Jumièges Abbey

• Free access for holders of the 24h, 48h and 72h ROUEN PASS – Book now: https://en.visiterouen.com/rouen-pass/
• Open to all
• Norman treasure
• Self-guided visit

Jumièges Abbey is a jewel of the Seine Valley and a symbol of the influence of one of the most important monastic centres in Western Christendom. Its unique remains in Europe tell over a thousand years of Normandy’s history. The Abbey Church of Notre-Dame, the main church of the abbey, is its highlight and a remarkable example of Norman Romanesque architecture. Draped in white limestone, its impressive twin towers, 46 metres high, overlook the remains of the cloister and monastic buildings, as well as a 15-hectare park filled with centuries-old trees.

Founded in 654 by Saint Philibert, a member of King Dagobert I’s court, the abbey once hosted monastic schools that fostered significant intellectual activity. Destroyed in 841 by the Vikings and later plundered during the Wars of Religion, its buildings were eventually used as a stone quarry after the French Revolution.

The ruins of Abbaye de Jumièges, its open-air nave, and its natural surroundings descending towards the Seine create a romantic setting, praised by Turner and Victor Hugo, who described it as “the most beautiful ruin in France.” This site, which has inspired many artists, has become a major centre for art and culture.The abbey residence, a fully restored 17th-century manor house, is dedicated to visual arts and contemporary photography. The park also features contemporary land art sculptures and hosts a biennial dedicated to environmental contemporary art.

3D Abbey experience:

Through a free downloadable app or iPads available for rent on site, visitors can discover Jumièges Abbey as it stood before its destruction. 3D and 360° views are overlaid onto the present-day ruins, creating a striking experience that feels like travelling back in time.The Abbey Church of Notre-Dame, the Church of Saint Peter, the cloister and the gardens are shown across different historical periods. These immersive panoramas are complemented by additional information, including audio commentary as well as photos and videos.The digital application Jumièges 3D received the award for Best Cultural Application in the world, presented by the World Summit Award in 2013.

Opening hours

• 15 April to 15 September: 9:30 am – 6:30 pm (last tickets issued at 6:00 pm).
• 16 September to 14 April: 9:30 am – 1:00 pm and 2:30 pm – 5:30 pm (last tickets issued at 12:30 pm and 5:00 pm).

• Free admissionFree entry for children under 18: please book a ticket.
• Free admission also applies to:Visitors under 26, elected officials and staff of the Department and their dependents, jobseekers, social welfare recipients, visitors with disabilities + one accompanying person, cultural professionals (ICOM, Culture Card, MuséoPass) and tourism professionals, teachers (Pass Éducation), residents of Jumièges, press representatives (by appointment), free entry on the first Sunday of each month from 1 November to 28 February: please go directly to the abbey reception with valid proof.

• No baby changing facilities are available. Pushchairs are allowed, but access may be difficult due to gravel paths and stairs.
• A life-size chess set is freely accessible to all visitors.
• Wheelchair access is difficult. Toilets are not accessible to visitors with reduced mobility.
• Pets are strictly prohibited on site (except guide and assistance dogs for visitors with disabilities).

Provider : Rouen Tourisme
Duration : 1h