- History of Lisieux
- Lisieux nowadays
- What to visit in Lisieux?
- Request a car service from Paris to Lisieux
- The advantages of a private car transfer service from Paris to Lisieux
Lisieux, a representative of the Normandy region, beautifully intertwines dairy farming and apple cider farming on its land. The locals are referred to as Lexovians. For transportation services from Paris to Lisieux, you may request a car service here.
History of Lisieux
Once the capital of the Lexovians, a Gaulish tribe, Lisieux stands on the remnants of a Gallo-Roman city. A fortified settlement, or Gallic oppidum, once stood on Le Castellier, southwest of the present city, enclosing a 200-hectare space. Public buildings and a theater amphitheater were situated away from the city center, in the northwest. Today, the remains of baths and a lavish Gallo-Roman villa, uncovered in 1980, are displayed in the archaeological garden of Lisieux’s hospital.
In the 4th century, the presence of Germanic tribes serving in the Roman army was revealed. Tombs belonging to these peoples, filled with items typical of northern Germany, were found at a site known as “Michelet”. In the Middle Ages, following the fall of the Roman Empire, Lisieux became an episcopal seat under Rouen’s jurisdiction. After the Hundred Years War, King Louis XI bestowed his royal protection on the city, which subsequently developed a thriving cloth industry.
Around 1590, during the eighth war of religion, Henry IV reclaimed his kingdom and took Lisieux without a fight. Following the 1789 revolution, Lisieux became part of the newly created Calvados department, but it was only a district capital, overshadowed by Rouen. To discover the places that trace Lisieux’s history, we offer our high-quality, professional transfer service.
Lisieux Nowadays
Despite 80% destruction during World War II, Lisieux remains a historic city of Normandy. It no longer resembles its picturesque medieval past, with quaint, typically Norman, half-timbered houses. However, there is still 20% of the city’s historical gems waiting to be discovered. Many of the half-timbered mansions in the city center are remarkable and worth a visit. To facilitate this, we provide you with our professionally trained drivers.
What to Visit in Lisieux?
Lisieux, a city of pilgrimage, is known for its “Theresian” places of interest, most notably the Basilica. En route to the Basilica, you can explore the Carmelite Convent of Lisieux, the former home of the city’s most famous Carmelite nun. St. Peter’s Cathedral, one of the oldest and most fascinating Gothic cathedrals in Normandy, lies on the route known as “In the Footsteps of St. Teresa”. Work began on the cathedral in 1170 and completed in 1230 in the Norman Gothic style; it has been a listed historical monument since 1840.
The Basilica of Saint Teresa
The Basilica of St. Therese of the Child Jesus was constructed in honor of St. Teresa soon after her canonization. Positioned on a hill overlooking the city, this neo-Byzantine church has supplanted the old cathedral which became a parish church. The basilica houses a reliquary dedicated to the saint. Designed by the architect Louis Marie Cordonnier, the plans were implemented from 1927, and the first stone was laid in 1929. During World War II, construction slowed and the basilica was minimally damaged by the allied bombings in 1944. Work resumed, and the Basilica was consecrated in 1954. Pope John Paul II visited Lisieux during his first trip to France in 1980.
The Basilica of Lisieux is one of the major religious edifices of the 20th century. Spanning a total area of 4500m², it boasts a dome 97 meters in height and 28 meters in diameter. Every year, Lisieux welcomes 1 million visitors.
The Buissonnets
The Buissonnets, the childhood home of Saint Therese, is located in a peaceful area on the outskirts of Lisieux, known as the “Village of the New World”. Thérèse de Saint Martin lived here for 11 years before entering the Carmelite convent. After her mother’s death, Thérèse, deeply affected, found solace only in the company of her family and in solitude. Nowadays, visitors can tour the Buissonnets, immersing themselves in the places and objects that played a significant part in Thérèse de Saint Martin’s childhood.
The Museum of Art and History of Lisieux
Housed in one of Lisieux’s oldest half-timbered houses, the Museum of Art and History captures the various faces of the city throughout time. Exhibits range from the Gallo-Roman city, through the medieval and classical city, the textile industry, and prominent figures, to the wartime and reconstruction periods.
Cheese factory and distillery
Lisieux is renowned for its cheese factories that produce cheeses with appellation d’origine contrôlée (AOC) status. The Graindorge Cheese Shops, which manufacture Livarot and Pont l’Evêque – AOC cheeses from Normandy – provide a fascinating glimpse into cheese production. Established in 1910, this family-run business spanning three generations enables visitors to observe each stage of cheese-making over a 2000 m² area. The tour culminates at the Cheese Bar, where a plate of various AOC cheeses awaits the visitor. Also not to be missed are the distilleries and cideries offering local products of the Pays d’Auge.
Zoo, arboretum and garden
The Zoological Park of Lisieux or Zoo CERA, one of the Zoological Parks of Normandy, is located near Lisieux in the town of Hermival les Vaux. The arboretum, which boasts 700 trees of 130 varieties over 12 hectares, located on the Saint Jacques plateau in Lisieux, provides information on common names, scientific names, geographical origins, anecdotal stories, and the uses of each tree.
The Gardens of Pays d’Auge and their Ecomuseum in Cambremer are also worth a detour. Spread over 3 acres, the gardens contain a multitude of plant environments. The garden’s themes are enhanced by plant labeling, making the visit as educational as it is entertaining. Themes such as the Garden of Scents, Rose Garden, Devil’s Garden, Angel’s Garden highlight various plants. Father Marie, a priest in Saint Germain Livet from 1960-1996, created a garden for flower production, the blooms from which would be used for church festivals. The garden offers a bounty of flowers, twigs, foliage, and stems used to decorate altars, statues, and processions. To explore these sites one by one, don’t hesitate to contact us, as we can provide a day rental service.
Request a car service from Paris to Lisieux
Situated in the Normandy region, in the department of Calvados, Lisieux lies at the heart of the Pays d’Auge, of which it is the capital. It is located 65 km from Abbaye-aux-Hommes and 92.6 km from the Bayeux Tapestry Museum. The city is 216.6 km from Orly Airport and 222.4 km from CDG Airport.
The advantages of a private car transfer service from Paris to Lisieux
Rather than relying on taxis, consider a private car transfer service, which we recommend for both airport transfers and daily travel needs.
You are picked up at home
Gone are the days of waiting and struggling to hail a cab on the street. You’ll be picked up directly from your home and dropped off at your chosen location. The service providers are available around the clock to cater to your needs and can arrive within minutes.
You book online
Booking your private car is just a few clicks away. A form is available on the websites and apps of passenger transport companies. Simply provide all the necessary details about the service: distance, pickup and drop-off points, time, etc. You’ll be dealing with a professional, reliable, and discreet driver who will ensure your comfort throughout the journey.
You won’t face unpleasant surprises
With a private airport transfer service, you’re also protected from unexpected mishaps. The fare will be calculated in advance based on the distance to be covered. You can pay online and won’t need to worry about additional charges. This ensures transparency and security, leading to maximum satisfaction. Moreover, the cars used are typically high-end, perfectly maintained vehicles, ensuring a smooth, uninterrupted journey.