The Seine-Maritime seduces of course for its exotic countryside corners, its typical villages with half-timbered houses and thatched roofs without forgetting its sumptuous coast bordered by cliffs. But beyond the natural parenthesis, the Normandy department is playing the dynamic card and organizing many events in this new school year 2019. Enough to plan a multi-vitamin autumn between sporting challenges and cultural discoveries
An energizing start to the season with the Seine-Marathon
To start the year off right, what could be better than a refreshing little race on the banks of the Seine? Accessible to all, the Seine-Marathon76 races aim to bring together runners of all levels to share the values of sport in a good mood. In 2018, the event brought together 7,400 runners and the organizers intend to repeat this this year. Then meet us on the weekend of September 14th and 15th where 4 races are organised in the Rouen conurbation. First of all, 7 small races for children born between 2005 and 2013 on Saturday afternoon where everyone will leave with a medal. Then Sunday is dedicated to the older ones with several distances to choose from at the Hôtel du Département: 5 km to discover running with the family, 10 km for the more experienced runners, the 21 km half-marathon and the full marathon for the bravest of 42.195 km. And a little something new in 2019, take part in the relay marathon with your company in teams of 4, which is enough to spend a sports weekend alone, with family or friends! And for those who still hesitate, the marathon route combines nature and history in Rouen and its towns, as it will pass along the banks of the Seine, in the forest of Londe-Rouvray, on the quays and in the historical centre of Rouen. To encourage you, a lively Pasta Party is organised on Saturday evening at the Hôtel du Département with activities for young and old
Water sports enthusiasts will also have their own event. Indeed, a rowing race, "Défi Seine 2019", will take place on Saturday 12 October in Rouen and will welcome around sixty crews from all over the world. From the Flaubert Bridge, you will see teams of 8 rowers competing in a duel along the Seine River for 8 km to Lacroix Island. Come and support the 6 teams from the departments of the Axe Seine. Then take a walk on the Rollet peninsula where the Rouen rowing club awaits you to introduce you to this discipline and enjoy many other free activities
Artistic encounters from here and elsewhere
Seine-Maritime has always been a department where art has an exceptional place. Cradle of Impressionism, it has attracted many artists such as Auguste Renoir and Claude Monet. All of them found inspiration in its Normandy region. So, as every year, the cities of the department are delighted to host new meetings, exhibitions and fairs of all kinds to preserve and develop this past artistic appeal and bring it up to date. Thus photography is highlighted in Le Havre with the Spot-Nature festival on the weekend of September 6. An annual event for many amateur photographers from all over Europe to compete and exhibit their works around 3 themes: fauna, flora and natural landscapes. To promote regional literature, Rouen is organizing for the 8th year "Quai des Livres", a one-day fair bringing together Norman writers and authors. This year, it takes place on Sunday, September 15 on the Quays of the Right Bank and will welcome more than 30 authors
Norman heritage and know-how in the spotlight
The cultural season continues with the 4th edition of the Art Collection, an event that is very much appreciated by the public. From Friday 20 to Sunday 22 September in the abbey church of Saint-Ouen in Rouen, craftsmen will gather to share their regional know-how. This year, the guest of honour is the "Garde républicaine": you will discover how to make saddles, helmets, infantry swords... It is also a unique opportunity to meet and see in action manufacturers of stringed instruments or leather bags, hat makers, antique furniture restorers, ceramists, so many trades little known to the general public that this festival will highlight. And it's free, enjoy it!
The same weekend will also be an opportunity to celebrate the 36th European Heritage Days and to visit emblematic sites free of charge or to take part in original guided tours. This year, the theme of the Days is "Arts and Entertainment" and highlights performing arts venues. Thus you can explore the backstage of concert and creative halls such as the Volcan or the Tetris in Le Havre or the hard-core circus-theatre in Elbeuf. And of course, all the major heritage sites such as the Abbey church of Saint-Ouen and its roofs or the Jeanne d'Arc tower in Rouen, the Taillis castle or the Bosmelet castle in Auffay. To finish the day on Saturday 21, don't miss the free pyrotechnic show, which should be magnificent, at the abbey of Jumièges. So many opportunities to wander around the Seine-Maritime region and discover its secrets.
And to enjoy the whole department and fall in love with its lands, go there in October during the Terres de Paroles festival from October 4 to 23 (online booking from September 7). In reference to André Breton's work "L'Amour fou" with a big A, come and celebrate the love of freedom and especially of words and literature. It is the cultural and family festival of the year not to be missed as it brings together concerts, readings, theatre and dance. You will be able to read to music, meet authors, participate in literary brunches, (re)immerse yourself in the Harry Potter saga in a totally unusual way. And above all, visit more than 80 municipalities in the department that host these festivities!
