Road trip between culture and nature in Normandy with Worldelse

There is nothing better than discovering a new facet of a region, thanks to an unusual activity. Accompanied by our furry friend Poppy, we opted for a 3-hour kayak trip to discover the beautiful landscapes along the banks of the Eure. A peaceful and relaxing trip, which allows us to take our time and admire the pretty houses along the way.

Rouen, the capital of Normandy, is steeped in history and has an enchanting heritage and numerous points of interest, the highlight being the cathedral district. You can wander through its typical cobbled streets and pretty half-timbered houses. From Rue Saint Romain to Rue Saint Nicolas, via Rue des Chanoines, the narrowest street in the city, not forgetting Place du Vieux Marché, or Rue du Gros-Horloge with its famous architectural ensemble. A true jewel of Gothic art, Notre-Dame Cathedral watches over the city, both by day and by night. Each year, it becomes the setting for a sublime sound and light show, offering the spectator the ideal opportunity to (re)discover the monument from a different angle.

Finally, the visit would not be complete without a stop at the Saint Maclou Oyster, a former 16th century charnel house cemetery, now converted into art galleries and a space for artistic creation and production. An unusual place in terms of its architecture, its history and the unique atmosphere that surrounds it.

The town of Les Andelys offers a bucolic setting, ideal for a change of scenery. You can enjoy a walk in the heart of this town of character between Petit and Grand Andely, or a visit to the Château Gaillard to admire the beautiful panorama over the meandering Seine. Not forgetting, for the more nature-loving, the possibility of numerous hiking trails. But the best option I can advise you is to opt for a private cruise with a guide. This is an opportunity to discover this corner of the Eure in a different way, thanks to numerous anecdotes.

It is impossible to come to Normandy without making a stop at Giverny. A true stronghold of Claude Monet and the impressionist movement, the visit of the Monet Foundation with its house and sublime gardens make it a must-see. The place is an invitation to plunge into a life-size painting, where the charm continues to operate despite the fact that time seems to have stopped.

Nestled in the Orne, almost out of sight, Suisse Normande is an unsuspected face of Normandy, far from the picture postcard image that one might imagine. A digest of hilly nature for a guaranteed breath of fresh air! The proof of this is my favourite place of this stay: the Roche d'Oëtre. An exceptional and listed site, which offers lovers of wide open spaces and hiking enthusiasts a real little paradise to awaken your senses. You will discover a mountainous and green relief, with an important fauna and flora, with as a bonus many viewpoints on the surroundings. For example, the Méandre de l'Orne, or the Saint-Philibert reservoir, a perfect place for an impromptu picnic or for swimming.