Brionne combines a rich heritage with leisure activities on the water. Specific points to help you plan include the keep and the Church of Saint Martin, a 22-hectare lake with a range of activities, and canoeing on the Risle. You can find local produce at the market, held twice a week; the Moulin d’Aclou wetland is nearby. When choosing accommodation, you can first consider whether local history, water activities or the surrounding landscape will shape your stay.
The town’s history in panels and buildings
In Brionne, 22 panels about the town’s history and its historical and religious heritage are displayed at various locations and sites. The Brionne Keep offers another way to explore local history: it was most likely built at the end of the 11th century, can be visited and seen year-round, and is located on the GR224 hiking trail.
The Church of Saint Martin also has several distinctive architectural features. It dates back to 1030 and has an original square bell tower with Romanesque and Gothic elements. Its flint and dressed-stone façade comprises a Romanesque ground floor, a Gothic upper floor and an 18th-century entrance portal. The building thus brings together features from different styles, as well as a separate date for the portal.
The Domaine de Lorraine was built at the beginning of the 18th century. The estate includes a brick-and-stone manor house and outbuildings. The Maison du Tourisme is housed in a former cider press, while another outbuilding houses a music school. Brionne Carrefour d’Histoire organises tours of the historical heritage and also shares evidence of local history through exhibitions and conferences. Buildings, panels and organised interpretation therefore offer different ways to explore the town’s history.
The lake and the Risle: water activities with different conditions
Brionne’s leisure centre is located beside a 22-hectare lake. Activities on offer include mini golf, tennis, volleyball, boules, archery, fishing, a multi-sports court and a pump track. On the water, options include Fun Boats, kayaking and pedal boats, as well as canoe trips on the Risle. The range therefore extends from land-based activities to various ways of enjoying the water.
The “Randonnée Canoë-Kayak sur la Risle” activity requires a reservation and starts at the lake. It includes a trip downstream on the water and a return journey by minibus, and takes place without supervision. The Canoë Kayak Club de Brionne offers canoe hire and guided half-day and full-day trips on the Risle between Brionne and Montfort-sur-Risle; these also require a reservation. When choosing between the options, the key difference is whether you are accompanied: the activity starting at the lake is unsupervised, while the club trips are guided. Check reservation requirements and conditions before making plans.
Market, circular walk and landscape
Brionne’s market takes place twice a week, on Thursdays and especially Sundays; local produce is available there. Check the market day before your trip. The Circuit du Donjon is another named option in Brionne, a circular walking route.
The Moulin d’Aclou wetland, near Brionne on the banks of the Risle, offers a natural perspective. It comprises wet meadows, several river channels and alluvial woodland, and provides a suitable habitat for numerous protected plant and animal species. This makes it possible to combine Brionne’s heritage and water-based leisure activities with a look at the surrounding landscape.
Discover more destinations: Serquigny, St-Pierre-Du-Mesnil, Corneville-Sur-Risle, Sainte-Colombe-La-Commanderie, Bois-Jérôme-Saint-Ouen, Le Bec-Hellouin, Conches-En-Ouche, Saint-Georges-du-Vièvre.
For the broader travel overview: Eure.
