A heritage site, owned by the “Interco Normandie Sud Eure” Community of Communes, the former Saint-Nicolas abbey is located in the heart of the town of Verneuil d'Avre et d'Iton, the gateway to Eure and Normandy.
The Abbey of Saint-Nicolas was founded in 1627 for Benedictine nuns. Among the Norman abbeys, that of Verneuil is one of the few that is still standing on its original site. The last nuns left the premises in 2001 and the building was bought by the community in 2009.
The abbey is a place imbued with a strong identity that does not leave visitors indifferent when they come to discover the chapel, the crypt, the cloister, the cells of the Benedictines, the refectory as well as the biscuit factory where the famous Nonnettes were made.
Since 2024, visitors can now admire the restored parlor of the abbess. Adorned with 17th century paintings that cover the walls and ceiling, this room mainly depicts landscapes, plants and cherubs. This treasure is considered by several academics and historians to be a masterpiece, unique in France, even in Europe.
The Normandy South Eure Tourist Office regularly organizes guided tours (02 32 32 17 17).
Events are also regularly organized on the site (Christmas market, Autumn Cantons, contemporary art exhibitions, etc.).
The restoration work is of great importance due to the work required and its history. Thanks to donations, the preservation and enhancement of the abbey will allow us to leave a precious historical legacy to future generations. Make a donation: https://www.fondation-patrimoine.org/les-projets/abbaye-saint-nicolas-verneuil-sur-avre
GUIDED TOURS
* Secrets of the Saint-Nicolas Abbey
The life of the Benedictines from their foundation in 1627 until their departure in 2001.
Duration: 2 hours.
Price: 5 € / person.
Dates 2025: 04/01, 08/02, 15/02, 22/02, 01/03, 05/04, 12/04, 19/04, 26/04, 03/05, 10/05, 31/05, 18/10, 25/10, 01/11, 20/12, 27/12 and every Wednesday and Saturday from 09/07 to 30/08. By reservation.
* Fun guided tours for children
Accompanied by a heritage guide, children and their families discover a Benedictine abbey with observation games, riddles or creative workshops. Several themes depending on the season.
Duration: 1 hour
Prices: from €4
Dates 2025: 13/02, 20/02, 27/02, 05/03, 10/04, 17/04, 24/04, 23/10, 30/10 and every Thursday from 10/07 to 28/08. By reservation.
Working Languages
- French
- English
Costumed
- Average duration of the individual visit: 120 min
- Average duration of the group visit: 120 min
- Groups of 10 to 60 people welcome.
Services
Equipment
- Free parking
- Toilet
- Bar, cafeteria, tea room
- Indoor games, play case, books
Services
- Shop
- Site accessible to strollers
Activities on site
- Specific thematic animation
- Children's workshop
- Conferences
- Temporary exhibitions
Prices & payment methods
Guided tours from €5/person.
Exhibitions, autumn cantons... Free access.
- Credit card
- French bank and postal checks
- French "Chèques vacances"
- Cash
- Contactless payment
- Transfers
Opening
Guided tours organized during each school holiday, by reservation.
Check the agenda: https://www.normandie-sud-tourisme.fr/evenements/tout-lagenda/