What to do around Rouen?
Want to get some fresh air around Rouen? Get in your car and set off to discover the wonders of the region during walks about 1 hour from Rouen by car!
Immaculate beaches, charming villages and walks accessible to all, the region surrounding Rouen offers astonishing discoveries! If you have already explored the city in all its facets, beautiful escapes await you for a day ora weekend in Normandy by discovering the surroundings. Here are our 6 unmissable getaways about 1 hour from Rouen!
Honfleur
Only at 1 hour drive from Rouen, crossing the famous Normandy bridge which majestically spans the Seine, is the charming town ofHonfleur. With over a thousand years of history, it is full of architectural treasures just waiting to be discovered. Stroll in its little cobbled streets, lined with half-timbered houses typical of the region, and let yourself be transported bymedieval atmosphere places. You can forget the car once you arrive, because Honfleur is perfectly exploreable on foot!
Follow your steps to its picturesque small harbor, the famous "Old Bassin“, where old trawlers seem to come from another era. THE 17th and 18th century residences, former shipowners' houses, stand all around the port and are listed in the Look out. Let yourself be immersed in the history that emanates from each stone, and don't forget to take the time to taste local specialties in the charming restaurants in the area.
A getaway to Honfleur is a real journey through time, where the charm of yesteryear blends perfectly with the sweetness of live in Normandy. So, put on your comfortable shoes and set out to discover this historic gem with surroundings of Rouen !
Deauville
A few steps from Honfleur, on the Côte Fleurie, Deauville is an essential stopover to discover around Rouen! This seaside resort internationally renowned has attracted Parisians since the mid-19th century, and the fascination with Normandy continues to grow. The famous Deauville boards, classified as Look out, are a real gem. Covering approximately 650 meters, this promenade was built in 1923 to allow ladies to walk without sinking into the sand and to preserve their elegant dresses.
La magic of Deauville lies in its perfect blend of glamour, period charm and spectacular coastal scenery. Let yourself be enchanted by theelegant atmosphere and enjoy the leisure activities that this dprestigious destination. From luxury boutiques to bustling casinos, to the beaches of fine sand, Deauville has everything to seduce visitors looking for a memorable getaway.
Whether you stroll along the famous boards, that you stroll in the busy streets from the city, or whether you are relaxing on the beach admiring the horizon, Deauville promises an unforgettable experience. So, don't hesitate to include this pearl of the Côte Fleurie in your list ofgetaways around Rouen !
Cliffs of Étretat
Iconic symbol and pride of Normandy coast, Étretat is known worldwide for his cliffs striking, its majestic arches and pebble beaches picturesque. Every year, thousands of visitors from the four corners of the globe flock to this small corner of paradise to contemplate the landscapes to cut the breath that nature offers.
In the 19st century, Etretat was already a popular destination, renowned for its therapeutic benefits by the sea. Sea bathing was then considered a cure for many ailments, thus attracting a distinguished and wealthy clientele. Of the writers, artists and renowned personalities have succumbed to the charm bewitchingEtretat and found in this natural decor an inexhaustible source of inspiration.
Among the personalities who left their mark on Etretat, We count Guy de Maupassant, famous Norman writer, who was seduced by the unique beauty of the cliffs and beaches. The writer André Gide, Nobel Prize winner for literature, also found refuge in this picturesque setting to nourish his writings.
The cliffs ofEtretat, with their imposing silhouette, have been immortalized by many painters and photographers renowned. The famous painting of Claude Monet, "Cliff of Étretat after the storm“, testifies to the powerful influence of these landscapes on the artists of the time.
Fécamp
Prepare to live a unforgettable getaway in the charming town of Fécamp, a jewel of the Normandy coast which will enchant you with its rich historical heritage and its gentle way of life.
Classified “City of Art and History" Fécamp is a real maritime jewelry which has managed to preserve its heritage while turning resolutely towards the future. Its port, once the first in France for cod fishing à Newfoundland or Iceland, invites you to relive the epic of fishermen who wrote the most beautiful pages of its history.
The majestic Abbey of the Holy Trinity, proudly standing in the heart of the city since the 7th century, is an architectural feat that will not fail to dazzle you. Let yourself be enchanted by the serenity of this place of worship imbued with spirituality.
Faithcamp is also the birthplace of the famous Benedictine liqueur, whose secret recipe was created by a Benedictine monk in Xth century. The visit of Benedictine Palace, a building Neo-gothic magnificent, will immerse you in thecaptivating story the liqueur and will allow you to discover its captivating aromas.
More Fécamp is not limited to its prestigious past. Today, the city warmly welcomes boaters and water sports enthusiasts, such as the kitesurfing and paddle. The pebble beaches and crystal clear waters of the English Channel invite you to moments of relaxation and leisure in sea side.
Lyons the forest
Classified among the “Most Beautiful Villages of France" Lyons-la-Forêt is a real jewel of Normandy. Your cobbled streets, Its half-timbered houses and small shops create a authentic and peaceful atmosphere. Stroll along the charming streets bordered with flowers and let yourself be enchanted by the bucolic atmosphere that reigns here.
Le historic heart of the village reserves you architectural treasures, as'Saint-Denis church, dating from the 12th century, which impresses with its elegance and history. Don't miss out on visiting the Environment House, a place for interpreting the forest and the surrounding nature, which will amaze young and old alike.
Located in the heart of the magnificent forest of Lyons, the village offers an ideal setting for nature lovers and hiking enthusiasts. Explore the forest trails, discover the secret ponds and be surprised by the unspoilt beauty of the flora and fauna local.
Lyons-la-Forêt is also renowned for its rose festival annual, where the village gardens are adorned with a thousand colors. It is an enchanting spectacle not to be missed for all passionate about flowers and horticulture.
Les Andelys
Want to escape to a bewitching decor and full of history? Les Andelys extends its arms to you! This delightful little village nestled in heart of Normandy will seduce you with its picturesque charm and its bucolic landscapes.
Dominated by the majestic Chateau Gaillard, built by Richard Heart of Lion in the 12th century, Les Andelys offers breathtaking panorama on Seine valley. Perched on its rocky spur, this historic site will immerse you in themedieval ages and will take you on a journey through the centuries.
As you walk through the cobbled streets of the village, you will be enchanted by the preserved architecture of the half-timbered houses and buildings dating from the Middle Ages. Stroll along the banks of the Seine and contemplate the reflection of the boats on the water, or stroll through the green parks which surround the village for a moment of relaxation in contact with nature.
Lovers of hiking will be filled by the paths which crisscross the surrounding hills, offering pbreathtaking anoramas on the valley. The generous nature of the region is conducive to beautiful walks outdoors and discovering preserved landscapes.
Where to sleep in Rouen?
Transport - Getting to Rouen
– By Train: If you leave Paris or several towns in Normandy the prices are quite attractive and the journey is not very long, so there are no more excuses not to come and enjoy the city of cents bell towers.
Example price: from Paris: around €15/20 from Le Havre: around €8/10
– By road: Rouen is well located, close to Paris (133km), Dieppe (58km), Le Havre (86km), it is a gateway to Normandy.
Transport - Getting around Rouen
– By public transport: This is the quickest way to get around Rouen. The city is very well served and the network is very easy to understand. Metro and bus will take you everywhere. Price of a ticket: 1€70
– By bike: There is also the possibility of getting around by bike in Rouen with many cycle paths. Bicycles can also be rented in the city center.
– By car: The last option remains the car, however it remains very expensive, because you will have to spend a fairly large amount of money to park in the city's car parks.
