Built between two arms of the Risle, the medieval centre of Pont-Audemer – with its canals, bourgeois houses and Norman half-timbered buildings – has retained a very special charm. Pont-Audemer was founded where it was easiest to cross the river. The town also owes its commercial development to its port, which has been active since the middle of the 11th century. Commercial relations between Pont-Audemer and England were well documented: thanks to their reputation, the Norman tanners exported their leather across the Channel.