"Old Half-Timbered Town of Vernon near Monet" Vernon by angiebabe

Vernon Travel Guide: 23 reviews and 65 photos

medieval bridge with house on it, and castle

Back again but to see the sights properly!

This was my third time to be driving past - previous times had just driven past, noticed a turreted castle looking place from the roundabout on the edge of the town turning off to Giverny to see Monet's garden at Giverny a feew kilometres from Vernon, normally been in a hurry and not realised there was much more than that to see at this town of Vernon and so just kept going.

This time i headed for the youth hostel at Vernon to spend the night, after visiting Chatillon Chateau, as it was a cheap place to stay after all the expensive nights in Paris and it was close to Giverny so that i could have the chance to see Monet's wonderful garden at Giverny again and still have time to drive down to Montreux.

When i had a quick drive around the streets of downtown Vernon before getting to the Youth hostel before closing time at 10pm (it wasnt getting dark there till about 1030pm! excellent eh!) i saw some excellent looking buildings, including half timbered ones and thought great will have to see them in the morning!

At the youth hostel there was more information on the sights to see around Vernon including a walking map with recommended buildings to see in the centre and the history about them, all which went onto my plans for the morning!

Towers and castles

Of course an excellent halftimbered town would not be complete without towers or castles - for us medieval and photo mad tourists anyway - but yes the people who lived here back then did have some towers and castles.

In Rue des Ecuries des Gardes, on the site of the old fortified castle of Vernon there remains a 22 metre high tower built in the 12th century. It is now houses the town's archives so is now called the Archive Tower!

On the other side of the river that passes through the town, which is the River Seine! (yes you've heard of that famous river! - apart from war battles and so on its the river that runs through Paris!), is Le Chateau des Tourelles, also built in the 12th century this fortress had to control and protect the bridge that gave access to the fortified medieval city of Vernon.

Chicken Feet street!

medieval carvings on Vernon house front

There are some streets on the walking tour's map as being what remain of medieval alley ways and backyards to visit, along with Butchers Street, or Rue de la Boucherie - of course where the butchers were, giving a good example of medieval town planning.

Further there is Chickens feet street - or erigots street - which written in the walking tour information given said that it mightve been where chicken feet were thrown away!

And it was far too long before I was ready to leave! I really overspent my time budget and ran seriously late for Giverny and Montreux! But I am glad I stayed and saw!

Pros and Cons

Pros:some excellent castles, old halftimbered houses and buildings from the 12th to 17th centuries
In a nutshell:lovely buildings, medieval streets and carvings from history days gone by

Last visit to Vernon: Jul 2007
Intro Updated Aug 19, 2007
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Reviews (6)

Across the river...to the house on the... Things to Do (4)

In the old days....! there were houses built on bridges ...but anyway heres the remains of what apparently were 5...and... more travel advice

Drive or walk the few kms to beautiful... Things to Do (4)

Monet's beautiful garden at Giverny is such a special highlight! Ive been blessed to have been 3 times - so stunning and... more travel advice

Follow the Tourist walking guide map - Vernon

Follow the Tourist walking guide map Things to Do (4)

From the Youth hostel brochures I found a walking guide of the little streets and building sights around the town which... more travel advice

World War II history Off The Beaten Path (1)

Part of what I like about travelling around Europe is the opportunity to touch on the history - the World Wars are a... more travel advice

Hotels (1)
A bargain for 11 euro!!

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Comments (10)

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glabah Aug 17, 2012 at 12:47 PM

Modern contrivances such as autos and stop signs interfering with great photos - reminds me of trying to get photos in Port Townsend!
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balhannah Jul 30, 2010 at 12:23 AM

Angela, this is a gorgeous french village that you found, one I know I would like to explore!
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micas_pt Jul 23, 2009 at 6:06 AM

Nice page. Vernon is pleasant, but I guess, often missed due to Giverny.
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tiabunna Feb 26, 2009 at 1:23 AM

I'm a sucker for French villages with mediaeval buildings! Needless to say I enjoyed your page with its interesting tips and great photos...
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ranger49 Dec 18, 2008 at 3:20 AM

This is a great page - well described and illustrated. I love the mediaeval touches and the WW2 history - I won't pass by without stopping next time!Thanks for the introduction.
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mazzap Oct 14, 2008 at 3:35 PM

As usual Angie, your tips and pics have done deserved justice to this pretty French village. Marion x
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Museeuw Apr 10, 2008 at 1:37 AM

Seems you have a patent on cute French villages. :-) Love that house on the bridge.
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hunterV Apr 7, 2008 at 11:46 AM

Hello, Angela! Great luck with accomodation and in general to be there! Thanks for sharing!
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Dabs Mar 9, 2008 at 4:47 PM

So many lovely villages in France, I don't know if I'll ever get to ALL of them but I'm certainly going to try :-)
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Toshioohsako Mar 8, 2008 at 5:21 AM

I remember Giverny was beautiful but its surroundings areas have nice river scenes. I also used to drive from Paris. It became a regular visiting spot for my visitors.