In August we will be driving from Honfleur to Rouen. We will only have an afternoon and evening in Rouen. I had thought about going by the route (D82) to see the Abbey of Jumieges. Is that worth our time or is it best to get to Rouen to spend more time there? What have been your experiences? Thanks.
Posted by
Pensacola
9110 posts
Rouen can entertain you for more time than you have available, or you can hit the highlights in an hour and be done with it.
Cutting through Jumieges adds about a half hour to the drive and is more senic that the freeway.
Jumieges is of only anecdotal historical importance. It looks much like any other ruined abbey (ex: Tinturn, Whitby).
Les Andelys is south of Rouen. Chateau Gaillard, on a hill above the town, is also in ruin but is the only castle built by Lionheart in France. The view of the hairpin bends in the Seine is terrific. Going there would add an hour of driving to your trip.
Pick one stop or none. There is not enough time for two. Hopefully others will disagree to offset my being a castle and history freak.