La Seine à Vélo

There’s ” so much to do between Paris and the sea “… To make the most of it, a ” La Seine à Vélo ” itinerary linking Paris to Deauville or Paris to Le Havre takes cyclists along the emblematic Seine river. The 100-kilometre route crosses the Rouen-Normandie metropolitan area, allowing cyclists to (re)discover a wide variety of tourist landscapes, and to explore Normandy off the beaten track. Calm and undulating, iridescent with the comings and goings of barges and hemmed in by bocages and majestic abbeys, the Seine splits the Normandy landscape with its mythical curves. Cycling along it is a great way to discover it in all its natural glory. There’s nothing like getting on your bike to follow the river’s course and explore its banks. That’s what some 300 km of trails in the Rouen metropolitan area offer, as part of La Seine à vélo, a project due to be inaugurated in 2021. The 400-km route links Paris to the seaside resorts of Le Havre and Deauville, developing a gentle, eco-friendly form of tourism that follows the rhythm of the water. Whether you’re a seasoned cyclist or an amateur, the route is accessible and well-marked, allowing for contemplative stops. France is the world’s second most popular destination for cycle tourism, behind Germany. This new route, which crosses the Rouen metropolitan area over a hundred kilometers and 22 communes, is a key element of the scheme.

This new cycle route, which will eventually cover 530 km along the banks of the Seine, will be inaugurated in May 2021. Sometimes urban, sometimes more bucolic, the cycling route will cross eight départements from Paris to Le Havre. Along the water, freewheeling or dancing on your bike, on dedicated cycle lanes or pavements shared with pedestrians or cars, the route offers numerous stages. A source of inspiration for Impressionist painters, the stages along the river’s banks are sure to delight landscape and heritage enthusiasts. From Paris to Giverny, stop-offs are a must on France’s best-known river. Just outside the capital, Rueil-Malmaison offers a nature break in its many parks and green spaces. Guinguettes and canoeing have made Chatou and Croissy famous. Immortalized by Claude Monet and Auguste Renoir, the famous Grenouillère is known to art lovers the world over. The town of Conflans-Sainte-Honorine is closely linked to the inland waterway industry. A remarkable museum recounts the history and economic importance of river transport: models, objects and reconstructions evoke the navigation of barges and other cruise ships.

Then take a break in Mantes-la-Jolie’s shopping center to discover the Collégiale Notre-Dame with the help of a video guide available free of charge from the Tourist Office. Then a stop along the city’s Green Belt, created in 2009 and signposted for pedestrians and cyclists. Before heading back to Normandy, the route takes you to La Roche-Guyon, one of France’s most beautiful villages. Part of the Parc naturel régional du Vexin français, this village on the right bank of the Seine is overlooked by the Donjon du Château. Listed as a Historic Monument, the Château and its Potager can be visited daily from February to November. The hillsides of the Seine, the natural environment classified Natura 2000 and the village center, with its wealth of shops and craftsmen, make this village an essential stop-off on the Seine cycle route.

The cycle route, also known as the “Impressionist Cycle Route”, takes in the towns of Vernon and Giverny, the Mecca of Impressionism in Normandy. Vernon has retained the charm of its medieval streets, and still boasts many half-timbered houses. The town’s landmark, the Vieux Moulin, was painted by Claude Monet, who lived nearby in Giverny. The Musée de Vernon, known as the Musée Alphonse-Georges-Poulain, has two paintings by the artist. Founder of the Impressionist movement, Claude Monet acquired a house in Giverny, where he settled to paint with his family. The painter then began his series, painting the same motif over several years, at different times of day: the Cathedrals of Rouen series, the Millstones series and, of course, the Water Lilies series are the most famous. Today, the Maison de Claude Monet welcomes visitors from all over the world, who appreciate the work of the gardeners who continue the work of the painter-gardener. Nearby, the Musée des Impressionnismes continues the work begun by the former Musée d’Art Américain de Giverny on knowledge of the movement and its history, and offers two temporary exhibitions each year. The village is an ideal place to eat and stay before getting back on the bike.

In the heart of the Vexin region of Normandy, the white chalk cliffs along the Seine and Les Andelys are among the highest on the route and ideal for climbing and rock-climbing. This Eure commune is famous for the ruins of its Château-Gaillard. At the end of the 12th century, William the Conqueror decided to build the castle to protect the valley and Normandy from French invasion. The cultural tour of Les Andelys continues with a visit to the Musée Nicolas Poussin, the town’s illustrious 17th-century painter, and the Collégiale Notre-Dame, a Gothic edifice with famous, magnificent stained-glass windows. Then off to the Léry-Poses regional outdoor and leisure centre, near Val-de-Reuil, for a day of relaxation and leisure! With family or friends, there’s plenty to do around the lake: mini-golf, swimming, sailing and even water-skiing… Birdwatchers will also appreciate observing the many birds that call the lake home. The Biotropica greenhouse on the shores of the lake welcomes visitors all year round at 28°. A visit to the animal gardens created by the owners of Cerza Zoo is punctuated by a wide range of activities to discover over 130 animal species: otters, kangaroos, alligators, meerkats and farm animals will delight children and parents alike. A full range of accommodation is available at the base, including a 3-star campsite, chalets, self-catering cottages and even caravans for rent with uninterrupted views over the lake.

Rouen is undoubtedly the most beautiful stage on the route, with its cathedral and France’s tallest spire looming in the distance. Ride in the wheels of Rouen’s most famous cyclist, Jacques Anquetil, five-time winner of the Tour de France, to discover the remarkable heritage of the Normandy capital. Then take advantage of the quaysides, recently converted into leisure and relaxation areas, where rollerbladers, walkers and cyclists share the cycle paths in complete safety. Enjoy the atmosphere of the Grand Port Maritime de Rouen, France’s 5th-largest port and Europe’s 1st-largest grain port, as you sit on the picnic tables along the riverbanks. The ballet of barges, cargo ships and cruise liners is captivating.

As you enter the Parc Naturel Régional des Boucles de la Seine, you’ll find a wide variety of landscapes along the towpaths. Chalk cliffs, Normandy pastures, shades of color – it’s easy to understand why Impressionist painters were drawn to these surroundings. They set up their easels and reading tables on the same spots. Some of these canvases are on display at the Musée des Beaux-Arts in Rouen, which houses France’s second-largest Impressionist collection after the Musée d’Orsay in Paris. A few pedal strokes and you pass the charming village of La Bouille, so dear to Hector Malot, author of the novel Sans famille. Further on, Duclair, Jumièges and the fruit road, taking advantage of the ferries. It’s in the hollows of the river’s meandering bends, and thanks to the valley’s specific climate, that Normandy’s orchards produce their best fruit. A walk or bike ride along this mythical fruit route between Duclair and Heurteauville is a great idea for those who love natural, tasty walks. Some producers offer their fruit for sale at the gate. You can’t get much shorter or more local! It’s also an opportunity to learn more about tree-growing know-how, handed down from generation to generation. Apple and pear trees have been grown here since the 17th century, thanks to the monks who lived in the abbeys dotting the banks. Plums and cherries came later, and today strawberries, blackcurrants, red currants and raspberries flourish along the paths. The area’s low rainfall and the reverberation of heat from the white chalk cliffs create an unsuspected oceanic climate, with splendid spring flowering from March to May and juicy fruit.

The abbeys of Saint-Martin-de-Boscherville and Jumièges are wellworth a visit. At Saint-Martin-de-Boscherville, you can take time to explore the abbey’s reconstructed 17th-century gardens. At Jumièges, you can go back in time thanks to a 3D application that can be downloaded free of charge from the App Store and Google Play to see the abbey as it was before its destruction. You can rent bicycles, including electric-assist bikes, on the fruit trail at the Tourist Office in Jumièges and at the Maison du Parc.

In Villequier, before reaching the sea, we remember the tragic death of Victor Hugo‘s daughter Léopoldine, who drowned in the Seine. A museum dedicated to the author is housed in the Vacquerie family home, where the writer stayed several times. A few more pedal strokes to Le Havre, on the Seine estuary, France’s 2nd largest port, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

This national mark guarantees a high quality welcome and services for cyclists along cycle routes. The provision of cycle routes linking the tourist office to the itinerary, access signage indicating the safest and most pleasant way to get to the tourist office, bicycle parking, drinking water and sanitary facilities for tourists on bicycles – these are just some of the criteria that have been met.The Tourist Office also provides bicycle parking, drinking water and sanitary facilities for tourists on bicycles. The Rouen and Jumièges Information Offices have been awarded the Accueil Vélo label. A number of service providers have also been awarded the label. Find them using the picto!

Accueil Vélo is a national label guaranteeing a high quality welcome and services along cycle routes for touring cyclists. Find out more on :

• La Seine à Vélo website
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