May 16, 2024 at 9:26 AM
Lisieux, a peaceful town nestled in the heart of Calvados in Normandy, is a must-visit tourist destination for pilgrims and history lovers. Known as the birthplace of Saint Therese of Lisieux, the city attracts visitors from around the world who come to pay their respects. But Lisieux has much more to offer! Its historic center is full of half-timbered buildings and a magnificent cathedral, while the surrounding countryside of Pays d'Auge promises rolling landscapes and charming villages.
Plan your trip to Lisieux
Since Lisieux does not have its own airport, you will need to land at one of the Parisian airports: Roissy-Charles-de-Gaulle (CDG) or Orly (ORY). Airport Taxi offers direct and comfortable transfers from these airports to the city center of Lisieux. Check our rates on our website to find out the price of a taxi between Charles de Gaulle and Orly, or more specifically from Roissy Charles de Gaulle.
For travelers coming from other French cities, regular train connections link Lisieux to important cities like Caen and Rouen. Once there, you can easily explore the city on foot or by public transport.
Getting around Lisieux
Lisieux is a modest-sized city, perfect for getting around on foot. The historic city center is compact and most tourist sites are located close to each other.If you wish to explore the surroundings, an efficient bus service serves the city and neighboring villages. Taxis are also available, but walking remains the most pleasant way to discover the warm atmosphere of Lisieux.
The language in Lisieux
French is the official language spoken in Lisieux. However, English is understood in many hotels and tourist restaurants. A basic effort in French will always be appreciated by the locals. Some simple expressions like "Bonjour", "Merci", and "S'il vous plaît" will be useful during your daily interactions.
Specialties of Lisieux
Lisieux is a city animated by a strong Catholic tradition. If you visit the city during a religious service, be sure to respect the sacred nature of the places of worship. The city is also famous for its cider and calvados, two spirits produced locally. Don't hesitate to taste these Norman specialties in one of the many cider restaurants or bars in the city.
Some rules to know in Lisieux
As everywhere in France, it is important to smoke outside of public places and restaurants.Trash cans are rare on the streets, so keep your garbage with you until you find one.Don't forget that France uses the metric system, so we speak in kilometers and degrees Celsius.
Transfers to Lisieux from major French airports
| Airport | Distance (km) | Average travel time (by car) | Estimated taxi price (one way) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paris - Charles de Gaulle (CDG) | ~180 | ~2h30 | €350 - €450 |
| Paris - Orly (ORY) | ~160 | ~2h15 | €300 - €400 |
| Caen - Carpiquet (CFR) | ~59 | ~50 min | €140 - €170 |
| Deauville - Saint-Gatien (DOL) | ~75 | ~1h10 | €180 - €220 |
| Rennes - Saint-Jacques (RNS) | ~220 | ~3h15 | €450 - €550 |
| Nantes - Atlantique (NTE) | ~270 | ~3h45 | €550 - €650 |
| Le Mans - Arnage (LME) | ~150 | ~2h | €300 - €350 |
| Angers - Loire (ANG) | ~190 | ~2h45 | €400 - €480 |
| Dinard - Pleurtuit (DNR) | ~240 | ~3h30 | €500 - €600 |
| Brest - Bretagne (BES) | ~340 | ~5h | €700 - €800 |
| Bordeaux - Mérignac (BOD) | ~480 | ~6h30 | €950 - €1100 |
| Toulouse - Blagnac (TLS) | ~680 | ~8h30 | €1350 - €1550 |
| Lyon - Saint-Exupéry (LYS) | ~630 | ~8h | €1250 - €1450 |
| Marseille - Provence (MRS) | ~830 | ~10h30 | €1650 - €1850 |
| Nice - Côte d'Azur (NCE) | ~980 | ~12h | €1900 - €2100 |
Remarks:
- Travel times and taxi prices are approximate and may vary depending on traffic and time of day.
- It is highly recommended to book your transfer in advance, especially during the high season.
Main railway stations near Lisieux
| Station | City | Distance (km) | Average travel time (by train) | Estimated taxi price (one way) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gare de Caen | Caen | ~40 | ~30 min | - Not applicable (direct rail link) |
| Gare de Deauville | Deauville | ~50 | ~1h (with possible connection) | €180 - €220 |
| Gare de Rouen Rive-Droite | Rouen | ~90 | ~1h15 | - Not applicable (possible rail link) |
| Gare Le Mans | Le Mans | ~150 | ~2h (with possible connection) | €300 - €350 |
| Gare de Rennes | Rennes | ~220 | ~3h (with connection) | - Not applicable (possible rail link) |
Remarks:
- Travel times and taxi prices are approximate and may vary depending on traffic and time of day.
- The prices indicated for taxis are for a direct trip from Lisieux station to the mentioned destination.
- It is advisable to check train schedules and fares by consulting the SNCF website before your trip.
Discover Lisieux
Must-see tourist attractions
- Sanctuaire Sainte-Thérèse de Lisieux: This immense and modern sanctuary houses the basilica and the Carmel where Saint Thérèse lived.This is a pilgrimage site important for Catholics worldwide.
- St. Peter's Cathedral of Lisieux: An architectural gem dating back to the 12th century, the cathedral is a testament to the rich history of Lisieux.
- Les Buissonnets: Childhood home of Saint Thérèse, transformed into a museum tracing her life and work.
- Carmel of Lisieux: The monastery where Saint Thérèse spent most of her life.
- Museum of Art and History of Lisieux: This museum houses a collection of objects tracing the history of the city and region.
- Bishop's Garden: A peaceful public garden offering a panoramic view of the city.
Main Tourist Sites near Lisieux
| Tourist Site | City/Village | Distance (km) | Average Travel Time (by car) | Estimated Taxi Price (one way) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sanctuary of Saint Thérèse of Lisieux | Lisieux (city center) | ~2 | ~5 min | - Not applicable (easily walkable distance) |
| St. Peter's Cathedral of Lisieux | Lisieux (city center) | ~1 | ~3 min | - Not applicable (easily walkable distance) |
| Les Buissonnets (Childhood home of Saint Thérèse) | Lisieux (city center) | ~1.5 | ~5 min | - Not applicable (easily walkable distance) |
| Carmel of Lisieux | Lisieux (city center) | ~1 | ~3 min | - Not applicable (easily walkable distance) |
| Museum of Art and History of Lisieux | Lisieux (city center) | ~0.5 | ~2 min | - Not applicable (easily walkable distance) |
| Bishop's Garden | Lisieux (city center) | ~1 | ~3 min | - Not applicable (easily walkable distance) |
| Château de Boutemont | Boutemont | ~5 | ~10 min | ~15€ - 20€ |
| Gardens of Pays d'Auge | La Roque-Baignard | ~12 | ~20 min | ~30€ - 40€ |
| Cerza Zoological Park | Hermival-les-Vaux | ~20 | ~30 min | ~40€ - 50€ |
| Abbey of Notre-Dame de Saint-Évroult | Saint-Évroult-Montbelliard | ~25 | ~35 min | ~50€ - 60€ |
| Château de Crèvecoeur-en-Auge | Crèvecoeur-en-Auge | ~28 | ~40 min | ~55€ - 65€ |
| Norman Switzerland | Thury-Harcourt (geographical area) | ~35 | ~45 min | ~70€ - 80€ |
Remarks:
- Travel times and taxi prices are approximate and may vary depending on traffic and time of day.
- The prices indicated for taxis are for a direct trip from Lisieux (city center) to the mentioned destination.
- For sites located in Lisieux itself, walking is recommended to fully enjoy the city's atmosphere.
- It is possible to rent bikes to explore the surroundings of Lisieux at your own pace.
Enjoy the Surroundings
Lisieux is an ideal city to explore the Pays d'Auge region.Discover charming villages like Beuvron, Cambremer, and Orbec, known for their half-timbered houses and local craftsmanship. Nature lovers can stroll through the Gardens of Pays d'Auge, a beautiful landscaped park showcasing local flora. Also, visit the Cerza Zoological Park, a renowned zoo housing a wide variety of wild animals.
Going out and having fun in Lisieux
Lisieux offers a lively cultural scene, with concerts and shows regularly held at the Roger-Secrétan theater. The city also has several cinemas and a variety of restaurants serving traditional Norman cuisine alongside international dishes. If you are looking for an authentic experience, be sure to stroll through the local markets to discover fresh products and regional specialties.
Practical information
Time difference: France follows the UTC+01:00 time zone, which is one hour ahead of Thailand (UTC+07:00). Take this into account when planning your trip.
Getting to Lisieux from nearby cities
Several charming cities are located near Lisieux and are worth a visit. Here are some options and ways to get there:
- Caen (distance: about 40 km): Direct trains regularly connect Lisieux to Caen.The journey takes about 30 minutes.
- Deauville (distance: about 50 km): Accessible by bus or taxi from Lisieux. The journey takes about an hour.
- Honfleur (distance: about 70 km): Accessible by train with a connection in Caen. The journey takes about 1h30.
- Rouen (distance: about 90 km): Direct trains connect Lisieux to Rouen. The journey takes about 1h15.
Book your transport with Airport Taxi
Simplify your arrival in Lisieux by booking your airport transfer in advance with Airport Taxi. We offer direct and comfortable transfers from Roissy-Charles-de-Gaulle (CDG) and Orly (ORY) airports to the city center of Lisieux. If you are looking for a convenient way for your transfer from Paris airport, our transfer service is here for you. Feel free to visit our website to check our rates and make an online reservation. Whether you are a pilgrim in search of spirituality, a history enthusiast, or simply looking for a charming weekend in Normandy, Lisieux will seduce you with its authenticity and rich heritage. So, don't wait any longer and book your trip to Lisieux today!