Abbaye de Saint-Wandrille

Abbaye de Saint-Wandrille is a Benedictine monastery located in a small, delightful little village close to Rouen. There is an active monastic community inhabiting the abbey, which lives a frugal and humble life following the order of St Benedict. In an effort to raise funds to support the community and building maintenance, the monks even brew their own beer for sale - the only place in France where an operation of this kind is conducted within monastery walls. The monastery grounds hold well-preserved Medieval ruins.

• Web:

  www.st-wandrille.com

• Address:

  2 Rue Saint-Jacques, Saint-Wandrille-Rançon

• Phone:

  +33 235 962 311

• More info:

  Shop: www.boutique-saintwandrille.com

Aitre St-Maclou

The courtyard of Ecole of the Beaux-Arts is both fascinating and slightly eerie, yet a beautiful place. This ancient cemetery was historically used for plague victim burials, although little speaks to it in the present. The building around it dates back to the 14th century. It's a great starting point for your sightseeing tour.

• Address:

  Aître Saint-Maclou, 186 Rue Martainville, Rouen

Beaux-Arts Museum of Rouen

Founded by Napoleon I, the Beaux-Arts Museum of Rouen contains an extensive collections dating back to the 15th century, with its collection of paintings constituting particular interest. Some of the biggest names whose work adorns museum walls include celebrated masters such as Rubens, Van Dyck, Caravaggio, Diego Velázquez, David, Renoir, and, of course, Monet, who lived and worked in a village not too far from here.

• Web:

  http://mbarouen.fr

• E-mail:

  musees@rouen.fr

• Address:

  Esplanade Marcel Duchamp, Rouen

• Phone:

  +33 235 712 840

Biotropica

Just north of Val de Reuil you can find Biotropica, a park full of exciting animals and a tropical greenhouse. This is the perfect place to bring the children for a daily excursion and some great fun.

• Web:

  www.biotropica.fr

• Address:

  Base de Loisirs, Butte de la Capoulade, Val de Reuil

• Phone:

  +33 232 407 144

• Opening hours:

  October-April 9.30am-6pm. May-September 9.30am-7pm

Cathedrale Notre-Dame de Rouen

With its striking Gothic architecture and beautiful stained glass, this historic cathedral is Rouen's primary attraction. Inside the cathedral you can find the tomb of Richard the Lionheart. Notable trivia: the cathedral was struck by lightning several times over the centuries, resulting in various degrees of damage.

• Web:

  www.cathedrale-rouen.net

• Address:

  3 rue Saint Romain, Rouen

• Phone:

  +33 235 71 85 65

Château Gaillard

This fortress was ordered to be constructed by the legendary Richard Lionheart. It boasts spectacular views over the Seine River and will keep both adults and kids entertained while exploring the area. The château still stands 8 centuries after its inauguration, and is a major attraction despite the grim stories of its involuntary residents.

• Address:

  Château Gaillard, Les Andelys