L
Of course you know the famous “Côte fleurie”, the part of Normandy which goes from the west of the Pays d’Auge coastline to the Bay of the Seine, in the east of Calvados. It stretches over forty kilometers and offers a succession of magnificent beaches (Deauville, Trouville, Houlgate, Cabourg, Merville Franceville). This coast is very popular with holidaymakers.
It was Raymond Coustant d’Yanville, president of the horticultural society, who first used the terminology “Côte Fleurie” in 1903 (to echo the “Côte d’Azur”).
He was referring, of course, to the many famous seaside resorts (Deauville, Cabourg) but also to the beautiful, flowery countryside in the hinterland. The inland is characterised by many fields of apple trees in bloom, giving a charming and bucolic impression to the visitors.
The coast is an obvious choice, but it quickly becomes crowded in summer, with thousands of tourists descending on the sandy beaches. The best way to enjoy it is surely to stay in the countryside, like at the Belle Isle sur Risle hotel in Pont Audemer and enjoy the peace and quiet.
Indeed, you only have to leave the coast and go inland to discover a completely preserved countryside…. villages with half-timbered houses, endless apple trees, green meadows where the famous Norman cows can graze peacefully…..
During your journey, you will come across amazing villages such as Beuvron en Auge, labelled one of the Most Beautiful Villages in France, or Saint Pierre en Auge, a former large agricultural and commercial centre with a centuries-old market held every Monday morning. There, you will find all the treasures from the local farmers, cheesemakers, cider makers etc….
While visiting the countryside, you will also go through many villages with cheese names: Livarot, Pont l’Evêque, Camembert which will remind you that Normandy is a land of gastronomy. Don’t forget to stop by and taste all those beautiful cheeses!
The best way to discover the countryside is on foot, thanks to the many hiking trails (like this one from Le Breuil en Auge: Château du Breuil hike https://www.terredauge.fr/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/topo-fiche-le-breuil-en-auge.pdf
This hike will allow you to visit our partner, the Château du Breuil, a Calvados distillery (but not just Calvados as you will discover….), which has many assets. Thanks to Belle Isle sur Risle, you will be able to benefit from numerous discounts on visits, activities and tastings at the Château.
Belle Isle sur Risle in Pont Audemer is the ideal place for a stopover in Normandy. Pont Audemer, in the heart of a wild valley, combines the water of the Risle, the wood of the forest and the earth of the paths. It is a surprising and charming little town, nicknamed the “little Norman Venice”, built between two branches of the river Risle. As you stroll through its narrow streets, you will discover the old tannery drying rooms, half-timbered houses and beautiful private mansions.Do not miss a stop at the church of Saint Ouen to admire the beautiful stained glass windows.
The hotel of Belle Isle sur Risle will enchant you….you will appreciate the calm of nature and the beauty of the river Risle. The hotel is a haven of peace and will enchant you. The park with its centuries-old trees will remind you that you did well to choose the calm of the Normandy countryside over the hustle and bustle of the coast.
