Lisieux

Lisieux is a commune in the Calvados department in the Normandy region of northwestern France. It is the subprefecture of the arrondissement of Lisieux and part of the historic Pays d’Auge. The town lies inland in western Normandy and serves as a regional center for administration, commerce, and culture.

The town developed from a medieval market settlement around its churches and its position on transport routes in the region. Over time it grew into a provincial town with a preserved historic core.

Lisieux is best known for its association with Saint Thérèse of Lisieux, a Carmelite nun who lived there in the late 19th century and is venerated as a Doctor of the Church. The Basilica of Saint Thérèse, completed in 1954, stands on the edge of the city and is a major Catholic pilgrimage site; the nearby Carmelite convent and relics attract visitors from around the world.

The historic center preserves timber-framed houses and a church heritage dating to the Middle Ages, providing a sense of the town’s long history. The city also hosts museums, markets, and cultural events reflecting its regional traditions.

The surrounding Pays d’Auge landscape supports agricultural activity, particularly dairy farming and apple orchards used for cider and calvados. Lisieux is connected by rail to Caen and Paris and is served by regional roads, facilitating access for residents and visitors.