Seine-Maritime, the jewel of Normandy, offers a multitude of discoveries, from breathtaking landscapes to towns steeped in history and charming seaside resorts. From the famous cliffs of Étretat, immortalized by Monet, to the beaches and harbors of Dieppe, Fécamp or Le Tréport, every place invites you to marvel. Le Havre captivates with its historic center, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, while Rouen, nicknamed "The Athens of the Gothic genre" by Stendhal, fascinates with its cathedral, cobbled streets and rich historical past, including the martyrdom of Joan of Arc. With its cultural heritage, gastronomy and natural landscapes, Seine-Maritime has a wealth of treasures to explore. In this article, discover the 17 most beautiful places to visit to make the most of this unique region.
1. Dieppe, charm and the gentle way of life in Seine-Maritime
The oldest of France's seaside resorts and the leading fishing port for scallops, Dieppe lives to the rhythm of the sea. The town is distinguished by its maritime culture, marked in particular by the importation of ivory, and its gastronomy, with emblematic local recipes such as the Marmite dieppoise. Don't miss the Saint-Jacques church, which impressed us with its architectural richness and fine ornamentation. Every nook and cranny conceals a multitude of sculpted details, including the famous statue of Saint-Jacques and his shells, emblematic of the pilgrimage. A truly magnificent church that you wouldn't expect to find in a small town like Dieppe. To find out more, read our article What to do and see in Dieppe? 11 must-sees.
Read more: Dieppe Le Tréport offshore wind farm: what you need to know
2. What to do in Seine-Maritime Visit Fécamp and its Palais Bénédictine
When visiting Fécamp, don't miss the Palais Bénédictine, an architectural masterpiece from the XIXᵉ century, which houses the world's only production site for Bénédictine liqueur, as well as a museum dedicated to this Norman specialty. It traces the history of the liqueur, from its possible creation by a monk in the XVIᵉ century to the construction of the palace by Norman merchant and industrialist Alexandre Le Grand three centuries later. Here you can enjoy a fun, sensory experience: experts in distillation, preservation and tasting share their knowledge, and it's even possible to learn the art of mixology by discovering historic recipes for cocktails made with Bénédictine.
Good to know: The people of Fécamp have always sailed the seas. It was in the XVIᵉ century, when fishermen discovered the lode of cod off the coast of Newfoundland, that the town really took off. The so-called "white gold" would make Fécamp's fortune for three centuries: in 1872, it thus became the leading deep-sea fishing port with over a hundred boats.
3. Le Tréport, a seaside resort not to be missed
A small fishing and commercial port at the gateway to the Bay of the Somme, Le Tréport has also been a listed seaside resort since 1960, offering entertainment and activities all year round. Popular with Parisians, its proximity to the capital makes it an easily accessible destination. The first seafront villas date from the mid-19ᵉ century; while little remains of this Belle Époque, the impressive cliffs and funicular railway continue to offer visitors a grandiose spectacle. With its fishermen's quarter and beach, Le Tréport is an unmissable summer stopover.
Read more: Where to spend a weekend less than 2 hours from Paris? 19 destination ideas
4. The cliffs of Étretat, a unique natural spectacle
The cliffs of Étretat are the main attraction of this corner of Normandy, and the reason why so many visitors choose to spend a weekend or vacation here. Impressive and extensive, they offer a unique natural spectacle. High, astonishingly shaped, white and luminous, they overhang the sea and offer a breathtaking panorama. Three cliffs in particular stand out: Porte d'Amont, Porte d'Aval and Manneporte. You can admire them from the village, but the best way is to climb to the top. Numerous footpaths provide access to these breathtaking vistas, perfect for capturing your finest vacation snaps.
Read more: What to do and see in Étretat? The 17 best activities
Petit Futé's eco tip: We couldn't leave them out, as they're undeniably among the most beautiful places to see in Seine-Maritime and attract visitors from all over the world. However, Étretat is one of the French towns most affected by overtourism. Just 10 km along the coast to the west, the small village ofYport is more discreet, yet just as spectacular. To find out more, read our Top 6 alternatives to the French towns most affected by overtourism.
5. Le Havre, an open-air museum in Seine-Maritime
Le Havre owes almost everything to two men: François I, who turned it into a royal port, and Auguste Perret, who redesigned its axes and buildings. Between them, five centuries of history have shaped a city of a thousand faces, cradle of Impressionism in the XIXᵉ century and today a veritable open-air museum, thanks in particular to the permanent workscreated during the famous "Un Été au Havre" event. But Le Havre isn't just concrete: it's also the sea, a gigantic port, a lively beach right in the heart of the city, wide avenues and vast green spaces. To find out more, read our article What to do in Le Havre? 15 must-sees.
Did you know? Le Havre is one of the Top 20 cities in France to live in.
6. Rouen and its cathedral, one of the most beautiful in France
Rouen, capital of Normandy and Seine-Maritime, boasts an exceptional heritage that invites you to stroll through its pedestrian-only historic center, ideally discovered with a tour guide. As you stroll its lively streets, you'll discover half-timbered houses and architectural treasures: Gothic marvels such as Notre-Dame Cathedral , one of our Top 21 most beautiful cathedrals to visit in France, Saint-Ouen Abbey, Saint-Maclou Church and the Palace of Justice, and Renaissance gems such as the Gros-Horloge, Saint-Maclou Ayster and Hôtel de Bourgtheroulde. As you wander through the streets, museums and monuments, you'll come across famous figures from Rouen's history: Richard the Lionheart, Joan of Arc, Pierre Corneille and Gustave Flaubert.
Read on to plan your stay: Visit Rouen in 2 days: what can you do in a weekend?
7. Jumièges and the impressive ruins of its abbey
Located just 20 km from Rouen, in the Seine valley at the heart of a river loop, this commune and its forest form the Jumièges peninsula. On the route des abbayes, it is home to the impressive ruins of its ancient edifice, which was the highest church in Normandy in the XIᵉ century. The town is also renowned for its orchards along the Seine and the tasty fruit they produce. Its rich heritage is easy to discover on foot, thanks in particular to the free tour proposed in the brochure "Duclair and its surroundings", available free of charge from the tourist office.
Read more : Top 15 most beautiful abbeys to visit in France
8. What to do in Seine-Maritime Sainte-Adresse, a popular holiday destination
Located at the northeastern end of Le Havre, the town of Sainte-Adresse owes its name to the skill with which sailors crossed Cap de la Hève to reach the Seine estuary. In the mid-19ᵉ century, its panoramic views and peaceful setting gradually made it a popular vacation spot, also attracting many painters. This charm lives on today with its beach, terraces and Art Deco villas, so much so that locals nickname it "the Norman Monaco Rock". Sainte-Adresse is well worth a visit during your stay in Seine-Maritime, with its funboarding spots and emblematic monuments such as Le Nice in Le Havre.
See also: Where to go for a cheap weekend break in France? 14 destination ideas
9. Arques-La-Bataille, a popular stop on the Avenue Verte linking Paris to London
Just 6 km from Dieppe, on the edge of the Pays de Bray, Arques-la-Bataille was first mentioned in 750 under the name Arcas, in reference to the river Arques. The town is perched on a chalk plateau overlooking three rivers - the Eaulne, the Béthune and the Varenne - which join to form the Arques. Its remarkable heritage is complemented by a dynamic cultural life, notably supported by the Bach Academy, whose concerts at the Notre-Dame-de-l'Assomption church attract many visitors. Arques-la-Bataille is also a popular stopover on the Avenue Verte, the cycling route linking Paris to London.
Read more: Avenue Verte London-Paris by bike: itinerary & tips
10. Duclair and its blood duck
Located just 20 minutes from Rouen, Duclair is best known for its "blood duck". With a number of top-quality restaurants, it's a magnet for gourmets. The Austreberthe river runs through the town, and is a pleasant place to explore on the Promenade de la Source. The town's historical development is linked to its strategic location and the passage of the river, now provided by a ferry linking the two banks. Although the 1991 closure of the Mustad factory, specialized in nails, screws and horseshoes, marked the town's industrial decline, it remains rich in exceptional heritage, situated at the crossroads of the famous Norman abbeys of Saint-Wandrille, Saint-Martin-de-Boscherville and Jumièges.
11. Veules-Les-Roses, a picturesque village to stroll through
Veules-en-Caux has so honored roses that it adopted its current name in 1897. In the Romantic era, this picturesque village, with its mills, 15th-century church, famous watercress beds and tiny river, attracted summer visitors in search of calm and beauty, including Victor Hugo. Even today, Veules' charm endures: strolling through its narrow streets and discovering its fragrant gardens in spring and summer remains a real pleasure. The town is also famous for its unique oysters, revisited by local gourmets.
Read also: What to do and see in Normandy 21 must-sees
12. Enjoy the calm of Varengeville-Sur-Mer
All the painters and writers who have visited the Côte d'Albâtre have at some time put down their easel or sketchbook in Varengeville to soak up its atmosphere and colors. Claude Monet, Georges Braque, Guy de Maupassant and many others left their mark in this charming coastal village. Even today, Varengeville continues to attract visitors, and second homes are becoming increasingly numerous. Visitors, whether from Paris or the North of France, come to enjoy the peace and quiet of the area, ideal for horseback riding or cycling.
Read more: Escapade in Normandy's Most Beautiful Villages in France
13. What to do in Seine-Maritime Going to Canteleu
Located near Rouen, Canteleu stretches along the banks of the Seine and Cailly rivers. During a bike ride, you're immediately struck by the dominant presence of nature and its vast forest, which surrounds the town right up to the cliffs overlooking the Seine. A former village of fishermen, lumberjacks and farmers, Canteleu today retains almost 70% of its territory in natural, wooded areas. As the gateway to the Pays de Caux, Canteleu is an ideal stopover for nature lovers, whether on foot or by bike. Not to be missed are the Pavillon Flaubert and the church of Saint-Marin.
14. Saint-Valery-En-Caux, a family seaside resort
Nestled in the hollow of majestic cliffs, Saint-Valery-en-Caux has a slightly old-fashioned, unpretentious charm. Although the town seems frozen in time, it was once home to many painters and writers, including Victor Hugo, Gustave Flaubert and Sacha Guitry. A family-friendly seaside resort, it offers a pleasant seafront, while the surrounding countryside is an ideal starting point for walks, bike rides or motorcycle rides. When it comes to gastronomy, small, discreet restaurants offer excellent seafood, where oysters and fish and chips rival the dishes of top chefs.
15. Lillebonne, one of Seine-Maritime's most historic towns
Lillebonne is undoubtedly one of the department's most historically rich towns, as evidenced by its remarkable monuments, sites and localities. The former capital of the Calètes tribe, the site, originally called Juliobona, owes its rise to its Gallo-Roman port. Numerous archaeological discoveries since the XIXᵉ century, including the recent uncovering of shops alonga Roman road in Place Carnot, reveal the importance of the city. Numerous objects, such as the magnificent mosaic of the stag hunt, now enrich the collections of the Musée départemental des Antiquités de Rouen.
16. Cany-Barville, a charming stopover
At the heart of the Durdent valley, on the road to the coast, Cany-Barville has alternated between hardship and prosperity thanks to its geographical location. Occupied since ancient times, as archaeological remains show, the town has suffered from the many wars that have struck the Pays de Caux. Yet its trade, particularly in ink and oil, has always flourished, and the textile industry has thrived thanks to the many mills along the river. Today, a visit to the castle and the village offers a charming stopover, complemented by the beautiful leisure park at Lac de Caniel.
17. Clères, a bucolic stopover in Seine-Maritime
The town's name comes from the Celtic word clara, meaning "spring". On the banks of the small river that runs through it, its terraces invite you to relax while admiring the charming wooden covered market. Clères, with its hilly terrain culminating at 181 meters, seduces with its authenticity and its magnificent animal and botanical park, specialized in ornithology and home to dozens of birds from all over the world. Its bucolic setting also makes it a popular stopover for walkers and cyclists travelling along the Vallée de la Scie, from Dieppe to Rouen.
