Municipality of nearly 5000 inhabitants, Neufchâtel-en-Bray takes place in Normandy, in the department of Seine-Maritime, about fifty kilometers from Rouen. Crossed by Bethune, it is located not far from Aumale, Saint-Saëns and Forges-les-Eaux.
Of Gallo-Roman origin, the Norman city was then called Novientum. An important town since the 9th century, it also has a strategic location on the border between the kingdom of England and France. Definitively adopted by the French at the end of the Hundred Years War, it is strongly affected by the wars of religion in the sixteenth century, and during the Second World War during which it is destroyed more than 80%.
Neufchâtel-en-Bray, largely rebuilt in the 1950s by Robert Auzelle, is today a new town that took its final name in the early 1960s. In addition to its geographical location and specialty, Neufchâtel cheese, it seduces also by its architectural heritage of great interest.
Second church built in the town, Notre-Dame dates from the twelfth century. Remodied in the 13th century, then in the 16th century, it is now classified as an historic monument. From the primitive Romanesque church, one can still admire the base of the old lantern tower. Following bombings during the Second World War, it was largely rebuilt in the 1950s.
Labeled Museum of France, the Museum of Arts and Popular Traditions Mathon-Durand takes place in an old mansion of the late sixteenth century. The half-timbered building reveals rich and varied collections in the fields of numismatics, archeology, military art, ethnology, sacred art and costumes. In the vaulted cellar of origin, it is possible to discover a space dedicated to the oldest PDO cheese in Normandy, Neufchâtel.
Classified as National Heritage of the twentieth century, the administrative center of Neufchâtel-en-Bray was built in the mid-twentieth century. As you stroll through the city, do not miss to admire the tax center, the Robert-Auzelle theater, the village hall or the town hall, buildings all dating from the reconstruction.
Built at the beginning of the 12th century, the Sainte-Radegonde chapel originally depended on the priory of the same name. It takes place near the source of Sainte-Radegonde known to treat skin diseases.
You can also enjoy the remains of St. Peter's Church, as well as the esplanade of the Old Castle, or stroll along the banks of the Bethune and enjoy the water.
