Where to picnic in Rouen and the Seine Valley?

Côte Sainte-Catherine

A must-see spot for tourists visiting Rouen, Côte Sainte-Catherine is also one of Rouen’s favorite picnic spots. Sitting on the grass, you can enjoy a breathtaking view of the city of Rouen. For a memorableexperience, don’t forget to schedule your picnic at sunset to admire the majesticlight, once immortalized by Claude Monet in his painting Vue générale de Rouen.

Access:

• By bus: take bus no. 20 towards Mairie Saint-Aubin-Épinay from the “Hôtel de Ville” stop, the journey takes 5 minutes, stop at the Cimetière du Mont Gargan stop and walk 15 minutes to reach the panorama;
• From Place de la Cathédrale, it’s a 1.5km walk to the bottom of the stairs leading up to Côte Sainte-Catherine.

The Quays of the Seine

If you’re looking for a picnic in Rouen with a gentle breeze, green spaces, tables to eat at and games for the kids, head for the quays of the Seine. The Saint-Sever meadow on the left bank, or the Rollet peninsula, offer an enchantingsetting for a picnic as you watch the barges pass by on the Seine. Popular with locals, the quays of the Seine have become a must for a quick meal. To enjoy the river, you can also take a seat on the banks of the Île Lacroix and spend a quiet moment watching the cruise ships, barges and oars cruising along the Seine.

The Jardin des Plantes

Head for the green lung of the Left Bank: the Jardin des Plantes. Ideal for family picnics, this large park will seduce you with its botany, its resident animals and its many facilities for children to enjoy. Take advantage of the large grassy esplanades to sit in the shade of a century-old tree while admiring the peacocks that roam freely. If the sun persists, you can cool off by the large ponds, often the scene of wild races between remote-controlled boats.

Hôtel de Ville Park

Right in the heart of Rouen’s historic center, the Hôtel de Ville park offers the ideal setting for an urban picnic. Surrounded by majestic trees, this garden lets you enjoy lunch on the grass while admiring the remarkable architecture of the surrounding buildings. In the immediate vicinity, you can admire the imposing Saint-Ouen abbey church and the elegant Hôtel de Ville. Benches are available for those who prefer not to sit directly on the lawn. Although the garden doesn’t feature picnic tables or dedicated play areas, its central location makes it the perfect place for a quick lunch break or impromptu snack between cultural visits.

The Mill Route

For adventurous picnickers, the Route des Moulins offers a unique experience. Located to the west of the city center, along the Robec or Aubette rivers, this picturesque promenade invites you to enjoy a leisurely lunch after a bike ride or a walk. You’ll find numerous picnic areas and charming waterside spots to settle in. The remains of old mills along the way add a touch of history to your alfresco meal. This option is ideal for couples or small groups looking for a more intimate, natural setting.

The Jumièges leisure park

Nestled in a loop of the Seine, the Jumièges-Le Mesnil leisure park offers an idyllic setting for a picnic with family or friends. With its vast expanses of greenery and bodies of water, this 40-hectare site is perfect for a day of outdoor relaxation. There are numerous picnic tables dotted around the site, as well as play areas for children. Sports enthusiasts can take advantage of the water sports and sports fields. Don’t forget to visit nearby Jumièges Abbey, a jewel of Norman architecture, to round off your day, but also take in the Jumièges golf course and stroll along the fruit route to discover the many local producers and indulge in fresh fruit for your picnic.

Access:

• By bus: take line 530 towards Mairie Le Trait from the Gare Routière stop to the Base de Loisirs de Jumièges stop. The journey takes about 45 minutes.

Le Champ des Bruyères, Saint-Étienne-du-Rouvray

The Champ des Bruyères, the largest park in the Rouen-Normandie metropolitan area, extends over 28 hectares straddling four communes. This urban nature park offers an ideal setting for family picnics. You’ll find two hectares specially dedicated to picnics and ball games, as well as three children’s play areas. The park also features an agricultural hub with permaculture plots, a conservatory orchard and shared gardens, offering an educational experience as well as a place to relax. Picnic tables are available, notably near the avenue des Canadiens entrance.

Access:

• By metro, the Champ de Courses stop is a 10-minute walk from the park.

Roumare Forest and Monumental Forest

The Roumare forest, west of Rouen, is an ideal place to combine picnics and forest walks. The Forêt Monumentale trail, which extends through the forest, adds an artistic and cultural dimension to your outing. The Monumental Forest trail takes you on a tour of 13 surprising works of art scattered throughout the countryside, creating a unique setting for your outdoor meal. Don’t forget to visit the animal park, a popular attraction with families. Although children’s play is limited, discovering the works of art and observing the local wildlife offer great entertainment opportunities for the young ones.

Access:

• By TEOR: take the T3 towards Monet Canteleu from the République stop to the Hôtel de Ville – Jaurès stop. The journey takes about 20minutes.

Base de Loisirs de Bédanne in Tourville-la-Rivière

The Base de Loisirs de Bédanne offers an exotic setting for a picnic with family or friends. Situated on the edge of a lake, it offers vast green spaces perfect for spreading out your tablecloth. Picnic tables are available for those who prefer more comfort, and children will enjoy the playgrounds and water activities on offer on the lake. After your meal, take advantage of the walking trails around the lake, or try your hand at sailing, paddleboarding or canoeing.

Getting there :

• By bus, take the F9 towards Champ de foire Elbeuf from the Théâtre des Arts stop to the Église Saint-Jean stop, then the F to Base de loisirs. The journey takes around 1hour.

Moulineaux and the Château Robert le Diable

Overlooking the Seine valley, ChâteauRobert le Diable in Moulineaux offers a unique historic setting for your picnic. Although there are no official picnic tables, the vast lawns around the château are perfect for setting up. After your meal, explore the ruins of the medieval château and enjoy the panoramic view over the Seine and the forest of La Londe-Rouvray. It’s an ideal place to combine history and nature.

Access:

• By public transport, take the metro to the Georges Braque terminus, then the F6 towards Les Bouttières Grand-Couronne to the Victor Hugo stop, then the G to the ” Allée des Sources ” stop. Then walk for about 10minutes.

La Bouille

This charming village on the banks of the Seine is a picturesque picnic spot. Take a seat on the banks of the Seine, where you’ll find a number of picnic tables, and children can have fun on the nearby playground. After your meal, stroll through the narrow streets of the village, admiring the half-timbered houses and art galleries. Don’t hesitate to borrow the ferry for the full experience!

Getting there:

• By public transport, take the metro to the Georges Braque terminus, then the F6 towards Les Bouttières Grand-Couronne to the Victor Hugo stop, then the G to the ” Route du Bac” stop. Allow around 1 hour for the journey.

Saint-Martin-de-Boscherville

Saint-Georges de Boscherville Abbey and its gardens offer a majestic setting for your picnic. Two picnic areas are available: one covered and one uncovered. After your meal, visit the Romanesque abbey and its reconstructed medieval gardens. Children will appreciate the space and can take part in the educational workshops often offered on site.

Access:

• By bus, take bus 530 towards Mairie Le Trait from the Gare Routière stop to the Centre de Saint-Martin-de-Boscherville stop. The journey takes around 25 minutes.

Duclair

For a picnic by the water, head for the quays of Duclair. Picnic tables are available along the Seine, offering a pleasant view of the river and the comings and goings of boats, while children can enjoy the nearby playground. After your meal, visit the Auguste Duchesne museum to learn more about local history, or take a stroll through the town center to admire the half-timbered houses.

Access:

• By bus, take the 530 towards Mairie Le Trait from the Gare Routière stop to the Bac de Duclair stop. The journey takes about 30minutes.

La Seine à Vélo

La Seine à Vélo is a cycle route linking Paris to Deauville or Paris to Le Havre, enabling visitors to discover the Seine and its varied landscapes. The route crosses the Rouen-Normandie metropolitan area over 100 km, offering a gentle, environmentally-friendly tourist experience. Whether you’re a seasoned cyclist or an amateur, you’ll be able to make the most of this signposted route. Numerous picnic areas have been set up along the route, offering places to rest and eat while admiring the Normandy countryside.