Nicknamed the «Venice of Normandy», Pont-Audemer owes its charm to the Risle River and its many arms and canals that criss-cross the city center. These canals, stone bridges and half-timbered houses create a uniquely picturesque setting.
An ancient and flourishing city of tanners, its historic activity around leather prospered thanks to the omnipresent water, leaving a rich architectural heritage visible (old drying sheds). It was here that Thierry Hermès, founder of the eponymous brand, began his apprenticeship.
The town also boasts a remarkable religious heritage, notably the Église Saint-Ouen, an imposing, unfinished flamboyant Gothic structure. It lies at the gateway to the Marais Vernier, a Ramsar-labeled protected natural area. The town is also famous for its pastry shop, Le Mirliton.
Vincent-Ferron