Nestled on a river island in Pont-Audemer, the Hôtel Belle Isle sur Risle stands out as one of the most secluded and refined destinations in the Eure. This two-and-a-half-hectare estate, a veritable green oasis surrounded by the River Risle, offers an experience where history and nature come together in perfect harmony.
An exceptional historical heritage
The estate’s history began in 1856 with the construction of the Manoir de l’Isle by Arthur Petit, then owner of a cotton mill nearby. At the time, a turbine powered by the river’s waterfalls supplied electricity to the factory and the residence, making this site a technological pioneer. It was in 1987 that this sumptuous mansion was transformed into a charming 4-star hotel, driven by enthusiasts who had fallen in love with the site and its majestic cedar tree.
The park: the amazing work of Édouard André
The true soul of Belle Isle sur Risle lies in its centuries-old park, designed down to the smallest detail by the internationally renowned landscape architect Édouard André and his son René. Édouard André, a renowned botanist credited with introducing the Anthurium to Europe and designing the parks of Monte Carlo and Montevideo, poured all his expertise into this family estate.
Every tree was deliberately planted according to a precise long-term vision, leaving nothing to chance.
Today, visitors can stroll amongst some remarkable trees:
• A monumental Lebanese cedar, the true guardian of the grounds.
• A hundred-year-old maritime pine standing proudly in the centre of the park.
• Purple beeches and immense plane trees lining the entrance to the estate.
Water, the soul of the landscape
For the garden’s designers, water was the vital element ‘that brings everything around it to life’. The river Risle encircles the manor house and fosters the growth of local species such as willows, alders and ash trees. This ever-present water reinforces the sense of serenity when you stay at the Hôtel Belle Isle sur Risle.
Today, the hotel complements this natural immersion with high-end facilities, including a light-filled orangery and a rooftop solarium. Whether for lunch on the terrace or a rejuvenating stay, Belle Isle sur Risle remains an incomparable treasure for lovers of heritage and botanical gardens.
Visit our website for more information: www.bellile.com
