Beaumont-en-Auge
6 km (3,70 miles) west of Pont-l’Evêque, it would be a shame not to stop in this pretty little village of 409 inhabitants with its colourful half-timbered houses typical of Normandy.
Beaumont is located on a hill with a beautiful view of the Touques valley.
An easy 2-hour hike from the village allows to discover the nice countryside of the valley.
A few things to know about Beaumont...
Beaumont was an important market place in the 19th century from where the oxen of the region were shipped to the butchers of Paris.
- Two important people were born in Beaumont :
– Pierre-Simon de Laplace, a scientist and politician was born here in 1749. He attended the Royal College in the village.
Laplace demonstrated the stability of the solar system and worked on mathematical astronomy. He was one of the first scientists to hypothesize the existence of black holes in the universe.
His statue stands on the square of Verdun.
– Colonel Jean-Charles Langlois, officer in the armies of Napoleon I and painter was born in Beaumont in 1789.
He is known for his paintings depicting scenes of Napoleonic battles. - Beaumont had one of the twelve Military Royal Colleges founded in 1776 by Louis XVI.
The king even stopped to Beaumont in 1786 coming back from Cherbourg and received the honors of the students. An informative plaque recalls his visit :
What to do in Beaumont ?
- Walk through the village and discover its traditional houses, priory, wash house, church and the splendid panorama over the Touques valley. A good opportunity to hike around one of the most beautiful Norman villages !
- Enter the craft shop « Après la pluie » : A MUST-SEE !
Dominic Stora is the last manufacturer of kaleidoscopes in Europe. Since 1977, he has been creating kaleidoscopes and reproductions of old optical games using only noble materials. He exports worldwide his creations.
« Après la Pluie » shop
3 rue de la Libération
14950 Beaumont en Auge
Website HERE.
Go hiking from Beaumont
A 2-hour hiking in the Touques Valley.
- 7 km / 2 hours / easy
- Leave from the square of the village overlooking the valley (where there is the panorama) and follow the yellow markings.
- Some places can be dump so wear suitable walking shoes.
Have lunch at Le P'tit Beaumont
And then go hiking to eliminate (or have lunch first to get strength for walking) !
Run by a young couple, a good traditional restaurant offering homemade cuisine made with fresh and local products.
Enjoy the pleasant renovated terrace on sunny days.
More info HERE.
