Small medieval town, big Gothic cathedral, welcoming people, that sums up Vernon, Normandy.
‘Discovering’ beautiful places along the roads less traveled is one of our passions at Inside Europe Travel Experiences. Vernon, in Normandy, France, is one of those gems.
Often passed by or just driven through en route to its well-known neighboring village, Giverny, our 2026 ENCHANTEZ travelers will visit the charming town of Vernon — and we’re already working on confirming an exclusive Fort Mill HS Choir Easter Monday concert at the small town’s big cathedral. Locals and visitors will be invited to join, too. This matinee performance will be organized in partnership with Tourisme Nouvelle Normandie.
A Beautiful Medieval Gem
Collegiale Notre-Dame de Vernon is an impressive cathedral in the heart of Vernon. The construction for the mainly Gothic church started in the eleventh century by Guillaume de Vernon. In 1072, the structure was dedicated to
Built between the eleventh and the sixteenth century, Notre-Dame Cathedral of Vernon is composed of different architectural styles: the choir and the transept are in Romanesque style while the rest of the building has been rebuilt in different Gothic styles (radiant Gothic, flamboyant and late). Inside the building, you will discover an organ dating from the early seventeenth century and restored in 1979. Magnificent abstract stained glass windows were installed in the 70s to replace those destroyed during the Second World War. Behind the main altar is a magnificent series of tapestries from the Life of the Virgin Mary, five panels depicting the history of Mary in a series of 19 paintings.
To learn more about this special place of worship and its history, plus to embark on a virtual tour of the cathedral, click here.