Discover Damville

Damville combines a castle history dating back to the 11th century with chocolate, leisure activities along the Iton and events. If you’re looking for a hotel in Damville, you can plan your stay around what interests you most: local history, chocolate or activities at the Base de loisirs.

Castle history and historic buildings

The history of Damville Castle dates back to the 11th century. It was built around 1035 during the reign of William the Conqueror and was surrounded by moats fed by the Iton. The remains of the motte-and-bailey castle in the town centre also point to Damville’s identity as a Norman stronghold from that century.

The former fortifications are also reflected in the names Rue de la Citadelle and Rue des Remparts. Both streets recall the former fortified enclosure. Together with the castle’s history, they offer several ways to understand how the town developed.

A different period in the town’s history is represented by the historic market hall, which was rebuilt in 1859. Comparing the dates helps distinguish the medieval fortifications from the hall’s construction history.

Chocolate museum and Chocolatrium

The chocolate museum offers a fun introduction to the history of cocoa and chocolate, as well as how Cluizel chocolate is made. A guided tasting rounds off the visit. The museum opened in 2002. As visitor programmes may change, check before your visit whether the tasting and other activities are taking place.

The Chocolatrium features an exhibition for children and culinary workshops for kids. If a chocolate-themed activity is important to your travel plans, this focus offers a clear option. The workshop programme may change, so check before your visit.

Leisure activities along the Iton

The Base de loisirs de l’Iton near Damville is open year-round free of charge. Check access conditions before travelling. A jetty at the first pond has adapted access for people with reduced mobility. This information applies to the jetty at the first pond.

Leisure activities include pedal boats, canoes and stand-up paddleboards. There is also a boules court, a fitness trail, pond fishing and a children’s playground. A paved route is provided for scooters, inline skates and tricycles. Activities may change; check seasonal availability before your visit.

Scenery along the Circuit de Chambray

The Circuit de Chambray starts in Damville and follows the Iton Valley. The route passes through small villages, forests, designated sensitive natural areas (Espaces Naturels Sensibles), plains and valleys. The route description therefore offers a different perspective on the surrounding area from the historical sites in the town centre. Access to the site and trail conditions may change; check them before setting out.

Fest’Iton and Christmas market

Fest’Iton is a street performance festival in Damville, held over a weekend in early July. The programme includes aerial acrobatics, stilt walkers, music, juggling and street theatre. Events may vary from one edition to the next; check the dates for your intended year of travel.

The Christmas market beneath Damville’s market hall features craft stalls, culinary treats and nature-themed activities. Here too, it’s a good idea to check the details and dates for your planned year of travel.

Discover more destinations: Acon, Villettes, Val De Reuil, Bernay, Fourmetot, Sainte-Colombe-près-Vernon, Écaquelon, La Lande-Saint-Léger.

For the broader travel overview: Eure.