Rouen: Castles and Abbeys Private Full-Day Tour

Embark on a day tour of Rouen and its surrounding sites to discover the medieval past of Normandy, the so-called land of North Men, home of William the Conqueror and Richard the Lion Heart. Historic abbeys and medieval castles will open their doors to you on this trip. After pickup, you'll head first to Rouen's historical center. During the ride, there will be digital resources provided so you can get some content about the places visited throughout the day. For the first stop, enjoy an extensive visit to Notre Dame Cathedral, then stop at Rue du Gros Horloge to see the Gros Horloge, the first clock of France, built in 1389. Having ancestors who fought in the crusades, the history of Richard the Lion Heart and his Chateau Gaillard is the next focus of the tour. See his story come to life during a visit to the Chateau Gaillard overlooking the River Seine. After having lunch below Chateau Gaillard (costs not included), continue the trip to Jumièges Abbey, the first Abbey of Normandy, destroyed by the Vikings in 845 A.D. In Jumièges Abbey, see the marks of destructions led by the Vikings. Normandy wouldn’t be Normandy without the Vikings and their heir, William the Conqueror. You’ll get to explore two significant abbeys that William built and see where he married Mathilda of Flanders, the woman he loved so much. Next on the itinerary is the Abbey of Saint-Georges, Boscherville, the most preserved abbey in Normandy. Before heading back to Rouen to conclude the tour, admire the walls of the church of the abbey that still have the original paintings and sculptures from the 11th century.