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The travel agency specialising in self guiding cycling and walking holidays!

Cycling along the Seine: From Rouen to the sea

une aventure humaine et passionnée

Rouen
Trouville / Deauville
5 days / 4 nights
Moderate
From March to November

Historical and cultural heritage

From Rouen, the “city of a hundred bell towers”, to picturesque Honfleur, the route takes you on a journey through Normandy’s heritage. Rouen Cathedral, Jumièges Abbey, the villages along the Seine, the old Harbour in Honfleur and the beautiful seaside resort of Deauville are just some of the highlights along the way. Your cycling holiday will allow you to discover the history of our beautiful Normandy, its medieval heritage and its remarkable religious sites.

Nature and landscapes of the Seine Valley

The Seine cycle route offers a gradual immersion in the varied landscapes of the Seine Valley: tranquil meanders, shady banks and majestic forests. Between Jumièges and Honfleur, the route crosses the Marais Vernier, a vast natural amphitheatre unique in France and classified as a Natura 2000 site. This unspoilt area, combining reed beds, wet meadows and traditional thatched cottages, is one of the highlights of this stage. As you approach Honfleur, the views open up onto the estuary and the characteristic lights of the Normandy coast.

Normandy lifestyle and gastronomy

At each stop, Normandy reveals its flavours: Local cheeses, cider, seafood, apples in all their forms… Gourmet stops naturally punctuate this cycle route, between local markets, small restaurants and terraces along the Seine or by the sea. The arrival in Trouville/Deauville offers an elegant touch with its beaches, villas and seaside atmosphere. If you like seafood, you’ll find plenty of delicious fresh produce to sample.

A signposted, comfortable and safe cycle route

The Seine à Vélo route is an officially marked trail, accessible and designed for all levels. The cycle tour alternates between dedicated cycle paths, greenways and shared roads with little traffic, ensuring a pleasant and safe journey. Clear signage provides intuitive guidance, allowing cyclists to enjoy the route stress-free, from the heart of Rouen to the beaches of Trouville/Deauville.

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Images de cyclistes qui pédalent sur un sentier forestier

Itinerary

DAY 1: Arrival in Rouen

The former capital of the Duchy of Normandy, Rouen established itself in the Middle Ages as one of the largest cities in the Kingdom of France. A prosperous port on the Seine, it attracted merchants, craftsmen, navigators and artists. The city has also been marked by major historical events: it was here that Joan of Arc was tried and executed in 1431. Over the centuries, Rouen has accumulated an exceptional heritage, combining medieval architecture, Gothic influences and Impressionist inspirations.

Not to be missed

Notre-Dame Cathedral: a Gothic masterpiece, made famous by Claude Monet’s series of paintings.
The Gros-Horloge: one of the oldest mechanical clocks in Europe, located above a lively pedestrian street.
Place du Vieux-Marché: the historic site of Joan of Arc’s execution, with its impressive contemporary church.
The half-timbered houses district: one of the largest preserved medieval complexes in France.
The Museum of Fine Arts: renowned for its Impressionist collection and its 17th- to 19th-century paintings.

Night in Rouen

DAY 2 : From Rouen to Jumièges

Distance to cover: 36km or 51km (22 or 32 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 3 : From Jumièges to Honfleur

Distance to cover: 66km or 72km (41 or 45miles)

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 4 : From Honfleur to deauville/Trouville

Distance to cover: 49km (31 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 5: Deauville / Trouville

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

Accommodation

COMFORT

FROM 690 € SINGLE SUP 270 €

Comfort Accommodation

You will stay in 3* or 4* 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

PARTNER HOTELS

  • 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

  • 4 nights with breakfast in comfort
  • 3 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

No high season supplement

Departure on Fridays
If departing on another day, there is a €40 supplement

Solo traveller supplement: €135

Don’t want to use our luggage transport service?
90€ discount (offer cannot be combined with the ‘Group traveller’ discount)

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

3-day bike hire:
(Delivery to Rouen & recovery to Deauville/Trouville included)

Hybrid bike: 120€
Electric bike: 160€

All prices, discounts and supplements are per person.

How to Get There

Coming by train from Paris:

Paris Saint Lazare – Rouen – (1h40)
From Rouen train station to yout hotel: 15 min on foot

Coming by car: 

Free public car park in Rouen

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:

Train from Deauville Trouville to Lisieux: 30 minutes approximately
+ train from Lisieux to Rouen Rive droite: 1h15 approximately

Private transfer available with or without your bicycle: Contact us

from
€690
per person
Request a quote

Bike rental

On this tour, Normandie Rando offers a range of bike models for hire.
Our bikes are sturdy and lightweight to make your trip as enjoyable as possible.
Depending on your experience and fitness level, you can choose from several types of bikes. All are available in different sizes, with men’s, women’s and children’s frames.

Trek Hybrid Bike

Perfectly suited to our itineraries, it is high-performing, reliable, and very easy to handle. It’s the ideal bike for a successful cycling holiday!

E-Bike – Electric Assisted Bicycle

Tempted by a cycling adventure but worried about the climbs? The electric bike is made for you.
With excellent battery range, it will carry you effortlessly along all roads!

Gravel

The performance, features and handling of a road bike combined with the comfort of an hybrid. Our gravel bikes are made from aluminium with a carbon fork and 35mm tyres; ideal for our most challenging routes.

Children’s Bike – On Request

Our cycling holidays are also designed for families! We of course offer “Kids” bikes—sturdy and easy to handle—so the whole family can enjoy the ride!

All bikes are delivered with a full set of equipment:

  • Helmet

  • Repair kit including a puncture repair spray, a spare inner tube, tire levers, and patches

  • Front and rear lights

  • A lock

  • A front pannier with map holder

  • A rear rack

Additional equipment available on request:

  • Tag-along bike / child seat / trailer…

Feel free to contact us for more information.

FAQ

What level of fitness is required to cycle this Seine cycle route?

The tour is classified as a “moderate challenge”, suitable for regular cyclists. The three stages are as follows: 36 or 51 km on Day 2, 66 or 72 km on Day 3, and 49 km on Day 4. The route follows the official ‘La Seine à Vélo’ cycle route, which is signposted and safe, alternating between cycle paths, greenways and quiet back roads. The terrain is mostly flat along the Seine, with a few hilly sections between Honfleur and Deauville in the Pays d’Auge. Day 3 (Jumièges–Honfleur) is the longest, but the terrain remains gentle. Electric bikes (€160 for 3 days) are available for those who wish to tackle this stage with complete peace of mind.

Crossing the Seine by ferry: how does it work with bikes?

This is one of the most memorable experiences of the trip. Two ferry crossings are planned: one to reach La Bouille and the other at Yville-sur-Seine to reach Jumièges. The ferries accept bikes without any difficulty; you simply board with your bike and cross the Seine in a few minutes, facing Robert le Diable’s castle and the landscapes of the Boucles de la Seine Nature Reserve. These crossings are special moments that punctuate the journey and offer unique views of the river. No booking is required; simply turn up at the landing stage.

I’ve already been to Rouen, Honfleur and Deauville: what does cycling add to the experience?

It all begins with Rouen itself, seen in a different light. You arrive the day before and have time to stroll through the half-timbered streets, look up at the cathedral painted by Monet, and cross the Place du Vieux-Marché where Joan of Arc was executed, without the pressure of a car journey between two toll booths. This slow pace sets the tone for the whole trip. Then, the next day, it’s all about the journey in between. By car, the journey from Rouen to Honfleur takes 1 hour 15 minutes on the motorway. By bike, it takes two days, and that’s where the magic happens. You cycle through the Boucles de la Seine Regional Nature Park, follow the Fruit Route through orchards of apples, pears and cherries, pop into local producers’ shops, discover La Bouille (birthplace of Hector Malot, a source of inspiration for the Impressionists), and arrive at the majestic ruins of Jumièges Abbey, described as ‘the most beautiful ruin in France’ by Victor Hugo. The next day, you’ll cross the Marais Vernier, a 4,500-hectare natural amphitheatre home to white storks and Camargue horses, before catching sight of the Normandy Bridge, which looms ever larger with every turn of the pedals. These are landscapes and experiences you’d miss from a car, and they’re what make the whole trip worthwhile.

What are the highlights of each stage?

Day 1: arrival in Rouen, the former capital of the Duchy of Normandy; a self-guided tour of the cathedral painted by Monet, the Gros-Horloge, the Place du Vieux-Marché where Joan of Arc was executed, and the medieval half-timbered quarter.
Day 2: Rouen’s grain port, the ferries on the Seine, the village of La Bouille, the Fruit Route and its orchards, and arrival in Jumièges in front of its thousand-year-old abbey.
Day 3: crossing the Marais Vernier with its traditional thatched cottages, the Seine estuary, the view of the Pont de Normandie, and arrival in Honfleur, with its Vieux Bassin and artists’ lanes.
Day 4: the meadows of the Pays d’Auge with cows grazing beneath apple trees, Pont-l’Évêque and its cheeses, then the arrival at the coast, the beaches and parasols of Deauville, the port of Trouville and its fish market. Every day brings a complete change of scenery.

What culinary experiences mark the route?

This route takes you through the gastronomic heart of Normandy. On the Fruit Route (Day 2), you cycle through orchards of apples, pears, plums and cherries, with the chance to stop at local producers to sample cider, calvados and homemade jams. In Jumièges, the restaurants serve traditional Normandy cuisine. The Marais Vernier (Day 3) is a region known for livestock farming and dairy products. Honfleur is brimming with seafood restaurants, crêperies and fine dining establishments overlooking the Vieux Bassin. Pont-l’Évêque (Day 4) is the birthplace of the eponymous cheese, making a tasting stop a must. And the finish in Trouville features its famous fish market right on the quay, providing a perfect end to the trip. This route is a feast for both the eyes and the palate.

Can you go for a swim when you arrive in Deauville/Trouville?

Yes, and it’s the perfect reward after three days of cycling. The final stage takes you straight to the fine sandy beaches of Deauville, with its iconic parasols and beach huts. Trouville, just across the harbour, offers a more authentic atmosphere and its own beaches. The Day 4 stage (49 km) allows you to arrive in the early afternoon to enjoy the sea, the promenade and the seaside atmosphere. It is the ideal conclusion to a journey that has taken you from the river to the ocean.

Why use Normandie Rando when the Seine à vélo is a signposted route?

The route is signposted, but a holiday is about more than just following signs. Normandie Rando has booked four charming 3- and 4-star hotels for you (the Hôtel Littéraire Gustave Flaubert in Rouen, Le Clos des Fontaines in Jumièges, Le Dauphin in Honfleur, Le Fer à Cheval or the Hostellerie du Vallon in Trouville), transfers your luggage from one hotel to the next every day, provides you with a detailed itinerary featuring personalised advice and GPS tracks, and offers a telephone helpline. You set off light, arrive at a hotel where your belongings are waiting for you, and haven’t had to deal with any logistics. That’s the difference between following a trail and enjoying a trip without any mental stress.

How do I get to Rouen and leave from Deauville/Trouville?

Both towns are well connected to Paris. Paris Saint-Lazare → Rouen in 1 hour 40 minutes, and Rouen station is a 15-minute walk from your hotel. On the return journey, a direct train connects Trouville/Deauville to Paris in 2 hours 15 minutes. If you’re travelling by car, free parking is available in Rouen. To collect your vehicle, you can take a train from Deauville to Lisieux and then from Lisieux to Rouen, a journey taking around 1 hour 45 minutes. A private transfer is also available on request. This short 5-day itinerary is ideal for a long weekend or a bank holiday; you leave Paris in the morning and are out cycling by the afternoon.

What does the €690 per person price include?

The price includes 4 nights in 3- and 4-star hotels with breakfasts featuring fresh, local produce, daily luggage transfer between each stage, a comprehensive road book with detailed explanations and advice, GPX tracks and access to the mobile navigation app. This is a Comfort package only; there is no ‘Standard’ version: all accommodation is selected for its character and quality (the Hôtel Littéraire Gustave Flaubert in Rouen, Le Clos des Fontaines in the bucolic setting of Jumièges, Le Dauphin in the heart of Honfleur). On a per-night basis, this works out at €172 per person all-inclusive, covering top-tier accommodation, breakfast, luggage logistics and guided tours. For a 5-day cultural tour linking Rouen to Deauville via Honfleur, with hotels of this quality, it offers remarkable value for money.

Are there any discounts available or a high-season surcharge?

No high-season surcharge is applied to this tour; the price remains the same from March to November, which is unique in our catalogue. For groups of 4 or more, a discount of €80 per person applies. If you prefer to carry your own luggage, a discount of €90 per person is available (cannot be combined with the group discount). Departures are scheduled for Fridays (€40 surcharge for a different day), making this an ideal format for a long weekend.

Does this tour have any connection with the Impressionist painters?

The route follows in the footsteps of the Impressionists from start to finish. Rouen and its cathedral were painted more than 30 times by Claude Monet; his famous series of the façade in different lights originated here. La Bouille, which you’ll pass through on Day 2, attracted Sisley, Monet and Pissarro for the light along its banks of the Seine. Honfleur is the very cradle of Impressionism: it was here that Eugène Boudin painted the skies and reflections of the Vieux Bassin, drawing the young Monet in his wake. The Eugène Boudin Museum and the Vieux Bassin remain steeped in this atmosphere. Even Deauville and Trouville inspired painters with their beaches and shifting light. Cycling this route means traversing the very landscape that gave birth to one of the most significant artistic movements in history.

Is Jumièges Abbey really worth a stop?

This is one of the most striking moments of the journey. Jumièges Abbey, founded in the 7th century, is one of the oldest Benedictine abbeys in Normandy. Its monumental ruins, described by Victor Hugo as ‘the most beautiful ruin in France’, stand in a wooded park on the banks of the Seine. The atmosphere of the place, somewhere between past grandeur and melancholic beauty, evokes a sense of surprise and emotion that few sites in Normandy can match. And spending the night in Jumièges, in the intimate setting of the Clos des Fontaines, prolongs this immersion. It’s not just a stopover: it’s a night in a place untouched by time.

When is the best time to cycle along the Seine from Rouen to Deauville?

The trip is available from March to November, with no high-season surcharge – a unique advantage in the catalogue. Spring (April–May) offers blossoming orchards along the Fruit Route and soft light on the Seine. Summer allows for swimming in Deauville. Autumn (September–October) brings spectacular colours to the forests along the Seine’s bends and to the Marais Vernier. Departures are scheduled for Fridays, making this the perfect format for a long weekend (Friday to Tuesday). As our partner boutique hotels have a limited number of rooms – notably Le Clos des Fontaines in Jumièges and Le Dauphin in Honfleur – booking in advance is strongly recommended.

How to book this trip along the Seine?

Fill in a quote request directly on the trip page. The Normandie Rando team will contact you to personalise your itinerary: departure dates, bike hire (hybrid bike at €120 or electric bike at €160 for 3 days), extra night in Deauville/Trouville and any additional options. You can also call 02 31 65 74 08 to speak to us directly. The quote request is free and non-binding; it’s the quickest way to secure your dates on a tour that fills up fast, particularly during the warmer months and long weekends.

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