Vernon, France

Vernon, situated on the banks of the Seine river between Paris and Rouen, has been twinned with the city on the Franconian Saale for more than five decades.

Worth Knowing about Vernon

The city of Vernon, with a population of about 25,000 since 1960, is the second most important city in the region after Évreux, the capital of the department of Eure. Situated in the extreme south-east of Normandy, it is also called "the gateway to Normandy". Vernon is an ancient city, as proved by findings from the prehistoric, Celtic, Gallo-Roman and Merovingian periods. It became an important military post under the dukes of Normandy.
Vernon was partly destroyed by the Allied bombings in 1940 and 1944.

Geographical Location

Vernon is the second largest city in the department of Eure with 25,000 inhabitants. It is located on the Seine, directly on the border between Normandy and the Île-de-France. It is only 70 km from Paris and can easily be reached by road and rail. The journey time to Paris takes 45 minutes. Via the Seine, Vernon is connected both to Paris and to the seaport of Le Havre. The distance from Vernon to Bad Kissingen is 800 km.

Culture

City Museum

The city museum specializes in works of art that represent animals. Masterpieces by the Impressionists Monet and Bonnard, who lived in the neighborhood, are also to be admiredCultural Centre "Espace Phillipe Auguste"

The Cultural Center "Espace Philippe Auguste" houses a multimedia library, the city school of music, dance and theater, as well as conference and exhibition rooms. The arts center also offers a wide program of concerts and theater productions.

Cherry fair

A sales fair that takes place every year during the celebration of Pentecost.

Along with many cultural events, the first cherries are sold in tons. Since 1998, the town partnership committee of Bad Kissingen has been represented with a stand at the fair.

Giverny

The village, only a few kilometers away, is known as the location of Impressionist Claude Monet's garden and home. The beautiful garden, which often appears in Monet’s paintings, is a worthwhile destination for an excursion.

Economy

The SNECMA Moteur company produces in Vernon also the propulsion units for the European rocket "Ariane".

Structural features

Vernon is located between Paris and Rouen on the Seine, in the department of Eure in Normandy.
Settlements since the 10th century; several architectural monuments (for instance, the castle of Bizy, a 12th/13th-century church).
A city with large green areas.
Five minutes by car from Giverny, Claude Monet’s last place of work (museum and garden).

Industry

SEP (Société de Propulsion): research and production of engines for the European rocket “Ariane".

More information:
www.giverny.org/vernon