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Cycling along the Seine: the Impressionists’ route

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Mantes la Jolie

Deauville / Trouville

7 days / 6 nights

Moderate

From March to November

Normandie Rando offers an original cycling route covering over 300 km, allowing you to discover the many treasures of the Seine Valley. From Norman abbeys to centuries-old forests and the orchards of the ‘fruit route’, you will learn everything there is to know about the region. This fairly easy route, accessible to all, ends at one of the most beautiful beaches in Normandy!

The Seine, the guiding thread of your cycling trip

Throughout the route, the Seine accompanies cyclists like a soothing landmark. From Mantes la Jolie to Giverny, then on to Saint-Pierre du Vauvray, the river reveals its many faces: sometimes wide and majestic, sometimes winding and intimate. Its banks alternate between unspoilt natural areas, peaceful little ports and discreet villages. Travelling by bike and riding along the banks allows you to grasp the true identity of the valley, a place where life naturally follows the rhythm of the river.

In the footsteps of the Impressionists

This section of La Seine à Vélo crosses a region deeply marked by the Impressionists, who drew their inspiration from the changing light on the river. The landscapes that so influenced painters such as Pissarro, Boudin and Van Gogh are still very much present, not to mention Claude Monet’s gardens, which you can visit in Giverny. As you approach Rouen, it is impossible to ignore Monet’s shadow in front of the cathedral, immortalised at different times of the day. Following this route means rediscovering the settings that gave rise to some of the most famous works in art history.

Varied and changing landscapes

As the cycle journey continues towards Jumièges and its immense meanders, the landscapes become more expansive. Here, nature reclaims its rightful place: wide open spaces, green meadows, deep forests and white cliffs follow one another. The diversity of the panoramas makes each stage a different experience, with shaded sections, rural roads and unobstructed views of the loops of the Seine. This route is ideal for those who wish to combine cycle touring with immersion in a preserved natural environment.

Culture and heritage, from Rouen to the Normandy coast

This last part of the route fully showcases the cultural richness of the Seine Valley. As you cycle towards Rouen, the cathedral, medieval streets and museums reveal a rich and vibrant heritage. In Jumièges, the majestic abbey stands in the heart of a peaceful, green landscape: a must-see site, considered one of the most beautiful monastic remains in Normandy. Further on, Honfleur charms visitors with its old harbour, art galleries and unique port atmosphere. Finally, Deauville marks the end of your cycling journey with its beaches, villas and elegant atmosphere.

Itinerary

DAY 1 : From Mantes-la-Jolie to Vernon (Giverny)

Your tour starts either in Mantes-la-Jolie or Vernon:

OPTION 1 – Distance to cover: 47 km (29,20 miles)
After a 40-minute train journey from Paris, you arrive in the town of Mantes-la-Jolie where a member of the Normandie Rando team welcomes you and gives you your bikes.
You will leave Mantes-la-Jolie by crossing the Seine and cycling westwards. The chalk cliffs will then guide you to Haute-Isle and its amazing troglodyte church. You will then reach La Roche-Guyon and its impressive castle.
Finally, you will arrive in Giverny, where you will not want to miss a visit to Claude Monet’s house.

OPTION 2 – Arrival in Vernon
After a 50-minute train journey from Paris, you arrive in Vernon where you can drop off your luggage at the hotel.
You can then take the shuttle bus from Vernon to Giverny to take the time to visit Claude Monet’s magnificent gardens.

Night in Vernon

DAY 2 : From Vernon to Saint-Pierre-du-Vauvray

Distance to cover: 47 km (29,2 miles)

Starting from Vernon, the banks of the Seine and the Vieux Moulin, the atmosphere and colours described in Impressionist paintings still linger… You then follow the Seine along the towpaths, witnesses to the river’s commercial activity. As you pass lakes and sand pits, you will discover Norman medieval history with the majestic Château-Gaillard, which has watched over the town of Les Andelys since the 12th century.

Leaving Les Andelys, you will enjoy the magnificent landscapes of cliffs overlooking the Seine. Its winding loops lead you to the small village of Saint Pierre du Vauvray.

Night in Saint-Pierre-du-Vauvray.

DAY 3 : From Saint-Pierre du Vauvray to Rouen

Distance to cover: 56 km (34,8 miles)

On this stage, you will reach Rouen, the ‘City of a Hundred Steeples’. You will pass through the medieval town of Pont de l’Arche, where you can enjoy a well-deserved break by the water, where the Eure and Seine rivers meet. Don’t miss the Abbey of Notre Dame de Bonport, founded by Richard the Lionheart.

Further on, Elbeuf, known for its cloth industry, offers a free exhibition of its rich industrial past at La Fabrique des Savoirs. The Cirque Théâtre, one of the last eight ‘permanent circuses’ in France, is also worth a visit. Back on the Seine towpath, the impressive chalk cliffs carved out by the river watch over you, and the semi-troglodytic church of Orival offers an opportunity to get closer to them. Finally, you reach Rouen, a dynamic city steeped in history, where it is pleasant to stroll through its preserved medieval centre.

Night in Rouen

DAY 4 : From Rouen to Jumièges

Distance to cover: 36 or 51 km (22,4 or 31,7 miles)

The bell towers of the Norman capital give way to the cranes of Europe’s leading grain export port! Little by little, the port atmosphere gives way to the sandstone and half-timbered villages so typical of Normandy. Here you are in the heart of the Boucles de la Seine Normande Regional Nature Park. You then board the ferry to cross the Seine, a real adventure! On the other bank, you can see the castle of Robert the Devil, guardian of this bend in the Seine. The village of La Bouille, birthplace of Hector Malot and source of inspiration for the Impressionist painters, is a pleasant place to stop.

You then follow the fruit route… Alongside apple, pear, plum and cherry orchards, depending on the time of year, this is an opportunity for you to visit the many local producers. To round off this route, load your bikes back onto the Yville-sur-Seine ferry to reach Jumièges and discover one of the oldest and most remarkable Benedictine abbeys in Normandy: ‘The most beautiful ruin in France’, according to Victor Hugo.

Night in Jumièges

DAY 5 : From Jumièges to Honfleur

Distance to cover: 66 or 72 kilometres ( 41 or 44,7 miles)

Today, the distance between you and your destination is quite long. You will cycle through the Normandy countryside, between forests and marshes. The route runs along the left bank of the Seine, offering beautiful views of the river. The Route des Chaumières takes you to the edge of the Marais-Vernier, a 4,500-hectare natural site with a unique ecosystem. You will cross rolling landscapes combining natural riches, traditional Norman architecture and unusual encounters with white storks and Camargue horses!
You will then reach the Seine estuary. Stop to admire the superb view of the Normandy Bridge, which stands proudly, getting closer with every turn of the pedals! Honfleur is just behind, with its charming harbour and narrow streets. Here again, many Impressionist painters took out their brushes to immortalise this Norman gem.

Night in Honfleur

DAY 6 : From Honfleur in deauville/Trouville

Distance to cover: 49 km (30 miles)

Set off to explore the green meadows of the Pays d’Auge, where cows graze beneath apple trees. It’s like something out of a picture postcard! The route then takes you to Pont-l’Évêque, the perfect stop for foodies and lovers of cider and cheese. You then reach the sea at Deauville.
Its long-awaited beaches and parasols invite you to park your bike for a refreshing swim and a well-deserved rest! Trouville is just across the harbour, so if you fancy some delicious seafood, head to the fish market!

Night in Deauville / Trouville

DAY 7: Deauville / Trouville

End of the tour after breakfast or extra night to enjoy the city.

Accommodation

Confort

À partir de 1,330 € Suppl. indiv. 460 €

Comfort Accommodation

You will stay in 3-star hotels
The rooms are spacious and the hotel offers a wide range of services.
The bedding is of very good quality and the decor is tasteful.
Breakfast is varied, generous and consists of fresh, local products, both sweet and savory

Où vous dormez

Vernon: Hôtel Le Normandy***
Saint Pierre du Vauvray: Hostellerie Saint Pierre***
Rouen: Hôtel littéraire Gustave Flaubert****
Jumièges: Le Clos des Fontaines***
Honfleur: Le Dauphin***
Trouville: Le Fer à Cheval*** ou L'Hostellerie du Vallon****

Practical Information

Price Includes

6 nights with breakfast in comfort
5 days of cycling
Luggage transfer between each stage
Detailed explanations of your route, advice, etc
GPX tracks and free access to our mobile phone navigation App

Not included in the price of the tour:

Meals and drinks
Bike Hire
Tourist taxes to be paid on site
Entrance fees and site visits
Return transfer to the starting point at the end of the tour
Travel insurance
Single room supplement
Solo traveller supplement

Options, Supplements and Discounts

Departures on Fridays

Solo traveller supplement: Contact us

Don’t want to use our luggage transport service?
€110 discount (offer cannot be combined with the ‘Group traveller’ discount)

Group travellers (4 or more people): €80 discount

5-day bike hire:
(Delivery to Mantes la Jolie or Vernon and recovery to Deauville/Trouville included)

Hybrid bike: €180
Electric bike: €280

All prices, discounts and supplements are per person.

How to Get There

Coming by train from Paris:

Paris – Mantes la Jolie : 40 minutes approximately (direct train)
Paris – Vernon: 50 minutes approximately (direct train)

Coming by car:

Free public car park in Mantes la Jolie or Vernon

How to Leave

Return to Paris by train:

Trouville/Deauville train station – Paris: 2h15 ( direct train )

Collect your car at the end of the tour:

VERNON: (approximately 3h30 or more)
Train from Deauville Trouville to Lisieux: 30 minutes approximately
+ train from Lisieux to Rouen Rive droite: 1h15 approximately
+ train from Rouen to Vernon: 45 min approximately

MANTES LA JOLIE: (approximately 3h)
Train from Deauville/Trouville to Evreux: 1h10 approximately
+ Train from Evreux to Mantes la Jolie: 40 minutes approximately

from

€1330

per person

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