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Where to visit in France for a Holiday - Seine-Maritime

The Seine-Maritime (department number 76) is located in the region of Haute-Normandie and has an estimated population of 1,245,457 (approximate in 2004). The department was originally known as Seine-Inf?rieure (Lower Seine) until 1955 when it changed to its current name Seine-Maritime (Coastal-Seine) because Inf?rieure was regarded as derogatory by the inhabitants of the department.

The capital of the department is the city of Rouen, with the coastal towns of Dieppe and Le H?vre also featuring within the immediate area.

The landscape of the department is typically coastal as you would expect with historic ruins and Norman castles dotting the landscape. Along the coastline is stunning cliff scenery and half-timbered villages.

In addition to the gastronomy offerings you would expect in Normandy, namely the cider, fish, meat and cheeses other delectable delights specific of the department include B?n?dictine liqueur and apple sugars from Rouen.

Why you should visit Seine-Maritime for your next holiday in France If you enjoy sightseeing and places with an interesting historic past then you need go no further than Seine-Maritime. Teamed with its magnificent beaches, divine gastronomy and its close proximity to the UK, this department is a perfect destination for a long holiday or short break.

The department enjoys a similar climate to the UK but its location means it is slightly milder year round. As with England, summers are warm with temperatures in the mid 20C and in the height of the season, temperatures can reach into the 30's.

What to see in the Seine-Maritime:

Rouen

Rouen is brimming with monuments, medieval streets and churches. The city is particularly famed for the Place du Vieux March?, where Joan of Arc was martyred. The town's gothic cathedral was a favourite of Claude Monet and he famously painted the cathedral's facade at almost every moment of the day.

One of these priceless pieces of art is on show today at the Mus?e des Beaux Arts.

The main routes through the city may be less picturesque but they do keep traffic away from the prettier, medieval pedestrianised centre.

Places of particular interest include: The Rue Gros Horloge with its big clock. St Ouen is in some people's opinion more impressive than the cathedral as its interior is often empty leaving the sun to cast colored images from the stained glass across its flagstone floor. Place St Marc on Sunday mornings is the setting for the giant flea market with the majority of the shops open until lunchtime. The Rive Gauche near the Eglise St Sever hosts a bric-a-brac market on Thursday mornings.

Dieppe

The major cross-Channel port is the main feature of this seaside town but Dieppe has in some ways benefited from the arrival of the tunnel. The seafront has been given a face-lift and the streets are now lined with welcoming caf?s and restaurants.

The ch?teau-mus?e is situated high on the hill top and boasts panoramic views across the long pebble beach which is host to an annual kite festival. Dieppe continues to be a bustling port and a large Saturday market draws big crowds from the villages around.

Le Havre

Le H?vre is still a major western ferry port and dominates the mouth of the Seine. The port is a popular choice for holiday makers who would rather spend longer on the crossing than the drive.

Places to visit include: Eglise St Joseph Mus?e Malraux (also known as the Mus?e des Beaux Arts) houses a fine collection of canvasses by the Impressionists, who painted extensively in Normandy. Caudebec-en-Caux and Lillebonne

These lovely towns offer several attractions, some still undiscovered to a certain degree. These include the abbey at St Wandrille near Caudebec-en-Caux where the monks sing the Gregorian chant every day, the surprisingly well preserved Roman amphitheatre in the centre of Lillebonne, and the gorgeous cheese from Neufch?tel-en-Bray whose heart-shaped form dates from the Hundred Years' War.

Etretat

Etretat is located along the Alabaster Coast (C?te d'Alb?tre) and is famous for its chalk cliffs and needles which were popular subjects by the Impressionists. The town is looking a little weathered but is still worth visiting for its breath-taking scenery and selection of restaurants.

F?camp

The town is known for its infamous B?n?dictine liqueur and guided tours in the palace in the centre of town offers visitors a chance to sample this tipple. Fishing boats still land their catches at F?camp, guaranteeing fresh seafood in the harbour-front restaurants.

Gournay en Bray

A small town, Gournay en Bray has a lovely little romanesque church.

Le Tr?port

Le Tr?port is located in the north east of the Seine-Maritime and was popular as a beach resort with Parisians in the late 19th century thanks to a rail link. Surrounded by white cliffs, the quayside houses many hotels and restaurants that enjoy views of the fishing boats and yachts.

Saint Val?ry en Caux

St Val?ry en Caux is situated west of Dieppe. The towns centre and marina was entirely rebuilt after WWII and the nearby nuclear power station has brought prosperity. A little further west of the town, little rock pools can be found, which are always popular with kiddies of all ages.

Yvetot

The capital of Pays de Caux, Yvetot, is an important market town completely rebuilt after WWII. The Wednesday and Saturday markets take over the central streets and it's still possible to hear the ancient dialect Cauchois being spoken. The circular pink church dating from the 1950s may seem an eyesore from outside but the stained glass inside almost makes up for it.

How to get there

Holiday accommodation in the Seine Maritime is easily accessible.

By Air

Skysouth are the only direct airline and they fly six times a week direct from Shoreham (ESH) to Caen (CFR). Prices start at around ?70 for a single trip.

By Car

Driving would be the common mode of transport to get to the department as Seine-Maritime is just a quick hop across the channel to either Le H?vre or Dieppe, both conveniently located within the department.

By Train

Go by Eurostar from the UK to Calais and then take the TGV to Le Havre or Rouen.

Glynis Shaw is from French Connections where you can Find Self Catering Holiday Properties in Seine Maritime including gites, villas or bed and breakfasts. Plus discover more about http://www.frenchconnections.co.uk/en/search/property/512-holiday-in-north-w est-france/151-normandy/226-seine-maritime and many other areas of France to help you plan your next French holiday.

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