6 of the most beautiful villages around Rouen, hidden treasures of Normandy

Are you planning a trip to Rouen or the surrounding area and looking for picturesque villages to explore? Look no further! We’ve put together a list of the 6 most beautiful villages around Rouen, offering unforgettable experiences and a unique immersion in the region’s culture and history. Get ready to discover these hidden treasures of Normandy!

1. Discover the beauty of Le Bec-Thomas

Le Bec-Thomas is a charming village just a few kilometres from Rouen. With its cobbled streets and half-timbered houses, it offers an idyllic setting for a relaxing stroll. Its 12th-century church, dedicated to Saint Thomas, is an architectural gem well worth a visit. Its colourful stained glass windows and stone bell tower bear witness to a rich historical past.

Strolling through the streets of Bec-Thomas, you can also admire the many old houses that bear witness to the village’s importance in the Middle Ages. Take the time to stop off at the small shops and craft workshops to pick up some authentic souvenirs and share a friendly moment with the locals.

2. Soak up the peaceful atmosphere of Saint-Martin-de-Boscherville

Saint-Martin-de-Boscherville is another village not to be missed during your stay near Rouen. Dominated by its Romanesque abbey, it offers a bucolic setting in which to relax and contemplate. Saint-Georges Abbey, founded in the 12th century, is a remarkable example of Norman Romanesque architecture and is the village’s main attraction.

As well as the abbey, take time to wander through the flower-filled streets of Saint-Martin-de-Boscherville and soak up the peaceful atmosphere. The village is also surrounded by magnificent walking trails, allowing you to discover the wealth of local flora and fauna.

3. La Bouille, a romantic getaway on the banks of the Seine

La Bouille is a charming village on the banks of the Seine, just a few kilometres from Rouen. It is often considered one of the most beautiful villages in Normandy, and rightly so. Its narrow streets, half-timbered houses and flower-filled terraces make it an ideal place for a romantic getaway.

Don’t miss the 18th-century church of Sainte-Madeleine, home to magnificent murals and a historic organ. La Bouille is also renowned for its art galleries and artists’ studios, testifying to the cultural richness of this charming village.

4. Duclair, the pearl of the Seine Valley

Duclair is a picturesque village in the heart of the Seine Valley, around twenty kilometres from Rouen. It is surrounded by lush green countryside and limestone cliffs that provide an exceptional natural setting. The village is best known for its château, built in the 17th century and majestically overlooking the Seine.

As you stroll through Duclair, you’ll also discover the village’s religious heritage, in particular the church of Saint-Denis, a 16th-century Gothic edifice. Gourmets won’t want to miss the duck à la rouennaise, a local speciality renowned throughout Normandy.

5. Immerse yourself in the history of Jumièges

Jumièges is a village steeped in history, around thirty kilometres from Rouen. It is famous for the ruins of its abbey, founded in the 7th century and destroyed during the Wars of Religion. Today, Jumièges Abbey is a major tourist attraction, attracting many visitors who come to admire its remains and its wooded grounds.

The village of Jumièges also offers beautiful walks along the Seine, where you can enjoy breathtaking views of the limestone cliffs lining the river. History and architecture buffs won’t want to miss the 11th-century Romanesque church of Saint-Valentin and the perfectly preserved medieval manor house of La Cour des Aulnays.

6. Explore the medieval charm of La Roche-Guyon

La Roche-Guyon is a medieval village around 80 kilometres from Rouen, in the heart of the French Vexin Regional Nature Park. It is dominated by its 12th-century fortified castle, which offers panoramic views over the Seine valley. The château also houses a museum where you can learn about the history of the site and its illustrious occupants.

Take a stroll through the cobbled streets of La Roche-Guyon and admire the half-timbered houses and ramparts that bear witness to the village’s rich medieval past. Don’t miss the Saint-Samson priory, a 13th-century building that houses a reconstructed medieval garden.

Why visit Rouen?

1. A richly preserved historical heritage

Rouen is a city with an exceptional historic heritage, with its cobbled streets, half-timbered houses and emblematic monuments such as Notre-Dame cathedral and the Gros-Horloge. The city has managed to preserve and enhance its history, offering visitors a real journey back in time.

During your stay in Rouen, you can also explore the many museums dotted around the city, such as the Musée des Beaux-Arts and the Musée de la Céramique, and discover the fascinating history of the region.

2. An impressionist city

Rouen is also famous for its close links with the Impressionist movement. Many painters, such as Claude Monet, were inspired by the beauty and light of the city, and their works are now on display in local museums and art galleries.

As you stroll through the streets of Rouen, you can follow in the footsteps of these great artists and admire the landscapes that have left their mark on the history of art.

3. An enchanting medieval atmosphere

Rouen is a city that has retained its medieval charm, with narrow, winding streets, half-timbered houses and historic monuments. You’ll feel as if you’ve stepped into a fairytale as you wander its narrow streets and discover its hidden treasures.

The many events and activities organised throughout the year, such as medieval festivals and Christmas markets, also help to create a unique and unforgettable atmosphere for visitors.

4. Tasty Normandy cuisine

Normandy is renowned for its gastronomy, and Rouen is no exception. You can sample local specialities such as camembert, Caen-style tripe and cider in the many restaurants and bistros dotted around the city.

And don’t miss the local markets, where you can buy fresh regional produce to cook up delicious meals at home.

5. A journey through the history of Joan of Arc

Rouen is inextricably linked with the story of Joan of Arc, who was tried and burnt alive here in 1431. The city has preserved and enhanced this historic heritage, with sites and monuments dedicated to the memory of this emblematic figure in French history.

While in Rouen, be sure to visit the Historial Jeanne d’Arc, an interactive museum that retraces the life and times of the Pucelle d’Orléans, as well as the Tour Jeanne d’Arc, where she was imprisoned before her trial.

In conclusion, Rouen and the surrounding area offer an array of historical and cultural treasures that will appeal to travellers in search of discovery and authenticity. Don’t hesitate, and let yourself be charmed by these picturesque villages and a city rich in history!