Rouelles Park (Parc de Rouelles)
About Rouelles Park (Parc de Rouelles)
Parc de Rouelles is the largest urban nature park in Le Havre, spanning 160 hectares of diverse landscapes including forests, prairies, marshlands, and ponds. The park features a 17th-century manor house (Manoir de la Bouteillerie) with exhibitions on Norman rural life, and a stunning 1631 dovecote considered one of the finest in the Pays de Caux region. Visitors can explore an arboretum with 259 tree species, a 4,000 m² perennial garden, and over 20 km of walking and cycling trails ranging from 3.7 to 9.3 km. The park practices eco-grazing with Scottish Highland cattle, Norman donkeys, and sheep to maintain biodiversity naturally. Three playgrounds, fitness trails, and picnic areas make it ideal for families. Entry is free year-round, with extended summer hours (7 AM - 8 PM April-October, 8 AM - 6 PM November-March). The manor hosts seasonal exhibitions and guided tours, particularly active during summer months.
Interesting Facts
The park's 1631 colombier (dovecote) is a masterpiece of Pays de Caux architecture, built in a distinctive circular design using black flint with 10 courses of white stone. It features an original sundial on its facade that still functions today, making it one of the rare dovecotes in France to retain such a complete historical timepiece.
During World War II, the Château des Ardennes within the park served as a German command post and was completely destroyed during the Allied liberation in 1944. Today, only the grounds remain as a memorial to this pivotal moment in Le Havre's history, with the park itself having witnessed Allied forces crossing through during the liberation campaign.
The park is home to a unique ecological grazing program using Scottish Highland cattle, known for their distinctive long horns and shaggy coats. These hardy animals, along with Norman donkeys and sheep, were introduced in 2010 specifically because their gentle grazing patterns protect insects and small wildlife that would be harmed by mechanical mowing - a practice that has significantly increased biodiversity in the park's 50 hectares of prairie.
Planning Your Visit
Opening Hours
Location & Practical Info
Address
Rue de la Bouteillerie, 76610 Le Havre, France
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