In Damville, traces of a history of fortifications dating back to the 11th century meet chocolate culture and activities at the Base de loisirs de l’Iton. This offers different options for planning your trip: local history, an insight into cocoa and chocolate, or time by the water. A street performance festival and a Christmas market are also among the local experiences; for both, it is worth checking the dates for your intended year of travel.
Castle history and historic townscapes
Damville Castle was built around 1035 under the rule of William the Conqueror. Its fortifications included moats fed by the Iton. Today, Rue de la Citadelle and Rue des Remparts recall the former fortified enclosure. The remains of the feudal motte in the town centre also point to Damville’s identity as an 11th-century Norman fortress. A guided tour of the town also includes the motte; check what is available before booking.
Another chapter in the town’s history can be seen in the historic market hall, which was rebuilt in 1859. In contrast to the traces of medieval fortifications, it represents a much later phase of construction. Those interested in the town’s development can therefore explore several historical landmarks: the 11th-century castle and motte, as well as the hall’s reconstruction in the 19th century.
Chocolate museum and Chocolatrium
Damville’s chocolate museum presents the history of cocoa and chocolate in an engaging way. It also shows how Cluizel chocolate is made and concludes with a guided tasting. The museum opened in 2002. Its history, production and tasting make it a distinct focus alongside the town’s historic sites.
The Chocolatrium offers a child-friendly exhibition and culinary workshops for children. Alongside learning about the history of chocolate, it therefore provides an activity specifically aimed at young visitors. As the workshop programme may change, check which activities are planned for your travel dates before visiting.
Base de loisirs de l’Iton and the surrounding landscape
The Base de loisirs de l’Iton near Damville is open free of charge all year round; check the current access conditions before your visit. A jetty with adapted access for people with reduced mobility is located at the first pond. Activities include pedal boats, canoes and stand-up paddleboards, as well as pond fishing, a pétanque court and a fitness trail. There is also a children’s playground and a paved route for scooters, inline skates and tricycles. The availability of individual activities may vary by season, so it is advisable to check before travelling.
The Circuit de Chambray offers another perspective on the surroundings. It starts in Damville and runs along the Iton Valley. The route passes through small villages, forests, Espaces Naturels Sensibles, plains and valleys. The town’s historic landmarks are thus set against a landscape of varied natural environments. The route connects these stretches of landscape; no walking time or difficulty rating is specified.
Festivals and seasonal events
Fest’Iton takes place over a weekend in early July in Damville as a street performance festival. The programme includes aerial acrobatics, stilt walkers, music, juggling and street theatre. As the programme may change from one edition to another, check the dates and programme for your year of travel.
The Christmas market in Damville’s market hall features craft stalls, culinary treats and nature-themed activities. If you would like to plan your stay around it, check the details for your intended year. This lets you plan your trip around the specific event dates, while the castle history, chocolate museum and Base de loisirs de l’Iton offer other distinct themes for a stay in Damville.
Discover more destinations: Brionne, Saint-Aubin-Le-Vertueux, Bourneville, Fleury-La-Forêt, Cierrey, Calleville, Ajou, Caumont.
For the regional travel overview: Eure.
