Lyons-la-Forêt, Medieval village in Normandy, France
Lyons-la-Forêt is a village in Normandy where the town square displays half-timbered and pink brick buildings from the 17th and 18th centuries. Narrow streets connect these structures and lead toward water mills positioned at the village edges.
A Norman king established a fortress here in the early 12th century, shaping the political importance of the region. The settlement retained its core structure across subsequent centuries and developed around the central market square.
The oak market hall anchors the village center and hosts markets and exhibitions several times weekly. Visitors encounter local traders and crafts people conducting commerce in a space that shapes daily rhythms much as it did for generations.
The village sits away from major transit routes and requires car travel or arranged transfers from nearby train stations in Gisors or Rouen. Market days offer the liveliest experience, with fresh local goods available and the center most active.
Three water mills from the 14th century occupy a dedicated square and mark the era when waterpower drove the settlement's economy. One mill pioneered electric generation locally and brought early electrical lighting to the surrounding area.
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