La Bouille, creative village
It is located in one of the picturesque loops of Sen. This charming village with its impressive cliffs has inspired the greatest artists from Gauguin to Turner. La Bouille also saw the birth of the author Without family, Hector Malot and Victor Hugo. Knock on the door of the art galleries that perpetuate the city’s pictorial tradition and walk along the quays to admire the Norman villas of the 19th century, when La Bouy was Rouen’s favorite holiday destination.
Our recommendation. in summer, cycle the 35 km that separates La Bouy from Jumij. In less than two hours, you will discover the fruit road through the loops of the river Seine. Apple, pear, plum, cherry orchards follow each other. And in Iville-sur-Seine, take the ferry to Jumièges and its impressive Benedictine abbey.
Practice. exit 24 – Bourgtheroulde on the A13, less than 3 km from La Bouille.
Good food. we stop Saint Pierre For a view of the Seine and elegant cuisine. Seafood platter, John Dory poached in spicy butter, mirabelle plum pavlova… And practically, the restaurant is open on Sunday evenings.
Le Saint-Pierre, 4 place du Bateau, 76530 La Bouille. Such. 02 35 18 79 39.
La Haye de Routot, bucolic
A few kilometers from the highway, this village, located in the heart of the Parc des Bouques de la Seine, instantly plunges the curious into a somewhat magical universe. According to legend, the Chapel of Sainte-Anne, housed in the enormous hollow nest of an antler dating back to the 6th century, is a must. To continue this eternal walk, the village bakery is open on Sundays. A show not to be missed.
Our recommendation. In front of the chapel, go to Chaumière aux nettles. Dating back to the 17th century, it is home to wild plant enthusiasts who want to display them in all their glory… Where you can learn the many virtues of nettles, dandelions and even elderberry. Many local species grow in the adjoining garden.
Practice. exit 25 – Bourg Achard on the A13, less than 10 km from La Haye de Routot.
Or sleep?Happy cabin. In the small village of La Hai Rutot, nature lovers who want to live better with less money have built a tiny house entirely out of wood. Its 15 m2: the squares are a voice of simplicity in the heart of the LPO shelter garden, where you can also occasionally see rabbits. Bright and eco-friendly, the cabin doesn’t forget to be comfortable with a king-size bed, lounge and kitchenette. One-time price all year round: €85 per night.
La Cabane Heureuse, 50A rue du Village, 27350 La Haye-de-Routot. Such. 06 87 55 18 37.
Marais-Vernier, 100% natural
This is a human-scale village located in a real swamp, also called Marais-Vernier. In order not to get lost, go to the village and admire the houses with thatched roofs, on which irises grow. Then follow the road to the cottages, a walk of several tens of kilometers in the heart of the marshes, to be done by car, but also by bicycle, accompanied by a donkey (gitedelanerie.fr) or horse-drawn carriage (Roulotte). en Seine normande). Along the way, you’ll meet gorgeous long-haired orange cows from the north of Scotland and Camargue horses, all adapted to the damp and bucolic atmosphere of the moor.
Our recommendation. bring a pair of binoculars and walk to the Grand Mare. There you can climb up to the reserve’s observatory and spot many species of birds, including storks. The top floor of this stilt house has a remarkable view of the marsh.
Practice. exit 30 – Marais-Vernier on the A13, less than 7 km from Marais-Vernier.
Or sleep? To Isabel and Christian, who welcome guests with warmth and discretion in their beautiful Norman home. On the menu: 4 guest rooms. Bike rental, electric or not, to discover the Marsh of Vernier. From €60 per night.
The Storks, 211bis Chemin Du Roy, 27680 Marais-Vernier. Such. 06 68 03 39 39.
Cormail, king of flea markets
We stop there, with its half-timbered houses, bric-a-brac and antiques like Serre Decoration, which specializes in the last century. The village is famous for its finds and every year in October it hosts the Puces cormeillaises, with over 300 exhibitors. Step up your head to reveal sculpted fronts. Go up to the Sainte-Croix church. Its nave rises gently, a unique detail of the region that gives it all its charm.
Our recommendation. plan a stop at 6 rue Paul Mare. A little den dedicated to decoration, the shop is above all a place to choose your Saints Esprits scented candle. The owners create and produce these artisan candles in the neighboring village, based on Grasse rap wax and perfume, without questionable additives. Leading range at low prices Made in Normandy that hotels and communities are already growing.
Practice. exit 27 – Toutainville on the A13, less than 17 km from Cormeilles.
Beuvron-en-Auge, the charm of the past
Ranked among the most beautiful villages in France, Beauron-en-Auge is the heart of Normandy itself. This town offers visitors a trip back in time with its 16th-century manor house, its cobblestone square where the central half-timbered hall is surrounded by restored 17th- and 18th-century houses. Today, most stores are flea markets. We duck down the small alleys adjacent to the main square without disturbing the residents, and remember to look up to appreciate the details of the half-timbered houses.
Our recommendation. Craftsmen’s workshops operate in the old school. Take a ride at Argile Créative. Eric Favre, a passionate ceramicist, offers bowls, dishes and plates at affordable prices and can accommodate custom orders.
Practice. exit 30 – Dozulé on the A13, 7 km from Beuvron-en-Auge.
Good food.Cafe Forges. Side table in Starry Pavé d’Auge. Country terrine, mackerel in white wine, sirloin steak and cod in aioli, Norman and teurgoulet cheese plate.
Place Michel Vermughen, 14430 Beuvron-en-Auge. Such. 02 31 74 01 78.
Or sleep? to: Bribourdiere CastleA Norman residence that became a hotel in 2020 with five spacious and elegant rooms set in 12 hectares of gardens. Peace of mind is guaranteed. From €160 per night.
Château de la Bribourdière, La Bribourdière, 14430 Putot-en-Auge. Such. 06 29 95 12 21:
This article, published in April 2021, is subject to update.
Source: Le Figaro
