Gournay-en-Bray, commune in Seine-Maritime, France
Gournay-en-Bray is a small town in Normandy at the meeting point of several roads, characterized by old stone buildings and quiet shops. The town sits in a valley with heights ranging from about 100 to 210 meters and is crossed by the Epte and Morette rivers.
The town was fortified in the 11th century and became an important defensive point near the territory of Norman leader Rollon. A turning point came in 1202 when French King Philip Augustus conquered the town, and young noble Arthur was made a knight there, an event that later shaped the town's coat of arms featuring a knight and a lily.
The town is known for producing Petit Suisse cheese, a tradition dating back to the 13th century that shapes local identity. At markets held twice weekly, farmers sell dairy products and meat, showing how closely agriculture and daily life intertwine here.
The town is easily reached by car or regional train and has a straightforward layout that is simple to explore. A guided walk called Au Fil des Pas starts from the local tourist office and takes about one and a half hours, passing the church, old houses, and historic gates.
The town has been twinned with Hailsham, a village in England, since 2000, and both visit each other for festivals and events. This cross-border friendship keeps the stories of both places alive and connects them across the Channel.
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