieval alleyways. In the rest of this article, we’ll share with you some of our favorite passages from this walk.<\/p>\n\n Rue Gaston Folloppe is home to some remarkable examples of half-timbered houses from the 15th and 16th centuries. We were fascinated by the sculpted details and corbels adorning the facades. Admire the geometric patterns formed by the exposed beams and the traditional building techniques perfectly preserved in this historic street.<\/p>\n\n At one end of the promenade, you’ll pass a charming square called Rue du Pont de l’\u00c9tang. Here we discover the Le Cosnier river surrounded by greenery, with transparent waters and a short walk that generates a light sound ambiance.<\/p>\n\n Walkways allow you to stroll along the water’s edge and admire the city’s mix of architecture. All the information you need for your trip:<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n The Charentonne River, a tributary of the Risle, also flows through the town of Bernay. It rises in the Saint-\u00c9vroult forest and flows for more than 62km. Several streets run over this river. We particularly liked the bridge on rue de l’abbatiale.<\/p>\n\n The Jardin de l’Abbaye is a haven of peace at the foot of the monastic buildings. We enjoyed strolling through the well-kept gardens, which combine flowerbeds and century-old trees. Enjoy the view of the abbey’s facades. It’s an ideal place for a relaxing break during your visit to the historic center.<\/p>\n\n Housed in the abbey dwelling, the museum presents collections of local art and history, from Antiquity to the present day. You’ll discover earthenware, furniture from the 17th and 18th centuries, paintings, Egyptian archaeology, Gallo-Roman art, contemporary art… with its 19th-century museography. You’ll discover regional works of art, archaeological objects and evidence of daily life through the centuries.<\/p>\n\n We particularly appreciate staying in Normandy:<\/p>\n\n\n\n For more ideas, take a look at our article on the best places to stay in Normandy<\/a>. The Porte de Boucheville was a historic structure in Bernay. Built around 1380, it was part of the medieval fortifications. It was demolished in 1813 as part of town-planning works. Today, although the gate itself is no longer visible, its location is associated with Bernay’s historical heritage and remains a point of interest for local history buffs. It’s a charming place, with its bridge and buildings of varying architectural styles.<\/p>\n\n The Eglise Sainte-Croix is a fine example of Norman Gothic architecture. You’ll see colorful stained glass windows, exposed roof timbers, a sculpted portal and side chapels. The building, which dates mainly from the 15th century, displays a remarkable architectural unity.<\/p>\n\nIs the village of Bernay worth a visit?<\/h2>\n\n
1. Visit Notre-Dame Abbey<\/h2>\n\n
![\"Abbaye](\"https:\/\/photos.smugmug.com\/Travel\/Normandie\/R12a-Bernay\/i-kxRBxG2\/4\/MqVgHC9zNw2d6Cz55ZKLMDVDjMQKn34KvFX7Bh6xB\/L\/Abbaye_Bernay_Normandie-5474-L.jpg\")
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2. And admire the rear of the abbey church<\/h2>\n\n
![\"Outside](\"https:\/\/photos.smugmug.com\/Travel\/Normandie\/R12a-Bernay\/i-dZKdLV6\/4\/NdwC3WkG9F4Htq2WzqCLPRPFN9QhSL4vjLKLxFDBw\/L\/Bernay_Normandie-1364-L.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\nOUR ADVICE FOR RENTING A CAR<\/span> IN Normandy<\/span><\/h5>\n\n\n\n
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![\"\"](\"https:\/\/normandielovers.fr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/Yport_Normandie-3328.png\" "\\"\\"")
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<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n2. Follow the “Water, stone and wood” tour<\/h2>\n\n
![\"Bernay](\"https:\/\/photos.smugmug.com\/Travel\/Normandie\/R12a-Bernay\/i-cjv5T5C\/4\/LCcNcmqDv6Q6SNbk2k2WfQ8PH2TZj9BXTBwVRFbW9\/L\/Bernay_Normandie-5471-L.jpg\")
3. Explore Rue Gaston Folloppe<\/h2>\n\n
![\"Bernay](\"https:\/\/photos.smugmug.com\/Travel\/Normandie\/R12a-Bernay\/i-wwFjS7M\/4\/M9ZgpZLgmWwrpZZsKz8SSPPDcQkCMdxs74BNRk8RX\/L\/Bernay_Normandie-5470-L.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n4. Le Cosnier<\/h2>\n\n
![\"Bernay](\"https:\/\/photos.smugmug.com\/Travel\/Normandie\/R12a-Bernay\/i-3G4wnN9\/4\/KkZ9kv4dXqGj65v2rN88M4dKxxkvDQ834PVZQXrZm\/L\/Bernay_Normandie-1315-L.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n![\"Bernay](\"https:\/\/photos.smugmug.com\/Travel\/Normandie\/R12a-Bernay\/i-tb98n68\/4\/KVhtJKH9XdJqM9NCHsn7fBzrLtRvHzGq3VCv8PtRR\/L\/Bernay_Normandie-1316-L.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\nUSE OUR GUIDE TO PLAN A
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![\"Box](\"https:\/\/normandielovers.fr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Box-Ebook-Normandy-EN.png\")
<\/figure>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n5. Relax along the Charantonne<\/h2>\n\n
![\"Bridge](\"https:\/\/photos.smugmug.com\/Travel\/Normandie\/R12a-Bernay\/i-Vn52hBk\/4\/MB7TkX6rpXDtC28nGqhkQgWsv8kWW7c6NDz3bcwbQ\/L\/Bernay_Normandie-1363-L.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n6. Recharge your batteries in the Abbey Garden<\/h2>\n\n
![\"Bernay](\"https:\/\/photos.smugmug.com\/Travel\/Normandie\/R12a-Bernay\/i-dMkCgSf\/4\/KjjZ6mD7F2QzgJjFWww5ZgK8xBDV464pXpcGxSkzn\/L\/Bernay_Normandie-5479-L.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n7. Discover the Mus\u00e9e des Beaux-Arts<\/h2>\n\n
![\"Bernay](\"https:\/\/photos.smugmug.com\/Travel\/Normandie\/R12a-Bernay\/i-FW7Trwc\/4\/LpvMdJPj3RQhDJCb2WjrsNMD4h7KDB3BFCg3jQVJD\/L\/Bernay_Normandie-1368-L.jpg\")
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WHERE TO STAY<\/span> IN Normandy<\/span><\/h5>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
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![\"Hotel](\"https:\/\/photos.smugmug.com\/Normandie-Lovers\/Bayeux\/Hotels\/i-CxqSKxd\/1\/aae537a7\/L\/Domaine_Bayeux_hotel-08-L.jpg\" "\\"\\"\/")
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8. Admire the Boucheville Gate<\/h2>\n\n
![\"Bernay](\"https:\/\/photos.smugmug.com\/Travel\/Normandie\/R12a-Bernay\/i-tmLXd72\/4\/LQrBrvSF3FCwFqpzNZpgD9kJDCc7wm5PnL4JqjBqC\/L\/Bernay_Normandie-1360-L.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n9. Visit Holy Cross Church<\/h2>\n
![\"Bernay](\"https:\/\/photos.smugmug.com\/Travel\/Normandie\/R12a-Bernay\/i-T6m9Fmx\/4\/LXGm8Xsqjz4HJ5TZfwMHdg4rzSZNBGHGBHpSdL79x\/M\/Bernay_Normandie-1336-M.jpg\")
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