Nestled at the gateway to Normandy, Saint Nicholas Abbey in Verneuil-sur-Avre invites you on a journey through time.
Just 1 hour and 30 minutes from Paris and 10 minutes from the Perche region, this 17th-century architectural gem offers a unique immersion into the history of Normandy’s Benedictine nuns.
You can visit Saint Nicholas Abbey and its shop from Wednesday to Sunday, between 2:00 and 6:00 PM, during school holidays.
Admission is free, with self-guided access to the cloister and ambulatory of the abbey.
By train: Stop at Verneuil-sur-Avre station (Paris–Montparnasse line)
By bike: From the greenway connecting Verneuil-sur-Avre to Center Parcs
By car: From Route N12 (between Mortagne-au-Perche and Dreux)
Step into the fascinating world of the Benedictine nuns with our guides. From the cloister to the crypt — and through the famous Abbess’s Parlor — our passionate guides reveal the secrets of a place steeped in history and spirituality.
Relive the daily life of the Benedictine nuns, from the abbey’s founding in 1627 to their departure in 2001.
Guided tours available year-round upon request (booking required at least one week in advance at +33 (0)2 32 32 17 17).
Booking: Tourist Office at +33 (0)2 32 32 17 17
Legend has it that precious relics were hidden within Saint Nicholas Abbey at the time of its founding — and that they may still lie somewhere within its walls. The sisters never uncovered their hiding place, nor were they ever able to prove the relics even existed.
Will you be the one to solve the riddles and unlock the mystery?
Others have tried before you... and never returned.
With the help of a guide, children and their families discover the abbey through a fun and interactive experience — including observation games, riddles, and seasonal creative workshops.
Booking: Tourist Office at +33 (0)2 32 32 17 17
The shop welcomes visitors from Wednesday to Sunday, between 2:00 and 6:00 PM during school holidays.
Warm and inviting, it’s the perfect place to browse for souvenir gifts and share a relaxing moment over a hot drink — with your children, grandchildren, or loved ones.
Keep up to date with our cultural events and programming — and continue exploring this remarkable heritage with us.
