France · Castles & Palaces

Rouen Castles & Abbeys Private Tour from Rouen

10 Hours Round trip from Pickup service provided in Rouen. Moderate pace

The journey

Trip highlights
  • 01 Private full-day tour exploring Rouen and Normandy’s medieval heritage
  • 02 Walk through historic Rouen, including the Gros-Horloge and Rouen Cathedral
  • 03 Visit Château Gaillard, the fortress linked to Richard the Lion Heart
  • 04 Discover Jumièges Abbey, one of Normandy’s oldest abbeys
  • 05 Explore Saint-Georges de Boscherville and its Romanesque architecture
  • 06 Learn about Viking raids, Norman dukes, and the kings of England
  • 07 Enjoy views over the Seine Valley from the abbey grounds

Discover the rich medieval heritage of Normandy on this private full-day tour from Rouen. Explore the historic heart of Rouen with its cathedral and the famous Gros-Horloge, then continue to some of the region’s most remarkable monuments, including Château Gaillard, Jumièges Abbey, and Saint-Georges de Boscherville Abbey.

Along the way, delve into stories of dukes, kings, crusaders, Viking raids, and centuries of architectural change. With a licensed guide leading the way, this experience is ideal for travellers who want to deepen their understanding of Rouen and Normandy through its castles, abbeys, and enduring landmarks.

Discover the Gros Horloge Street, its cobblestone buildings dating to the 16th Century, the Gros Horloge, ( Big Clock ) witness of the Harelle revolt in 1389 and the world's oldest clock.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 10 Hours
Tour type Shared
Activity level Moderate
Accommodation Not included
Transport Not included
Wheelchair access No
City Rouen
Languages English, French, Italian, Polish, Spanish

Day by day

The itinerary

1
Day 01

Discover Rouen, the jewel of Normandy

Starting in Rouen, your expert licensed guide will take you on a journey in Medieval Europe, at a time when Rouen was one of the economical "hubs" of the world.

Discover the Gros Horloge Street, its cobblestone buildings dating to the 16th Century, the Gros Horloge, ( Big Clock ) witness of the Harelle revolt in 1389 and the world's oldest clock.

Immerse yourself in the times of the Cathedral builders, the " Pillars of the Earth " in cathedral Notre Dame of Rouen.

Learn about the Dukes of Normandy and kings of England and their legacy.

Enjoy a delicious lunch facing the cathedral in an authentic "brasserie".

Chateau Gaillard Medieval Castle, built in 4 years, finished in 1199

Chateau Gaillard, built at a time when king Philippe the Great was betraying Richard the Lion Heart and starting to attack the proud independent Normandy.

Built in just 4 years, this amazing fortress witnessed not only a terrible siege of the armies of France in 1204, but also, the hundred years war, the war of Religions, the French Revolution , and the torture and agony of duchess Marguerite of Burgundy in 1315.

Queen Victoria was in love of the place for its romantic character and setting overlooking the Seine River

Visit Jumièges Abbey

Jumièges Abbey is Normandy's oldest Abbey.

Even though it suffered from the time and from the many wars, from the Viking raids to the French Revolution, you will understand thanks to your guide and digital resources, the size and beauty of the Architecture of Jumièges Abbey.

Abbey St Georges de Boscherville

Discover Normandy's best kept Abbey, St Georges de Boscherville.

This large, well-lit church with its balanced spaces presents all the characteristics of Norman Romanesque architecture. It was the sanctuary of an abbey founded in the 12th century by the Tancarville family, on the site of an ancient pagan temple. Like many others, Saint-Georges Abbey underwent major changes in the 17th century.

Much less know than Jumièges, Bec-Hellouin and luckily preserved from the assault of the wars and of the French Revolution the many paintings and sculptures were not altered by the time since the 12th Century.

You'll then see this Abbey as if you were still at the times of the Crusaders.

Above all, the gardens were faithfully renovated in line with drawings from the 17th century: classical in composition, they present the varied colors of vegetables and perennial plants. 

By means of a monumental staircase, one accesses the Pavilion of the Winds.

 From there, you will can enjoy the splendid view of the abbey church and of the whole Seine Valley.

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map
Round trip from Pickup service provided in Rouen. 1 city · 10 Hours

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

  • ENTRY OR ADMISSION FEE
  • PARKING FEES
  • WIFI

What's Not Included

Lunch and drinks not included in the tour.

Know before you go

  • INFANT SEATS AVAILABLE
  • PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION NEARBY
  • Guide-Drivers are Covid-19 vaccinated.
  • Tour Guide and Driver will wear a mask and/or a safety shield and virus safety shield is installed in the Van
  • Price is per car
  • Children must be accompanied by an adult
  • May be operated by a multi-lingual guide
  • Please advise any specific dietary requirements at time of booking
  • A maximum of 6 people per booking
  • Not wheelchair accessible
  • Not stroller accessible
  • Infants must not sit on laps
  • Pick-up/Drop-off in ROUEN or nearby ( maximum 30 kilometers )

Logistics

Meeting & route

Meeting point
Pickup service provided in Rouen.
Tour start
Pickup service provided in Rouen.
Tour ends at the same location as the start point.
End of the journey

Your 10 hours finish where they began, in Pickup service provided in Rouen..

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