At the reception of the tourist office, the question keeps coming back:
"where can you buy good cheese?"
»
Since 1972, Pont-l'Évêque has benefited from a controlled designation of origin (AOC) and contributes to Normandy's reputation as a gourmet destination.
An obligatory crossroads towards the Côte Fleurie or towards Paris, the town has been a place of passage and trade since the Middle Ages.
But it would be a shame not to take the time to stop there.
Blood red, azure and green dress the doves of 17th century mansions, while mansions, influenced by Parisian architecture, give the old town the appearance of a small Place des Vosges.
Discovery in four stages of this underestimated nugget of Calvados.
Entering behind the bars of a "Happy Prison"
With its neoclassical style, the prison breaks all the codes of 19th century prison architecture. Terre d'Auge tourist office
Built in 1823 by the architect Harou Romain, the Pont-l'Évêque prison and its neoclassical style break all the codes of 19th century prison architecture. But perhaps the most astonishing lies in its name: the "Joyeuse Prison". Initially designed to accommodate thirty inmates, the establishment quickly found itself with 110 prisoners imprisoned for petty crimes (theft, family disputes, vagrancy, etc.). The rather good-natured chief warden granted certain freedoms to his detainees, entrusted them with administrative tasks, and could thus go and drink his coffee in town. It was with the escape of René "la Canne", fascinated by Arsène Lupine, that the prison closed its doors for good at the end of the 1950s. The building has remained in its original form since then and inspired André Berthomieu to film the film.
Happy Prison
.
There is no doubt that this incredible story will also fascinate passing tourists.
La Joyeuse Prison
(02 31 64 89 33), place du tribunal.
Guided tours offered by Dominicans on Wednesday and Saturday during school holidays and the first Saturday of the month the rest of the year.
Information by phone or at lesdominicaines@pontleveque.fr.
Read also: Five prisons transformed into hotels to sleep in Europe
Rent contemporary art
Les Dominicaines, a restored space that houses an exhibition space and the Pont-l'Evêque art library.
Terre d'Auge tourist office
In the former Dominican convent, a restored half-timbered building from the 16th and 17th centuries, the Pontepiscopian artothèque is always full. Originally from Germany and imported to France by Jack Lang, the concept works on the same principle as a library. Except that here it is not a question of renting works, but more than 200 works (engravings, serigraphs, photographs…) acquired by the cultural space or offered by generous donors. Bringing contemporary art into your home is the opportunity to rub shoulders with it on a daily basis, to discover the work of an artist and to open up to other sensibilities. The price ? € 55 per year for the loan of two works for a period of two months. Until September 26, David Hockney's paintings are exhibited in the adjoining cultural space,in an exhibition entitled "Impressions from 1970 to 2020". A way to spot the next canvas that will adorn your living room.
Les Dominicaines
, cultural space and art library, place du Tribunal (02 31 64 89 33).
Open every day in July-August, from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and from 2:30 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Full price: 3.30 €.
Read also: The Franciscans, Deauville's new cultural asset
Discover the Pays d'Auge by bike
A 1h30 walk takes you to Deauville from Pont-l'Evêque.
David Darrault / The Seine by Bike
Crossed by the Seine à Vélo, a 420 km route linking Paris to Le Havre, Pont-l'Evêque is the ideal starting point for a bicycle excursion to discover the surroundings. Want to sunbathe in Deauville or enjoy a seafood platter in Trouville? A 1.5 hour walk, perfectly signposted, takes you to the coast. In the opposite direction, a greenway shared with horses guides cyclists for 9 km to Saint-André d'Hébertot for a dive into the green meadows of the Pays d'Auge, where racetrack cracks grow. The light is soft, the silence broken by the only mooing of the cows. To discover the side roads in the company of locals or passing visitors, two-wheel rides are organized every Thursday, from April to October,from a commune of Terre d'Auge.
Program of outings available at the
tourist office
(02 31 64 12 77), 16 bis place Jean Bureau.
Open Monday to Saturday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Sunday until 1 p.m.
Read also: Going for a weekend to Deauville without the traffic jams: we tested “La Seine à Vélo”
Immerse yourself in the history of Calvados
One of the seven rooms of this immersive museum opened in 2018, with an area of more than 3000 m2.
Calvados Père Magloire Experience / Press photo
On the grounds of the oldest Maison de Calvados, a new kind of museum puts visitors' five senses to the test. Through seven rooms with unexpectedly realistic settings, the Calvados Père Magloire experience promises a fun journey through the centuries, from the Vikings to today, to learn more about the history of the department and the making of water. -of life. From the harvest of apples in Norman orchards to the creation of blends by the Cellar Masters, all the light is shed on the transformation of spirits. The highlight of the visit: tasting, a rare opportunity to enjoy the largest French collection of Calvados.
Calvados Père Magloire l'Expérance
(02 31 64 30 31), route de Trouville.
Open every day from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. in July-August.
Tour available in 8 languages, € 9 for the full price or € 6 for young people aged 6 to 17.
To read also: Calvados, pommeau, perry ... "Spiritour" in the Norman orchard
And also…
Dominic Stora, the last creator of kaleidoscopes in Europe.
Dominic Stora / Personal collection
Enter a cabinet of curiosities
Dominic Stora, the last creator of kaleidoscopes in Europe, welcomes young and old in his shop to reveal the thousand colors of his creations that have crossed borders.
After the rain
(02 31 65 13 20), 3 rue de la Liberation.
Sleep at Flaubert's
In this typical Norman property, at the same time lodging, chalet and hotel, a duck named Flaubert welcomes guests.
A nod to the real Gustave, who spent part of his childhood in this haven of greenery.
Domaine de Geffosses
(02 31 64 19 19), 979 route de Saint-Hymer.
Stock up on local products
Every Monday, producers and neighboring farms meet for the weekly market.
Along the way, you may come across the grinder equipped with its trolley which rings its bell to warn of its passage.
Place Foch, until 1 p.m.
