Just a stone’s throw from Rouen, Saint-Georges de Boscherville Abbey stands out for its grandeur. This is one of the most imposing Romanesque abbeys in the Seine valley. We enjoyed the architecture, the beauty of the interiors and the superb restored gardens!
Here are some useful tips for planning your visit to Saint-Georges de Boscherville Abbey in Saint-Martin-de-Boscherville, Normandy, near Rouen.
This guide is completely independent, based on our experiences. We visited the region anonymously, making our own choices and paying our bills in full.
Is a visit to Saint-Georges de Boscherville Abbey worthwhile?
Yes, it’s worth a visit. We found it superb. Built on a sacred Gallo-Roman site, it was transformed many times over the centuries. Although the abbey was stripped of its riches during the Wars of Religion, today it has other treasures! You’ll appreciate its medieval architecture and elaborate interior decor. The gardens are not to be outdone. We enjoyed strolling through the French-style flowerbeds, vegetable gardens, orchards and vineyards.
This is one of the most beautiful abbeys in Normandy!
What you can see
The superb abbey church
The abbey church dates back to the 12th century and is an impressive 70m in length. The nave and its high white vaults transported us back to the grandeur of the Middle Ages.
The exceptional chapter house
This room, also known as the chapter house, served as a meeting place for the monks. It is distinguished by its finely sculpted decorations and beautifully crafted capitals. It was like stone lace!
OUR ADVICE FOR RENTING A CAR IN Normandy
- Compare prices on our preferred platform: DiscoverCars – one of the best rated sites.
- Choose a car that is comfortable enough (distances can be long) but compact (some parking lots and villages are narrow).
- Think of thecomplete insurance (some roads are tortuous and narrow).
- There is a lot of demand, book it early.
The monastic building
Classical in style, the monastic building contrasts with the medieval architecture. We appreciated this more “modern” touch.
A charming chapel
The chapel offers a more sober interior. We also loved the colors of its stained glass windows.
Huge gardens
The abbey is surrounded by over 6 hectares of gardens. Restored, they have now regained their food-producing, medicinal and ornamental functions. The landscape is sublime. Take time to admire it.
An orchard and vegetable garden
We strolled through the leafy orchard, which promises plums, apples and pears every summer.
A medicinal garden
There are also areas dedicated to medicinal plants. For example, we have recognized the castor-oil plant, which produces an oil with a wide range of virtues.
Italian-style terraces
Elegant Italian-style terraces lead to the rest of the garden. Take a stroll or photograph them. These stone ladies are photogenic. We found the results conclusive!
French-style flowerbeds
One part of the garden stands out for its symmetry, the famous parterres à la française with their geometric shapes, which we have often seen in the parks of the châteaux of Normandy and France!
A promising vineyard
Vines complement the gardens, promising a rich harvest! But at the time of our visit, the grapes were not yet ripe.
A showroom
Visit the abbey’s exhibition hall for temporary exhibitions! We saw some wonderful photos.
WHERE TO STAY IN Normandy
We particularly appreciate staying in Normandy:
- Bayeux – our hotels selection
- Honfleur – our hotel selection
For more ideas, take a look at our article on the best places to stay in Normandy.
And if you already have an idea, take a look at our selections:
Abbaye Saint-Georges de Boscherville in Saint-Martin-de-Boscherville: how to find us
Where to find the abbey
- In the beautiful Normandy region of France
- In the town of Saint-Martin-de-Boscherville
- In the Boucles de la Seine Regional Nature Park
- 20min drive from Rouen
Access by car and parking
The abbey is easily reached by car, the best way to get around the Normandy countryside. That’s what we did! Find all our tips for renting a car in Rouen here, the nearest big city!
Rouen is just 12km away, and you can get there easily by taking the D982. From Paris and Caen, take the A13, then the D67.
Parking is available in front of the abbey. Parking is also available in adjacent streets.
Public transport access
To get to the abbey, take the 530 bus from Rouen and allow 45 minutes for the journey. The little town is also accessible by train!
Visiting difficulties
The site is quite large. Plan to walk a little to explore it. The soil also varies and may be strewn with small gravels. We recommend you bring comfortable shoes. We also saw staircases leading to the Italian terraces, showroom and boutique. However, the gardens are accessible to wheelchair users. Wheelchairs can also be borrowed from reception.
Dogs are allowed in the gardens, but on a lead.
HAVE FUN WITH THESE activities in Normandy
- Helicopter flight over the cliffs of the Côte d’Albâtre
- Book your time to visit Mont-Saint-Michel Abbey
- Take a microlight flight over Mont-Saint-Michel
- Climb the Via Ferrata in Switzerland Normandy
Visit Saint-Georges de Boscherville Abbey: useful tips
Schedules and prices
Timetables are as follows:
- Winter closure of gardens from December 1 to February 28
- Open every day except public holidays and exceptional closures
- November and March, 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and 1:30 p.m. to 5 p.m.
- April to October, 9:30 am to 6:30 pm
Visit the official website to check timetables here.
Prices are as follows:
- Full price: €6
- Free for children under 26
- The Abbey Pass for €9.50 also gives you access to Jumièges Abbey.
See the latest news on the official website here.
How long
Allow between 1h and 1h30 to visit the abbey and its gardens.
Best moment
In summer, it’s great to see the gardens in full bloom. However, the site is attracting a few more people. In this case, mornings are preferable. The gardens and abbey can also be visited in other seasons. If possible, choose to come on a day when it’s not raining. Here’s our advice on the best times to visit Normandy.
Direction of visit
There’s no set order for visiting the abbey and its gardens, but we recommend you start by exploring the church, the chapter house, the exhibition room and the chapel. Then explore the gardens and finish your tour of the estate with a visit to the boutique to buy local produce or a souvenir.
Visiting with children
The abbey offers a booklet for children at reception, enabling them to explore the buildings and gardens on the “Salamander Trail”. In addition, theatrical and fun activities are organized during the school vacations, as well as guided tours for families on certain Saturdays.
We recommend you visit the official garden website for dates here.
Eating out
There are no food outlets at the abbey, but if the weather is fine, you can enjoy a picnic. Alternatively, we recommend a visit to Rouen, which has an abundance of fine restaurants. Here’s our article on the city’s best restaurants.
Hotels
The abbey is surrounded by a number of hotels that seem well worth a visit. We suggest you:
- Le Gîte Manoir de l’Aumônerie, a charming Norman château steeped in history – see prices, photos and availability.
- Gîte Les Buis de Boscherville, a beautiful building with elegant, comfortable interiors – see prices, photos and availability.
You’re also just a few kilometers from Rouen, where there are some very nice hotels! Here are our suggestions.
PLAN YOUR TRIP TO Normandy
Inspiration destinations
- Deciding where to go in Normandy – the best destinations
- Our weekend ideas: best-of, romantic, unusual, seaside, luxury, family
- 16 seaside hotels in Normandy
- The most beautiful charming hotels in Normandy
Best of
Practice
- Where to stay in Normandy – best places and hotels
- See our tips for renting a car at CDG airport, Orly airport, Beauvais airport, Caen, Rouen, Bayeux…
SHE MADE THE TRIP Claire
