Discover Rouen's magnificent medieval heritage on this walking tour through Normandy's historic capital. Begin at the majestic Saint-Ouen Abbey with its extraordinary 14th-century stained glass, then stroll along the picturesque Rue Eau de Robec, once the heart of the city's textile industry. Marvel at the Flamboyant Gothic masterpiece of Saint-Maclou Church before walking down charming Rue Saint-Romain to Rouen Cathedral, featuring France's tallest spire and immortalized by Monet in his famous paintings. Continue along the pedestrianized Rue du Gros-Horloge with its iconic astronomical clock to Place du Vieux-Marché, where Joan of Arc was martyred in 1431, and finish at the striking modern church built in her honor. Important: This itinerary is best on Saturday or Sunday, as Saint-Maclou Church and Saint Joan of Arc Church are only open on weekends. All churches close from 12:00-14:00 for a midday break. Total walking distance is approximately 2.7 km. All attractions are free to visit.

A full-day excursion from Rouen to discover two remarkable Norman abbeys along the Seine Valley. First stop is Saint-Martin-de-Boscherville with the Saint-Georges Abbey, a masterpiece of Romanesque architecture featuring award-winning gardens, followed by the Almoner's Manor, a rare Templar estate. Continue to Jumièges to explore one of France's most atmospheric medieval ruins, where twin towers rise majestically above the valley. Best by car as public transport is limited. Important: Saint-Georges Abbey closed December-February. Almoner's Manor open July-August daily, weekends only Easter to All Saints (reservation: +33 6 64 33 27 48). Jumièges Abbey closes 13:00-14:30 for lunch.

A day trip from Rouen to explore two remarkable Norman castles. First stop is Château de Martainville, a Renaissance gem housing the Museum of Norman Arts and Traditions with 28 rooms of furniture, costumes, and artifacts. After a lunch break, continue to Vascœuil Castle featuring a 12th-century octagonal tower, the Jules Michelet museum, and a 7-hectare sculpture park with works by Dalí, Braque, and Cocteau. Both castles have limited opening hours: Martainville is closed Tuesdays, Vascœuil opens only Wednesday–Sunday from 14:30.

This Saturday-focused itinerary explores Rouen's finest museums and Gothic treasures. Start at the Palace of Justice, one of France's most impressive civil Gothic buildings, then descend underground to discover the Maison Sublime - the oldest Jewish monument in France, dating to 1100 CE. Continue to the Flamboyant Gothic Saint-Maclou Church and its adjacent Aître Saint-Maclou, a haunting medieval plague cemetery with macabre carvings. Conclude at the Museum of Fine Arts, home to the largest Impressionist collection outside Paris including Monet's famous Rouen Cathedral series, and the unique Le Secq des Tournelles Museum housing the world's largest collection of antique ironwork. Important: Saint-Maclou Church opens weekends only (10:00-17:00 with midday break). Maison Sublime requires advance booking for Saturday tours (10:30 or 14:30). Museums are closed on Tuesdays. Le Secq des Tournelles opens afternoons only (14:00-18:00). Total walking distance: approximately 2 km.

A relaxed day trip from Rouen to the charming Parc de Clères, a unique zoological and botanical park where over 1,400 animals roam freely among beautiful English-style gardens and a Renaissance château. The park features flamingos, red pandas, gibbons, and rare bird species. About 30 minutes by car or public transport. Open mid-March to mid-November only.

Discover Rouen's best-kept secrets beyond the famous cathedral. Start your day with a breathtaking panoramic view from Côte Sainte-Catherine, the very spot where Monet painted his iconic cityscape. Continue to the historic Botanical Garden, home to one of the world's largest fuchsia collections with over 990 varieties. Experience Viking history through cutting-edge 360° immersive technology at the award-winning Cité Immersive Viking, and end your journey at the birthplace of literary giant Gustave Flaubert. Important: The Viking City and Flaubert Museum are closed on Mondays. The Flaubert Museum opens at 14:00 only. Total walking distance is approximately 8.5 km.

Explore Le Havre's UNESCO World Heritage city center with this comprehensive walking tour through France's most remarkable example of post-war modernist architecture. Begin at the monumental City Hall designed by Auguste Perret, then discover Oscar Niemeyer's stunning volcanic library before visiting the historic Notre-Dame Cathedral—one of few buildings to survive the 1944 bombing. Marvel at the colorful Container Chain sculpture near the port, experience the transcendent stained-glass interior of Saint Joseph's Church, and stroll Europe's widest avenue before relaxing on the pebble beach. Important: Oscar Niemeyer Library is closed on Mondays. Saint Joseph's Church may have limited access during Saturday evening and Sunday morning services. All attractions are free to enter. Total walking distance is approximately 3.7 km.

An intensive day trip from Le Havre exploring three historic Norman towns along the Seine Valley. Start in Lillebonne to discover impressive Roman ruins including a well-preserved amphitheater and the Juliobona Gallo-Roman Museum. Continue to Saint-Maurice-d'Ételan for a guided tour of the Renaissance Château d'Etelan led by the owners themselves. End in Caudebec-en-Caux with its magnificent Gothic church, the Seine navigation museum, and the medieval House of the Templars. Important: The Château d'Etelan is only open weekends in June/September and Saturday-Tuesday in July-August. The Juliobona Museum opens only Wednesday, Saturday, and Sunday afternoons. Best visited by car; total driving time approximately 1.5 hours.

Discover Le Havre's remarkable cultural heritage through this full-day itinerary featuring UNESCO World Heritage architecture, fascinating museums, and stunning botanical gardens. Begin at the Hanging Gardens, a magnificent 17-hectare botanical park in a 19th-century military fort with panoramic views over the Seine estuary. Continue to the Perret Show Flat for an authentic glimpse of post-war reconstruction living, then admire Oscar Niemeyer's iconic Le Volcan cultural center. Explore natural history at the newly renovated museum, and finish at the Shipowner's House, a rare survivor of pre-war architecture. Important: Perret Show Flat requires advance reservation and runs April-September only. Le Volcan and the Natural History Museum are closed Mondays. The Shipowner's House reopens January 2026. Total walking distance is approximately 4 km.

Discover Étretat's world-famous chalk cliffs in one unforgettable day. Begin at the iconic pebble beach, then climb to the Falaise d'Aval with its elephant-trunk natural arch and the striking 55-meter Needle rock that inspired Monet's masterpieces and Maurice Leblanc's Arsène Lupin novels. Continue along the GR21 trail to La Manneporte, the largest of Étretat's dramatic rock arches. After lunch at the charming Old Market Square, explore the award-winning Les Jardins d'Étretat with its contemporary sculptures and panoramic views. Complete your day at the Amont Cliff, visiting the sailors' chapel and the monument commemorating the lost aviators Nungesser and Coli. Important: Always check tide times before exploring - visitors frequently get trapped between cliffs by rising tides. Les Jardins d'Étretat is the only paid attraction (€12.50, opens 10:00). The chapel interior is currently closed for restoration. Total walking distance is approximately 4.3 km.