Nestled in an ideal location, the Cottage of Vallonchêne offers privileged access to a multitude of tourist attractions that will delight lovers of nature, sports, history, and culture. Whether you’re seeking relaxation or adventure, there’s truly something for everyone. However, this list is not exhaustive.
Explore the hidden treasures of the region, from charming villages to picturesque landscapes, including historical monuments and outdoor activities. Let yourself be enchanted by the richness of the local heritage and make your stay at Vallonchêne an unforgettable experience.
Tourist Attractions Around the Gîte de Vallonchêne
- The City of Rouen: A true gem and the capital of Upper Normandy, this city is filled with iconic sites, including its cathedral, the Museum of Fine Arts, the Gros Horloge, and the Old Market Square, to name just a few.
- Eawy Forest: One of the largest beech forests in France. Ideal for hiking, mountain biking, or horseback riding, it offers marked trails amidst preserved nature.
- The V1 Launch Site: This World War II relic is in perfect condition and freely accessible in the Eawy Forest.
- The Parc at Clères: This zoological and botanical park was founded in 1919 by the ornithologist Jean Delacour. The park spans 13 hectares and is home to approximately 1,500 animals, including around 1,000 roaming freely. You will find a rich collection of birds, such as turacos, flamingos, pheasants, and cranes, as well as mammals like gibbons, tamarins, red pandas, and antelopes. The park surrounds a château dating back to the 13th century, with reconstructions from the Renaissance and the 19th century.
- Artmazia: This hedge maze is the third largest of its kind in France, spanning over 3,600 square meters and consisting of 5,200 beech and hornbeam hedges.
- The City of Dieppe: Dieppe is a charming port town known for its white chalk cliffs and bustling harbor. It boasts a rich maritime history and beautiful beaches. The Dieppe Museum, housed in a 14th-century castle, showcases the city’s history through a multidisciplinary collection of 25,000 objects. It offers stunning sea views and hosts temporary exhibitions throughout the year.
- The Casino of Forges-les-Eaux: An iconic venue dating back to the 19th century, offering an elegant atmosphere to try your luck at table games and slot machines. The casino also features shows and concerts to liven up your evenings.
- The Village of Gerberoy: Gerberoy is a charming medieval village renowned for its half-timbered houses and cobbled streets. Surrounded by flower-filled gardens, it offers a picturesque and romantic setting.
- The Village of Varengeville-sur-Mer: This picturesque village is known for its spectacular cliffs and lush gardens (some of which are open to visitors). It is also home to the Saint-Valéry church, famous for its stained glass windows by Georges Braque and its stunning views of the sea.
- The Village of Ry: Famous for having inspired Gustave Flaubert in his novel “Madame Bovary,” this charming village is known for its half-timbered houses, cobbled streets, and literary ambiance. Ry is also a hub of art and craftsmanship, with numerous galleries and workshops enlivening its alleys.
- The Village of Lyons-la-Forêt: This charming village is located in the heart of the Lyons forest. Listed among the “Most Beautiful Villages of France,” it is famous for its half-timbered houses, cobbled streets, and 17th-century market halls. The village has also served as a setting for film adaptations of “Madame Bovary.”
- The Saint-Saëns Golf Course: Located in the heart of the majestic Eawy Forest, this 18-hole course extends around the magnificent Château du Vaudichon. Golfers will appreciate the exceptional natural setting and the technical challenges of the course.
- The Forges-les-Eaux Golf Course: An 18-hole course accessible to players of all levels. Its undulating fairways and water hazards provide an enjoyable golfing experience in a lush, green setting.
- The Gardens of Valérianes: This remarkable garden near Buchy blends art and botany. You will discover rare plantings and inspiring landscape designs. Perfect for a peaceful and inspiring getaway.
- The Parc de Marquenterre: Located on the edge of the Bay of Somme, this park allows visitors to observe regional and migratory birds during a magnificent walk.
- The Canadian Animal Park: Unique in its kind, this park offers guided tours to discover the largest American bison herd in Europe and several packs of semi-wild wolves.
- The Château de Mesnières-en-Bray: A superb Renaissance château surrounded by French gardens. Guided tours immerse you in the rich history of the region.
- The Château de Rambures: This is an impressive 15th-century medieval fortress located in the Somme. With its round towers and romantic park, it is a remarkable example of the military architecture of that era.
- The Town of Le Tréport: A charming port town located in Normandy, known for its white chalk cliffs and maritime ambiance. It is part of the “three sister cities” along with Eu and Mers-les-Bains. The town boasts a rich history, beautiful beaches, and a bustling harbor. One of the main attractions in Le Tréport is its fish market, located on the Place de la Poissonnerie, as well as its free-access funicular.
- The Château d’Eu (near Le Tréport): Having hosted Queen Victoria and Prince Albert, this magnificent Renaissance-style building was constructed in the 16th century. It was the residence of the Dukes of Guise and Orleans and now houses a museum of art and history. The château is surrounded by French gardens and offers a stunning view of the Bresle Valley. It is a place steeped in history, where you can discover collections of art objects, furniture, and historical memorabilia.
- The City of Forges-les-Eaux: In addition to the casino and golf course, this renowned spa town offers thermal baths for a complete relaxation experience, as well as charming shopping streets.
- Neufchâtel-en-Bray: Famous for its heart-shaped cheese, Neufchâtel. A visit to the local market is a must to taste the local delicacies. You will also find an aquatic center.
- The Mathon-Durand Museum: Located in Neufchâtel-en-Bray, it features collections of decorative arts and archaeology, tracing the local history.
- The Clockmaking Museum: The Clockmaking Museum in Saint-Nicolas-d’Aliermont is a unique cultural hub in Normandy, dedicated to the history of clockmaking and precision. Located in the town center, it traces the clockmaking saga of this Norman village from the early 18th century to the dawn of the 21st century through an interactive and engaging tour.
- The Green Avenue (Paris-London): A former railway line converted into a cycle path and hiking trail, offering superb views of the Norman countryside.
- The Château de Martainville: This 15th-century château houses the Museum of Norman Traditions and Arts, perfect for discovering the regional heritage.
- The City of Paris: The city of lovers is only 130 km away (to reach the Parvis of Notre-Dame de Paris).