Summer vacation is just around the corner! For those who aren’t lucky enough to go away this year, we’ve found a magnificent Norman village for you to discover just 2 hours from Paris. Ranked among the Most Beautiful Villages of France, Lyons-la-Forêt has served as the setting for several films, notably two adaptations of *Madame Bovary*. Nestled in France’s largest beech forest, this Norman gem appeals to heritage enthusiasts, movie lovers, and nature lovers alike. A hidden gem you absolutely must discover!
Lyons-la-Forêt: a Norman village ranked among the most beautiful in France
Located in the Eure department, in the heart of the vast Lyons National Forest, Lyons-la-Forêt is a charming village where about 700 residents live year-round. With its half-timbered and thatched-roof houses and cobblestone streets, you’ll feel as though you’ve stepped right into a movie set—the village seems frozen in time. This magnificent village served as the backdrop for two film productions in 1933 and 1991, both adaptations of Flaubert’s famous novel, *Madame Bovary*.
Ranked among theMost Beautiful Villages of France, Lyons-la-Forêt boasts a rare wealth of heritage, featuring several remarkable buildings, some of which are designated as Historic Monuments. Examples include the Saint-Jean-Baptiste Chapel in Essart-Mador,the former Cordeliers Convent,Maurice Ravel’s House, andthe Hôtel de la Maréchaussée.
Surrounded by trails and clearings, this magnificent village (and its region) will simply enchant you. A wonderful getaway, almost straight out of a fairy tale, to discover this summer. Strolling here is like walking through anopen-air museum, wherecinema, history, and Norman poetry come together!
