Le Havre to Rouen and Jumieges Abbey: Private day trip

Situated on the Seine, it’s no wonder Rouen developed into one of France’s most important ports. A major Roman holding, when the Vikings settled here in the 10th century, Rouen became Normandy’s capital. For centuries after, the city was closely tied to the English - William the Conqueror often held court her, and Richard the Lionheart’s heart physically belongs to the city. After she was captured, Joan of Arc was tried in Rouen and burned alive in its central square. Today, the former Bishop’s Palace now houses a museum in her honor. Next door is the towering Gothic cathedral, made famous by Monet, with its incomprehensibly detailed facade. Throughout the ‘City of 100 Spires’ cobbled streets visitors will find traditional half-timbered houses, quaint cafes, and many impressive museums, such as the Musee des Beaux-Arts, where visitors will find works from Monet to contemporary local artists.

Founded in the 7th century, the abbey was destroyed by Viking raiders in the 9th century. After they settled down in Normandy and converted to Christianity, one of their early leaders, William Longsword, rebuilt the monastery on an even grander scale. In 1062, the abbey church was consecrated in the presence of William the Conqueror, the first king of England. Aside from the English invasion in the 15th century, the abbey prospered up until the French revolution, when the monks were evicted and the abbey was taken apart for its stone. Today the remains of the church, with its beautiful twin towers and western façade, portions of the cloisters, and the library, the contents of which were removed to Rouen still survive. Visitors can enjoy this national monument’s quiet atmosphere, beautiful architecture, and in the middle of the cloister, a 500-year-old yew tree.