Rouen Castles & Abbeys Private Tour from Rouen
Highlights
Rouen, Normandy
Group Tour
10 Hours
MODERATE
English, French, Polish, Spanish, Italian
Description
In this full day tour from Rouen delve into the amazing past of Normandy's castles and Abbeys.
Graduated from the Sorbonne University in History ( MA ) and a with a real passion for Medieval History, I will take you through the streets of Rouen to discover Rouen's cathedral, Gros Horloge, and Joan of Arc legacy.
Having ancestors who fought in the crusades, the history of Richard the Lion Heart and his amazing Chateau Gaillard means a lot to me.
I would love to show you this real Crusader's castle overlooking the Seine river.
But Normandy would not be Normandy, without the Vikings and their heir, the great William the Conqueror.
You will also explore two very important abbeys, William loved, and also where he married Mathilda of Flanders, the women he loved so much.
In Jumièges Abbey I will show you, 1200 years after they did it, the marks of the destructions led by the Vikings.
This full day tour is perfect for those seeking to deepen their knowledge of France and Normandy.
Itinerary
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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".
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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
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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.
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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.
What's Excluded
Know Before You Go
What To Bring
Please Note
Cancellation Policy
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For cancellations upto 2 days before the tour -
Refund of 80% of the tour price.