Seine-Maritime Holiday Guide
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Stunning coast and pretty countryside
The Seine-Maritime is the coastal department of Upper Normandy, and as such is a great place to choose for beach-based holidays. The coast here is stunning, with dramatic, white chalk cliffs dropping to pretty beaches, offering lively seaside resorts, heritage towns and family fun. Inland, the department has a pretty, agricultural countryside which is perfect for relaxing and getting away from it all.
Top 5 things to see and do in Seine-Maritime
1. Spend time at the beach
Backed by stunning white cliffs, the pebbled beaches of the Alabaster Coast are clean and pretty. The cliffs are perfect for walkers, with views that will never be forgotten. Families will find well developed seaside resorts offering good facilities and plenty of entertainment.
2. Tour the abbeys
Anyone with an interest in religious heritage should enjoy touring the magnificent abbeys of the Seine-Maritime. Visit Jumiègues, Saint Wandrille and Saint Martin de Boscherville to find some beautiful architecture.
3. Parc Zoologique de Cleres
More than a zoo, this is more of a safari park, where the animals can range in relative freedom. It's perfect for a family day out, and also benefits from a glorious setting in the grounds of a beautiful chateau.
4. Walk
The Seine-Maritime has many different types of walking holiday to offer, and you can vary the scenery and type of walk as often as you like! There is something here to please everyone, with soft, pastoral landscapes in the Pays de Bray, dramatic cliff top walks along the Alabaster Coast, or trails through the untamed nature of the Regional Nature Park.
5. The Normandy Bridge
Keeping the men of the party happy is as important as keeping the kids amused, so take time to marvel at the engineering feat that is the Normandy Bridge. The bonus for the ladies is that the town of Le Havre, from which the bridge leads, is superb for shopping!
Top 5 towns and cities in Seine-Maritime
1. Rouen
Rouen is one of the most splendid capital cities in France, and is an ideal destination for a city break, especially if you are into art, architecture and heritage. This City of Art and History will keep you enthralled for hours, with sights such as the Notre Dame Cathedral, immortalised by Claude Monet. History is all around, and the old town vividly recalls the days gone by with its narrow streets and half-timbered houses. See the square where Joan of Arc was burned at the stake, and make time to pay a visit to the Fine Arts Museum, where there are many important works to enjoy.
2. Etretat
Etretat is a well established seaside resort, offering everything you need for a family holiday. The beach is lovely, with stunning cliffs, and the town behind combines modern facilities with beautiful period features.
3. Le Havre
Le Havre is a different type of town, but one that is well worth a look. The architecture here is modern rather than historic, as Le Havre suffered badly during the bombing raids of the last war, but it has plenty of merit. Le Havre is also a port town, with all the excitement that this always entails, and shoppers will find lots to keep them busy!
4. Dieppe
Dieppe is a beautiful old harbour and resort town - in fact, it is said to be the oldest seaside resort in the country. Beaches, heritage buildings, museums, restaurants, a lively marina and family entertainment combine to make this an absolute "must visit" town.
5. Forges les Eaux
Forge les Eaux may not be one of the department's most famous towns, but if you are holidaying with a family it may well be a good town to consider making your holiday base. The town is listed as a "Famille Plus" resort, which means that it is particularly well set up to cater for families. Forges les Eaux also has a vast programme of colourful cultural events and festivals spanning the whole year.
Food and drink in Seine-Maritime
The Seine-Maritime is the home of many superb dairy products, thanks to the lush pastures of the inland areas. Cream, soft cheeses and butter from the department are among the best in France. The coast brings fish and seafood, while other specialities include apples and cider.
How to get to Seine-Maritime
The beauty of this department as a holiday destination is that it is so easy to reach from the UK. The ferry will take you to Le Havre or to Dieppe. If you want to fly, your best option is to take a flight to Paris.
