The museums of Caux Seine agglo: MuséoSeine, the museum of the Norman Seine in Rives-en-Seine and Juliobona, the Gallo-Roman museum in Lillebonne, are pleased to welcome the public to represent two facets of the Seine-Maritime. While the first one leads the visitors to the heart of the history of the Seine estuary, the second one invites them to discover the collections of the local Gallo-Roman heritage. During a trip to the north of the Normandy region, these two places are a must for all those interested in the history of the Seine-Maritime, in the way the Seine has shaped the landscape and its close link with mankind, but also in the presence of the Romans in Normandy and the heritage and objects they left behind. Moreover, these two incredible museums do everything possible to attract not only adults, but also children. Two cultural spaces for which history is passed on from a very young age.
An amazing journey to the heart of the Seine of yesterday and today at MuséoSeine
The first stop is MuséoSeine, the museum of the Seine located in Caudebec-en-Caux - Rives en Seine. The building was built on the river bank, so that the public always has the river in front of them, but also around a boat which is the last model of a traditional boat of the Seine valley, a gribane. The visit of the museum includes a moment on the boat to contemplate the superb view on the Seine and the Brotonne bridge. The overall architecture of the building is reminiscent of naval architecture, and blends perfectly with its environment.
Inside, the public discovers two parts. The first is a stroll along the banks of the river, with the discovery of six particular sites that have marked the history of the estuary between Antiquity and the contemporary era. You will discover how people have appropriated the banks of the river over the years, building abbeys in the 9th century, and much later industries in the 20th century. A touch table is available to try to answer questions about the estuary.
The second part of the visit is much more thematic. Children and adults will dive into the heart of everything that happened on the water. We follow the adventures of a boat on the Seine and we learn in passing that navigation was never easy. Through models, boats, archival images and other objects, we also discover how the Seine gave way to recreational areas, how it was crossed to reach both banks, as well as the spectacular phenomenon of the tidal bore, a wave that has now disappeared. During other moments, a projection propels us in the skin of a pilot of the Seine, then one does not fail to be interested in the fish which populate the river. For the more manual, it is also possible to test one's agility around the play table by making marine knots. Note that MuséoSeine has a contemporary scenography and offers interactive environments through the use of new technologies.
You should keep an eye on the events calendar of MuséoSeine. From July 19 to November 30, 2022, the museum hosts the temporary exhibition Seine de vie, de Paris à l'estuaire, produced in partnership with the MUS de Suresnes (Museum of Urban and Social History). As a river route linking the territories of Ile de France and Normandy, the Seine influences the way of life of a large population basin. As a major economic axis providing a large number of jobs, the river is also a provider of resources for its residents (of which water is an essential element, shared by all), as well as a tourist area hosting a large number of leisure activities. Thus, although divergent in terms of landscapes due in particular to human modifications, the fact remains that the Seine of Ile-de-France and the Seine of Normandy reveal a number of complementarities. The exhibition will also address the future transformation of the Seine territory, the opportunity to talk about ferries, river cruises of tomorrow, and project a utopian version of the bridges of the Norman Seine. It will also be an invitation to discover how life along the Seine can adapt to climate change.
On the trail of the Gallo-Romans at the Juliobona Museum
The Juliobona museum bears the ancient name of the city of Lillebonne, the former capital of the city of Calets, a territory corresponding to the present-day Pays de Caux. This museum invites history lovers to discover the incredible Gallo-Roman past of the city, through more than 300 exhibits from numerous excavations. We learn more about what the inhabitants of Juliobona ate, with what tools, how they entertained themselves or the gods they worshipped. We also marvel at the coins, jewelry, glassware, ceramics and other treasures in the tomb known as "Marcus".
The Roman theater of Lillebonne, located in front of the museum, testifies to the importance and size of the ancient city. This spectacular building was discovered in 1754, acquired by the Department in 1818, then excavated in 1830. It is today the largest ancient performance building discovered north of the Loire.
You can visit the museum and the theater on your own or accompanied by Marc and Stella, two virtual characters who guide you in the footsteps of the Gallo-Romans via the mobile application Juliobona 3.0.
Go back in time to 286. Stella, a young inhabitant of Juliobona, takes you to discover her daily life, her favorite objects and places. Then an archaeologist of our time explains all there is to know about the rediscovery of Juliobona and the progress of archaeological research. Adults and children are invited to solve the riddles submitted. Walk through the streets of the city, in the kitchen of the house of Stella, near the port of Juliobona, which allowed the city to have a place of choice in the territory of the Calets. Enter the heart of the largest known building of Juliobona: its theater. Stroll through the aisles, watch the spectators cheering the gladiators, and beware, wild animals are in the arena... right behind you!
3D reconstructions, videos, mini-games... punctuate your immersion in the heart of the ancient city
It is also possible to continue with a walk at the foot of the main Gallo-Roman sites still visible today in the whole city of Lillebonne, and around which still hover some mysteries. To appreciate the flavors that the Gallo-Romans tasted at the time, do not fail to sign up for the visit-tasting "Savor Antiquity", where the pleasure of the eyes meets the pleasure of taste (offer reserved for adult groups constituted: works council, club ...).
Kid-friendly museums open to all members of the family
During a family stay in Seine-Maritime, and when you want to spend time in a museum, it is always nice to know that the museums are committed to arousing the interest of children. The museums of the Caux Seine agglo have signed the Môm'art charter and its good practices, a guarantee of a welcome adapted to children and families. Thus, at MuséoSeine, a visit booklet is given to children from 6 to 11 years old at the reception desk. They can then wander through the museum in a playful way, playing games related to the tour: connect the dots, rebus, word scramble, code to decipher, etc. And they should never miss the space that is totally dedicated to them and that allows them to put themselves in the shoes of a sailor at the helm of a ship!
At the Juliobona Museum, a booklet is also given to children from 6 to 11 years old to discover the museum while having fun. During the vacations (zone B), fun workshops are offered on Thursdays, around a specific theme, but always related to the Gallo-Roman past of the city. The sessions are followed by a small snack. These workshops are also offered to children at MuséoSeine.
Finally, an event is not to be missed in Lillebonne from June 24 to 26, 2022: the Juliobonales! This Gallo-Roman festival organized by the city of Lillebonne offers an immersive journey to the heart of an ancient city. This year, the theme of construction is in the spotlight and the public will have the opportunity to discover the ingenious processes and imposing machinery used by the Romans who always built with great intelligence. The festival is also an opportunity to go back in time and discover the daily life of a Gallo-Roman citizen, a Gallic fighter or a legionnaire. Fun and educational workshops will be offered to the whole family to learn more about life at the time and you will be able to watch military parades, gladiatorial fights, a slave market, and of course the discovery of Roman war machines. More information: https: //lesjuliobonales.fr/.
