Along the Seine to Rouen
France > Normandy > Seine Maritime > Along the Seine to Rouen

River Seine

Until relatively recently, no bridges crossed the Seine any lower than Rouen, which made the river an all but impassable barrier for motorists heading between Upper and Lower Normandy. Since 1995, however, the enormous Pont de Normandie has spanned the rivermouth, enabling motorists to zip across from Le Havre to Honfleur (for a hefty €5 toll), while further inland, the immense Tancarville suspension bridge and the magnificent Pont de Brotonne, just upstream from Caudebec, offer alternative routes across the river. If Rouen is your destination from Le Havre, however, it makes much more sense to stick to the north bank of the river. A succession of quiet roads follow the Seine's every loop, leading through sleepy towns such as Caudebec-en-Caux and past intriguing ruins like the abbey of Jumièges.