Endless green spaces

nature walks in the heart of Rouen

As you stroll along Rouen’s cobbled streets, you’ll discover a surprisingly green city, dotted with a multitude of natural spaces, hidden gardens, intimate squares and waterside promenades. A real invitation to take a breath of fresh air in the heart of the city of a hundred steeples. Whether on foot, by bike, on horseback or even running, Rouen lends itself to every kind of exploration. It’s impossible to see everything in a single day, but this article will help you pinpoint the places not to be missed for your first immersion in nature in Rouen. And because each season transforms the landscape, you’ll have just as many good reasons to come back: golden foliage in autumn, blooms in spring, soft light in winter, summer atmosphere on the quays…

A good start to the day

with breakfast

Before embarking on this green adventure, take time for a gourmet breakfast in one of the cafés on the Place du Vieux Marché, on the pretty Place de la Pucelle. Squeezed espresso, vitamin-packed granola bowl or home-made pastries… a cosy, comforting way to start the day. The morning will be devoted to discovering the squares, parks and gardens of the right bank hypercentre, which form a veritable network of green spaces throughout the city.

Eat in Rouen

Right bank hypercentre

a mosaic of gardens to discover on foot

Square Verdrel and Jardin Masséot-Abaquesne

Just a 10-minute walk from Place du Vieux-Marché, start with Square Verdrel, an emblematic downtown oasis with a large pond often occupied by swans, an island of trees and a playground. Just above, the Masséot-Abaquesne garden awaits you in a hushed atmosphere. Accessible from rue Faucon, this terraced garden is built around an impressive statue of the god Pan (2.30 m high) and offers three distinct spaces evoking the atmosphere of 20th-century urban gardens.

André-Maurois Square and medieval alleyways

Take a stroll down charming medieval streets such as Beffroy, and you’ll come to Square André-Maurois. Open from 8 a.m. to dusk, this small 3,530 m² park is a haven of color in spring, with foxgloves, lilies, irises, old roses, bellflowers and ornamental apple trees.

Square Marcel-Halbout and neighborhood atmosphere

Then head east to the Croix-de-Pierre district, for a break in the Marcel-Halbout square, a flower-filled space where tulips, roses and magnolias stand side by side. This tranquil spot is a stone’s throw from the Corneille chapel and Saint-Nicaise church.

All parks and gardens

The mill walk

a stroll along the banks of the Robec

While you’re in the area, let yourself be carried away by the gentle mill walk, following the course of the Robec, a bucolic little river that meanders just a few minutes from the city center. This peaceful path takes its name from the old mills that dot the route: Moulin des Dames, Saint-Gilles, Marc d’Argent, Pannevert, Saint-Paul… A quiet, leafy itinerary, ideal for escaping the hustle and bustle of the city and enjoying a true interlude with nature.

Route des moulins

Jardins de l'Hôtel de Ville and Albane gardens

between heritage and vegetation

On your way back to the city center, take the time to discover the Hôtel de Ville gardens, a vast French-style park of over 25,000 m² nestled at the foot of the Saint-Ouen abbey church. Structured pathways, a pond, children’s play areas and a basketball court make this a place for intergenerational relaxation. A stone’s throw away, rue Saint-Romain is home to the Albane gardens, divided into eight poetic themed areas: the stonecutter’s garden, the sculptors’ courtyard, the cat garden and the garden of the Saint-Romain chapel. In the background, the majestic silhouette of Rouen Cathedral and its cast-iron spire, the tallest in Europe. An unusual visit: Rouen at horse’s pace How about exploring Rouen in a different way? Take a guided tour of Rouen in a horse-drawn carriage. An original and relaxing way to discover the Eau-de-Robec, Martainville or Saint-Maclou districts, while soaking up the architectural heritage and local history.

Book

Right bank quays

a stroll along the river and a gourmet break

The quays of the Seine on the right bank form a pleasant promenade, with landscaped natural areas, cafés, terraces and entertainment. You’ll find a 5-kilometer loop perfect for walking, jogging or simply strolling in the sunshine. Why not enjoy lunch on the quays? Numerous restaurants, foodtrucks and terraces offer local specialties overlooking the river. In summer, cruises depart from the quays to visit the port or reach La Bouille aboard the Lutèce. Sporty bonus: Run & Visit The more energetic can opt for a cultural jog with Laurence Catel, a passionate guide-runner. A dozen themed routes are proposed around the Seine and the city center, combining heritage discovery and physical activity.

The Seine by bike

nature getaways on two wheels

From the quayside, embark on the La Seine à Vélo itinerary, linking Paris to Le Havre. Head for La Bouille, a charming Norman village much loved by painters, or Jumièges and its famous abbey. Classic or electric bikes are available for hire from the Tourist Office. On the way, admire half-timbered houses, the river and port activity. Head for Elbeuf through the forest Another option: head for Elbeuf through the state-owned forest of La Londe-Rouvray. On the way, don’t miss the chalk cliffs of Orival or the curious semi-troglodyte church. Once in Elbeuf, visit the Fabrique des Savoirs or the Cirque-Théâtre, one of France’s last “brick circuses”.

Rent a bike

Lacroix Island

between jogging, tree climbing and nature in the city

Fancy a quiet run or a fun family activity? Head for Île Lacroix. A small dirt track leads around this peaceful island in the heart of Rouen. This is where you’ll find AccroCamp, an accrobranche park offering a range of courses and activities (EVJF, birthdays, team building…).

Discover AccroCamp

Heading for the Rollet peninsula

XXL nature on the Left Bank quays

From the Pont Boieldieu, walk along the Seine to the Presqu’île Rollet. Along the way, take advantage of the summer foodtrucks, playground, outdoor sports fields and Hangar 106, the emblematic music stage. At the end of the path, settle into a deckchair and gaze out over the harbor and the city.

©Cultural jogging in downtown Rouen|A. Bertereau

©The 106, left bank quays of Rouen|Benoit Eliot

©The 106 and its details - Rouen|Benoit Eliot

Rouen from above

two breathtaking panoramas

The panorama of Mont-Saint-Aignan From the Parc des Voûtes, climb up to the Bois des Cotillets. Once at the top, the panorama of the town is spectacular. Orientation tables help you spot the monuments. You can return down the sente de la Belle Épine, a quiet, wooded stroll. The côte Sainte-Catherine and its 525 steps On the other side, the côte Sainte-Catherine offers the best view of the city. From Place de la Cathédrale, it’s a 1.5 km walk up 525 steps. At the top, the city of Rouen spreads out before you: cathedral, archive tower, Musée des Beaux-Arts…

GR®2 hikes and Mont-Fortin vineyards

Rouen's terroir

The GR®2 long-distance hiking trail along the Seine passes through Rouen. You can follow a portion of it for a day, or plan a two-day hike to Val-de-Reuil, passing through Bonsecours, Belbeuf and Les Authieux. And for a gourmet immersion, opt for a guided tour of the Rouen vineyards in Bois-Guillaume. From the train station, climb up to Mont-Fortin, meet the winegrowers and taste local specialties: wine, red wine sausage, stuffed vine leaves…

The end of the day

at Aître Saint-Maclou

After a day of discovery and change of scenery, treat yourself to a drink in the peaceful courtyard of the Aître Saint-Maclou. A moment suspended in time, your eyes still filled with the sights and your heart already ready for your next adventure in Rouen.

Organize your visit

Guided tourCultural jogging

A tour of Rouen in short strides. Give your general knowledge a new lease of life on a ten-kilometer running or brisk walking circuit. During the breaks, you’ll learn a little more about the city’s history, on a variety of themes.

Book

CruiseA Sunday cruise from Rouen to La Bouille

Treat yourself to a special moment on the water and enjoy a stopover in the charming village of La Bouille.

Book

Guided tourGourmet stroll through the vineyards

An association has taken up the crazy challenge of growing vines in the hills above Rouen. Take a guided tour of the vineyards, with a breathtaking view over the city, and taste their produce.

Book

You'll also like

Panoramas of the Norman Seine Valley

Exceptional forests

©The Fruit Route in Normandy by Bike|Rouen Tourisme

The fruit road by bike

All hikes