PRESS KIT Leisure activities & fresh air
Introduction Close to 22,000 hectares of forest surround Rouen and its surrounding areas. Known for its architectural heritage, Rouen and the Seine Valley also have natural sites and exceptional landscapes, traversed by 100 kilometres of the Seine river. This region has a huge number of outdoor or nature-based activities, with no less than 500km of various hiking paths. The Seine, rivers, forests and parks are key players in Rouen and its valley. The striking natural landscapes and scenic trails of Normandy are waiting to be discovered. By bike, on horseback or on foot visitors to the region have many options to choose from. Along the Fruits Trail or the Seine Trail, the landscapes shaped by humans are transformed into an invitation to relax in the many traditional lodgings to be found scattered among the orchards. A wonderful trip filled with strong sensations and unforgettable emotions is waiting for you in Normandy. 3
Watersports and leisure centres Rouen has many leisure centres. These locations can be accessed via public transport or car and they provide a welcome escape for a day or a whole weekend. South of the city, the Bédanne leisure centre offers various watersports in addition to its French Sailing School, with the backdrop of the banks of the Seine, just a few hundred yards away from mountain biking trails and hiking paths. To the west of Rouen, the Jumièges Leisure Centre is found at the heart of the Fruit Trail. It offers a complete itinerary including watersports and tree-top rope courses, with 3-star camping and restaurant facilities. Various community centres in the area also use the Seine or the various lakes scattered along the convex shores of the valley. An ideal location to spend a unique day with friends or family, where sport and relaxation are key! Reach for the sky The Seine Valley can also be explored by reaching for the sky! By balloon, helicopter or the various tree-top rope courses, there are various possibilities available to visitors and tourists. For the more adventurous, parachute jumps are available between 3,000 and 4,000 metres. An unbeatable and unrivalled view of Rouen with the highest cathedral in France as a backdrop. Various views, sometimes less well known, let you admire the calm of the Seine Valley, particularly some Impressionist locations such as the Sainte- Catherine Hill in Rouen, a famous viewpoint for Claude Monet. 4
All roads lead to Rouen The region is teeming with hiking paths which reveal a variety of landscapes and themes: forests, pilgrimage, urban, towpaths and quirky heritage. Rouen Normandy Tourism & Congress provides more information on some of these journeys. Rouen Urban Trail Facing Rouen Notre-Dame Cathedral, it is difficult to imagine walking the length of a river under the willow trees, journeying across fitness trails, overlooking Rouen and its green surroundings, all by foot in just a few hours. This urban trail offers the opportunity to discover Rouen with fresh eyes, taking advantage of the historic centre, the paved streets and the unusual green spaces. The Jumièges Peninsula as a family Jumièges Peninsula enjoys an unrivalled location in Normandy. It has an unparalleled natural and cultural environment with the Jumièges abbey and the Fruit Trail. By following this approximately 11km trail, walkers can also explore the orchards during this trip through rural Normandy. 5
The Way of St. James 10 km long, the Way of St. James crosses the region from North to South. The path is marked in the city with bronze studs representing the famous shell by students from a local school. Pilgrims can enjoy both the urban atmosphere of Rouen and the Seine Valley as well as the textile industrial heritage of Elbeuf before moving on to Eure, Chartres and Tours. The Marshes Loop at Saint-Martin-de-Boscherville 20 minutes from Rouen you can discover the nearly 1000-year old Saint-Georges de Boscherville abbey. An 11km circuit lets you escape along towpaths and marshes and discover views of the abbey and its village through the Roumare national forest. Elbeuf: a green stretch and an "Exceptional Forest" Through the La Londe forest, this hiking path is one of the most comprehensive journeys in terms of alternating between historic and natural sites. Medieval and industrial heritage, the Second World War and remarkable trees can all be explored. 6
Horse riding in the Seine Valley: free rein at full throttle There are various horse riding centres spread across the region. A blossoming industry which is explained by the large number of paths (a third of the region is covered in forest). The Jumièges Loop is ideal as it is a gentle upwards slope of around 14km with picturesque Normandy scenery. The Roumare national forest, at the gates of Rouen, is also ideal for horse riding. Having fun in nature Nature-loving visitors can take a deep breath of fresh air just a few minutes away from Rouen at a 4 hectare park called Espace Normandie Aventure. Close to the Roumare National Forest, day trippers can take part in tree-top rope courses, spending two and a half hours enjoying one of five acrobatic courses at different levels. Enthusiasts can get up high to admire the exceptional view over the Seine river. Treasure hunters will love Labyrinthe 500 % Nature. Near to Espace Normandie Aventure, this 4 hectare park has been designed as a giant, wild and natural hedge maze. Participants can enjoy puzzles along the way. This unique moment can be enjoyed with family or friends, learning about the flora and fauna of Rouen Seine Valley, where visitors can come close to real deer antlers! 7
The Vélorail This unique method of transport lets visitors discover the natural heritage of the region within the Boucles des Seine Regional Nature Park. On board an open carriage, pass through the landscape whilst enjoying nature, leisure and railway culture. These 5-seat vélorails travel along a 6km round-trip circuit, offering a unique experience between Saint-Paër and Duclair. This activity is offered by the Association du Gîte de Valnaye de Saint-Pierre-de-Manneville. It is an exceptional experience that can be enjoyed with family or friends. Golf In the Boucles de la Seine park near to Rouen, there are three 18-hole golf courses on offer. There are large green spaces where players can improve their swing. The Bois-Guillaume-Bihorel Golf Centre has a large training bunker, and the Mont-Saint- Aignan Rouen Golf Club has a sunny terrace in the summer months when the Jumièges Leisure Centre offers "weekend" packages which are suitable for beginners and experts. These centres are open to the public and it is also possible to take a course at some centres. Cy clic Bicycles for hire are offered by the Metropole. Cy'clic is a bicycle hire system with packages varying from one day to one year depending on your requirements. The first half-hour is always free, regardless of the package chosen. There are twenty-two stations and 250 bicycles available across Rouen; the bicycles can be hired from 5am but can be returned at any time. 8
Trips Throughout the year the Rouen Normandy Tourism and Congress as well as the "French Towns of Art and History" network offer open-air trips and guided tours, allowing you to explore the Seine Valley in an original manner. The Fruit Trail Located at the heart of the Boucles de Seine Regional Nature Park, the Fruit Trail allows visitors to meet producers and admire the highquality orchards which make the region famous. Apples, pears and soft fruits are sold "at the door", i.e. directly from the farmer to the consumer where they are harvested. A fruit-based walk which can be enjoyed on foot or by bicycle, just a few steps away from the Jumièges Peninsula between the Seine and the apple trees. The Abbey Trail From the Saint-Georges-de-Boscherville abbey to the Jumièges abbey, the Seine Valley reveals its architectural treasures. Visitors can admire the majestic buildings during a unique walk. At the Saint-Martin-de-Boscherville monastic gardens, which has celebrated their 900th anniversary in 2014, enthusiasts can learn about how monks lived during that time. These serene locations, which are like jewels along the banks of the Seine, offer a peaceful walk and a panoramic view of the Seine Valley. 9
Parks and Gardens Nature lovers can relax in the different "green lungs" offered in Rouen and the Seine Valley. From the Rouen city garden to the Parc de la Roseraie de Grand-Quevilly, passing through the Verdrel Square, there are various parks and gardens available to visitors to enjoy natural quiet and discover a wide variety of animal and plant species. Spend a quiet and peaceful moment with family and a picnic or with friends. 10
Rouen Normandy Tourism & Congress 25, place de la Cathédrale, CS 30666 76008 Rouen cedex 1 Tel. 0033 (0)2 32 08 32 40 Fax 0033 (0)2 32 08 36 56 Photos : JF Lange