Description:

Introduction

Pont l'Evêque has a rich historical past that dates back to the Roman period. The roads connecting Bayeux to Rouen and Lisieux to the coast crossed the Touques River close to the confluences of the Calonne and Yvie where a ford was possible. When the bridges were built to improved the flow of traffic, the merchants built houses. Initially a commercial centre, Pont l'Evêque soon became the administrative seat of the Viscount of Auge. But it was a town without a wall or garrison and fell to the English army in 1346. The second English occupation was in 1417 and lasted until 1449. Then in 1590, the army of Henry IV seized the town; the district of Vaucelles and part of the church Saint Michel burnt in the fire. After all the destruction, a period of calm and prosperity followed.

Yet on 24 August 1944, after a three day long fight, the Allied forces freed the town from German occupation and during the battle Pont l'Evêque was 65% destroyed. Who would have imagined that just twenty years later, all would have been rebuilt, repaired and improved and that today, Pont-l'Evêque would offer visitors such architectural treasures.

Geography

Pont L'Evêque is on the River Touques 15 kilometres to the south of Deauville and Trouville and 17 kilometres north of Lisieux. The town is served by the A13 motorway. The town is on the line from Trouville to Lisieux and Paris.

Economy

The economy of the area is largely based on tourism and agriculture although the town has some manufacturing businesses and and some cheese production.

Commerce

The town has a good range of shops, banks, restaurants and hotels.

Tourism

The town has many half-timbered houses from the 16th, 17th and 18th centuries which have been restored in a protected area. Pont-l’Evêque is typical of the Pays d’Auge, and is well known for its cheese.

The town has a tourist information office – Address: 16 bis Place Jean Bureau - Telephone: 02 31 64 12 77 - Fax: 02 31 64 76 96   http://www.blagny-pontleveque.com

Worth a Visit

The Musée du Calvados et des Metiers Anciens - a testimony to the ingenious people of the countryside. Guided visits are available in English. Address: route de Trouville – Telephone: 02 31 64 30 31 - Opening hours: May to September from 10.30am-11.30am, 2.30pm-3.30pm and 4.30pm-5.30pm. April and October from 11.30am to 2.30pm and 3.30pm to 4.30pm. Price: Adults 3€

Espace Culturel Les Dominicaines – permanent exhibition on the history, economy and the monuments of the town - Address: place du Tribunal - Telephone: 02 31 64 89 33 - Open from April to September from 10.30am to 12.30pm and 2.30 to 6pm. October to March from 2.30pm to 6pm - Price: Adults 3€.  The centre also organises visits to the old prison on the first Saturday of every month at 11am and from Wednesday to Saturday at 2.30pm in July and August. Places must be reserved!

The country market from 10am to 1pm on the place des Dominicaines, Sundays at Easter, Whitsun and during July and August.

Sporting & Other Activities

Pont l'Evêque has a camp site and their are good range of sporting activities available neaarby such as walking and horse riding but there are some that are a little more unusual such as 2CV hire, jet skiing and crossing the lake on a zip line.