The town where living is easy! At the crossroads of Normandy’s major cities (Caen, Rouen, Le Havre) and only 1.5 hours from Paris by train, Bernay is a charming town in the Eure department, with a range of services and leisure facilities worthy of major cities: cinema, theatre, hospital, sports facilities, racecourse…
Naturally Norman
Top 5 reasons to move to Bernay
01
A 15-minute town
The train station, hospital, theatre, cinema, shops and public services are all less than 15 minutes from the centre, walking or cycling!
02
Normandy in its purest form
Spared by the bombings of 1944, Bernay has preserved many of its original timber-framed buildings, giving it an undeniable charm.
03
On the water’s edge
The name Bernay means “passage over water”. And you’ll soon see why! Two rivers, the Charentonne and the Cosnier, run through the town, which give it a relaxed, easy-going feel.
04
Urban or rural life? Why not have both!
While Bernay boasts all the advantages of a large town, its residents also benefit from an environment that is completely natural, peaceful and unspoilt.
05
A welcoming, responsible and caring town
Bernay is developing an urban development strategy and services tailored to the needs of all, as well as committed social and environmental policies
Moving to Bernay: follow our guide!
Do you like Bernay, but want to find out more before you make the move? The town has published a handy guide containing all the information you need.
Once a year, the town council invites new Bernay residents to take part in a guided tour of the town’s heritage and enjoy a friendly get-together.
You can keep up to date with all the latest news from Bernay in the magazine Bernay Infos, which can be downloaded from the town’s website.
What not to miss in Bernay
And also…
Notre-Dame-de-la-Couture Basilica
The only basilica in the Eure, this Gothic gem houses stained glass windows from the Renaissance to the 19th century, murals and even a work of art by Ernest Pignon-Ernest.
This theatre, which was renovated in 2018 and named after Edith Piaf, who spent part of her childhood in Bernay, offers a rich and varied cultural programme.
The Artère
This urban art trail set in the heart of Bernay’s greenway is the result of the intervention of 4 artists: Katre; Claire Boucl; Sweo & Nikita and Levalet. New facilities are added each year.
Pastoral de la Charentonne Golf Course
Just a stone’s throw from the town centre, this unspoilt golf course nestling in the wet meadows of the Charentonne is the smallest accredited 9-hole course in Europe!
Prairie de la Charentonne
In 2022, the town completely redeveloped the site, turning it into a fun, sporting area for the whole family (skate park, fitness area, boules pitch, children’s play area, barbecue, open-air theatre) that is enjoyed by all.
Working in Bernay
Bernay has a strong economic base, with more than 300 shops, 120 tradespeople and some 200 SMEs in a variety of sectors. They include SOFAC, the kepi hat manufacturer; NéoDigital, an agency that creates immersive experiences; Protocop, the European leader in law enforcement equipment; and Biolog-Id, a global specialist in the traceability of healthcare products.
Local businesses and industries regularly recruit for new positions. This is currently true of Comefi, Agnp, Zalkin, Arkema, Aerochim and Leclerc. More than 1,900 roles were recruited for in 2023.
Setting up a business in Bernay
Are you looking to set up, relocate or expand your business in Bernay? You’ve got plenty of options!
In the centre of town, 2 minutes’ walk from the train station, the Bernay Terre de Normandie Intercom Business Centre offers flexible premises from 12 to 150 m2 at €12 per m2 to rent. Are you looking for somewhere to work remotely? A temporary office (8 m²) is also available to hire by the day, week or month.
The area also boasts 12 business parks (some with land for sale from €15/m² excl. tax) and a small trade area. Among them, the Bernay economic development zone of “Les Granges”, which is just 7 km from the A28 interchange and offers very high-speed Internet access.
Bernay Terres de Normandie‘s Economic Development Department has drawn up a list of available real estate to assist companies setting up in the area.
Learning and studying in Bernay
In Bernay, educational success is a priority. This is based on the quality of the schooling, freshly-cooked school lunches, the diversity and quality of the extra-curricular activities and innovative teaching projects.
Academic establishments
What’s on in Bernay
- The weekly market
Every Saturday
A real institution in Louviers! Created by Richard II of Normandy, the Bernay market is one of the most significant in the Eure region. Every Saturday, around a hundred stall holders take over the high street with their local produce. It’s a feast for the eyes, the nose and the taste buds! - Garden Tractor Pulling Eurocup
June
Every year, Bernay plays host to the Tractor Pulling Eurocup, one of Europe’s biggest events in this US-inspired mechanical sport. It’s going to be quite the show! - Côté cour, côté jardin festival
July
Every year at the beginning of summer, Bernay hosts a street arts festival that brings the whole town to life. - The Puppet Festival
July
Organised by the “Amicale laïque du temps des cerises” community group, this festival features around fifteen puppet shows, workshops and activities for young and old throughout the community of municipalities. - Bernay scintille
December
A month of shows, events and workshops hosted by the town and its shopkeepers to bring the magic of Christmas to life!
