Discover Villequier: Nature and Culture in Haute-Normandie

Panoramas on the Val Durand, fording on the stream, springs and wash-house, many thatched cottages, landscapes alternating the plain and the valley. BLUE TRAIL MARKERS

A special place, assembling a collection of objects associated with the famous French composer in the house where he was born: Claude Debussy's birthplace is located in the historic quarter of Saint-Germain-en-Laye. It was in this 17-century house in the town that Claude Debussy was born, on 22 August 1862, and spent his early childhood. His father ran a china shop on the ground floor. After the composer's death in 1918, it soon became the main gathering place of his many admirers. Once inside, you will discover a wonderful little inner courtyard, where a splendid wooden staircase will lead you up to the museum. The museum, officially recognised as a 'Maison des illustres' ('Houses of the Famous'), displays objects and photographs that help provide a better understanding of the composer's creative process. In fact, Debussy liked to surround himself with objects from different places and artistic movements, which influenced his music. For example, a Japanese lacquered panel, which came from his Parisian mansion, depicting two fish swimming under a willow, musically metamorphosed into 'Poissons d'or', a piano piece (1907). A small museum but a grand tribute to one of France's greatest composers!

Come and spend a day among France's biggest monuments, all in one park! It's bound to appeal to both young and old! Prepare to explore France and its biggest landmarks in just a few hours by visiting the France Miniature park. Set off on a trip through France and discover 117 monuments reproduced at 1:30 scale and in the setting of a five-hectare park set out in the form of a map of France. Admire all of France's most beautiful sites, from Paris' most beautiful monuments in minature form, to Versailles, the Chateaux of the Loire region, the Auvergne Volcanoes, the Arles Amphitheatre, gothic and roman architecture, Normandy, Mont Saint-Michel and more... On this unconventional yet cultural tour you will find out the stories behind many French monuments. An attractions area, based upon the regions of France is also to be found in the park. Find inspiration for your future trips to France at France Miniature!

Located in the heart of Impressionist country, close to Paris, Saint-Germain-en-Laye and Versailles, the serviced apartments of Residhome Carrières La Défense benefit from an outstanding location. The residential hotel is close to the picturesque town centre, restaurants and shops. It is within easy reach of Paris and the business district of La Défense, with fast access to RER A and Transilien rail services. Carrières-sur-Seine is a town with a country feel. For nearly two centuries it has been the charming green backdrop to pleasant walks, with its Parc de la Mairie (a classified "monument historique" site), washhouse, tithe warehouse, troglodyte houses, windmill, etc. Other sites and features in the area include: the Château de Versailles, the Château de Monte Cristo, a ride aboard the Dénicheur, the Impressionist cruise, the Serre aux Papillons (butterfly farm), the Parc Zoologique de Thoiry, and the Club Hippique de la Jonction at Saint-Germain-en-Laye (riding stables - hacking in the national forest), the Golf de l'Ile Fleurie, etc.

The Fournaise museum proposes a meeting with the artist during a show, punctuated by digital animations and videos, in the middle of the atmosphere recreated by the sets of theaters. of the museum. One hundred years after his death, Renoir is back in Chatou hologram! Familiarly, he tells us about his vision of painting, the harsh criticisms of his contemporaries, his workshop secrets, his loves, his relatives ... and the fertile inspiration drawn from the banks of the Seine. At the time of the first scandals, Durand-Ruel and some amateurs give him a decisive support by buying him paintings. Alphonse Fournaise is one of the first! He ordered his portrait and that of his daughter for 200 francs. For more than ten years, Renoir made frequent stays at home and around Chatou where he painted about thirty paintings. Aged nearly forty, he began the ambitious Breakfast of the Boaters. This painting, painted on the balcony of the Maison Fournaise, is the result of long research. The painter feels then that he has arrived "at the end of impressionism". This great admirer of the masters of the Italian Renaissance dreams of making this work a bridge between Veronese, Raphael and the modern life of his century. Retained at the Fournaise by his painting in 1880, he wrote to Monsieur de Bellio: "You will not regret your trip. It is the most beautiful place around Paris. " To complete your experience in the footsteps of Renoir, go back in time on the Fournaise hamlet thanks to the virtual reality helmets, wander among the characters of the Breakfast of the boaters with the tactile tablets or create your own work according to the master in painting Virtual. In this unprecedented show, technology offers an innovative, fun and surprising approach to an immersive journey in the heart of the painter's Impressionist years in Chatou. - Departures of visits every 30 minutes. Come 15 to 20 minutes in advance. - Duration of the show: about 60 minutes

This little gem awaits you on the Ile des Impressionnistes in Chatou : visit the workshops of the Sequana association ! In addition to the visit of the worshop, short cruises aboard the electric-powered boat "Chloé" are possible in spring and summer. Sequana restores and sometimes buids replicas of the boats used during the boating era: yoles, 'périssoires' (a type of dinghy), canoes and sailing boats. The association also does historical research and takes part in various nautical events and festivals. In Spring and Summer, Chloé, an electric boat, accepts 9 passengers in addition to the pilot and the sailor for a guided tour on the Seine. In times of Covid, cruises are limited to 6 people or 9 if they belong to the same family.

The Grand Trianon was designed in 1687 by Jules Hardouin-Mansart to allow King Louis XIV to escape the excessive luxury of the Court and to safeguard his love affairs there. The site indeed exudes a sense of intimacy and refinement. The palace is inspired by Italian architecture and invites you to poetry and leisurely strolls. It was built on the site of Louis XIV’s former Porcelain Trianon. A little fun fact: in the past, the Grand Trianon was surrounded by thousands of potted flowers, which were changed every day. Today, this tradition is still maintained with each season. The spectacle was truly unique: flowerbeds bursting with blooms of every color and a wide variety of fragrances filled the air. Later on, the Grand Trianon was frequented by Napoleon Bonaparte and by Presidents of the Republic. From 1962 to 1966, General de Gaulle entrusted André Malraux, then Minister of Cultural Affairs, with the restoration of the Grand Trianon.

This elegant 19th century home, which once belong to the Vacquerie family, stands on the edges of the Seine. The museum pays a moving tribute to the literary career of Victor Hugo, and displays souvenirs of Leopoldine, who drowned in the river in 1843.

In the Seine valley, on the heights of Villequier, the church of Saint-Pierre de Bébec is the perfect example of a country church that can be discovered on a Sunday walk. This local heritage, which is the charm of our villages and contains many treasures, has been labeled "Rural Heritage" by the Department of Seine-Maritime in 2021. It was during a walk with my friend Rachel that we discovered the Saint-Pierre de Bébec church, indicated by signs from Villequier. The charm of the place conquered us immediately. Only the birdsong kept us company in the middle of all this greenery, it was magical. We learned on an information panel that the Saint-Pierre de Bébec church is a former parish of the deanery of Saint-Georges, attached to Villequier since September 3, 1823. We begin our visit quietly by the exterior to appreciate the bucolic setting of this timeless place. A very small cemetery adjoins the body of the church, and we are seduced by the large lawns on which the stone building seems to stand. The surrounding shrubs are pruned in topiary and the smell of freshly mown grass awakens memories. Rachel invites me to come and see the graves of the Protestant denominations, which are oriented in the opposite direction to the Catholic ones. I see curious graffiti on the outside of the church: a gallows, a ladder, ships? No doubt in thanksgiving to Saint Peter, the patron saint of sailors? Indeed, the Seine is very close. We walk around the chevet and exit the cemetery to enter the church. The tranquility and the spirituality of the place instantly give us an unsuspected well-being. A beautiful light highlights the pointed arch choir and then descends on the painted wooden altar. We look up at the vault of the nave. The polychrome wooden statues from the 17th century that inhabit the place are remarkable. We also discover Greek crosses painted on the walls, a life-size crib in the only chapel. So many details that challenge us, question us and delight us in their progressive discovery. We have not seen the time pass and we must leave. Rachel tells me that it would be too stupid to go back like that. "And why not visit the Victor Hugo Museum on the banks of the Seine in Villequier? "Excellent idea, it's been years since I've been there and I've heard about a flower carpet in the garden. Spectacular it seems!" says Rachel.

François-Xavier Craquelin from the P’tit Clos Normand in Villequier is a cider producer with a sustainable development approach. “It is made using a long-standing tradition of craftsmanship. Contrary to industrial production, we harvest apples by hand and we don't use any hydraulic machines, etc. This cider is made like in the old days!” Since 2015, François-Xavier Craquelin has been producing cider beef. Beef inspired by Kobe beef. He gives cider to his cows at the end of the maturity period, which helps get a tender and flavoured meat. His last creation is called "Calv’arrangé", a mix of Calvados with spices. A light drink, perfect to finish a meal. The flavours at the moment include honey and vanilla, and citrus fruit and cinnamon. A now, mustard… François-Xavier Craquelin now produces wholegrain mustard, just like it was produced in Normandy two centuries ago. François-Xavier produces the mustard seeds and the Chef Christophe Mauduit makes the mustard.

We invite you to discover the castle of Vatteville-la-Rue in virtual reality. Vatteville was an important stronghold in the Middle Ages: located on the banks of the Seine, it had a port with dense traffic dominated by the castle, whose architecture is quite original since it is found mostly in England. Traces of it remain today, more precisely those of a keep and a large hall. Built at the end of the 11th century, this castle was involved in a revolt against the King of England and Duke of Normandy Henry I Beauclerc, was besieged and partially demolished, and was rebuilt in the 12th century. Download the application ! A digital device has been set up for visitors: 5 terminals placed in different places of the castle ruins invite you to visualize the building as it was at the time via a telephone. As if you were there! Application to download on Play Store Application to download on Apple Store To get a free pair of 3D glasses go to : - At the grocery store in Vatteville la Rue - At the restaurant Auberge du Moulin, Vatteville la Rue - At the Maison de la Randonnée et du Trail, Caudebec-en-Caux, Rives-en-Seine - At the Maison du Parc naturel Régional des Boucles de la Seine Normande, Notre-Dame-de-Bliquetuit

This museum is devoted to the history of the river, through the life of its fishermen, its sailors, its shipbuilders and today s navigators. See the oldest existing traditional Seine vessel, the last gribane, called the Joble, which was launched in 1886, recalling the mascaret which the town was famous for - the steep-fronted tidal wave, or bore which moved up the river.

Church of Notre-Dame, in the flamboyant Gothic style, called by Henri IV "the loveliest chapel in the kingdom". Outstanding details are the three doors in the West frontage, the bell tower in the form of tiara and 19 chapels which pertain to a brotherhood.

Magnolia, Lieu de Convivialité is a unique site: an unobstructed view of the Seine, an immediate proximity to the Victor Hugo museum, and a complete offer: a restaurant with traditional cuisine, a tea room and a delicatessen, an accommodation offer: guest house or PMR cottage, as well as a reception room for your group meals or company seminars.

The Brasserie du Mascaret offers pleasant dishes on the bank of the river Seine.

Croque Express is a fast-food chain specializing in kebabs and burgers that has been going strong since 1999. Marcus" has been at the helm for almost 9 years. His commitment to quality kebabs has earned him several top 20 rankings among the best French kebabs. Eating at Croque Express means enjoying baker's bread, fresh crudités, marinated meat and homemade fries.

The Brasserie du Bac welcomes you in front of the river Seine.

Meat restaurant à la carte and by the kg. French and world meat. Wines to suit all palates.

Traditional cooking with a very intimate setting. Catering for all events.

Tearoom offering homemade pastries, made with local and organic ingredients, small-scale catering available at lunchtime on site or to take away.

Situated in a peaceful green setting in the heart of Saint-Wandrille-Rançon, the Skáli restaurant offers local, seasonal cuisine that's as close to the land as possible. You'll find modern, creative cuisine accompanied by a selection of fine wines and spirits direct from the producers.

La Caillouville is a traditional crêperie offering a dozen galettes, 4 salads and rainbow trout from the Saint-Wandrille fish farm next door. The crêperie also serves AAAAA andouillette and a butcher's cut.

The restaurant La Presqu’île welcomes you to the charming town of La Mailleraye sur Seine. You will enjoy the dishes prepared by the chef while watching the ships passing by on the river Seine.

Succumb to the charms of this magnificent suite, with its "love-room" concept combining the comfort and discretion of a top-of-the-range hotel suite. The glamorous ambience, all in a sensual, baroque decor, to enjoy a naughty, romantic moment with your partner. It's the ideal destination to get away from it all, break the routine and get away from it all. The room features a king-size bed and a 30cm Simmons mattress for nights of total comfort. No fewer than 10 light sources allow you to create the lighting ambience of your choice using remote controls. The room is located on the 2nd floor of our beautiful 19th-century listed residence, in an extremely quiet area with private, enclosed, video-surveilled parking. The room is equipped with a Nespresso coffee machine, microwave, mini-bar, crockery and cutlery... Shower and lion's foot bathtub, WC, TV with Netflix, Bluetooth speaker, internet fiber, velvet Chesterfield corner sofa, pole bar, accessories... This space is non-smoking and pet-friendly. Bed linen and towels are provided during your stay. The room is air-conditioned and/or heated with reversible air-conditioning

Outside: enclosed terrace (25 sq m) and garden furniture. Ground floor: kitchen area, dining area (18 sq m), oven, microwave, fridge/freezer, induction hobs, sink, dishwasher, furniture. Utility room with washing machine, hoover, drying rack, iron and ironing board. Bathroom: double washbasin, shower, towel radiator, hair dryer, separate toilet. Sitting room (15 sq m) TV, sofa, armchairs, desk. Upstairs: landing, reading area, tourist information, board games. 11 sq m bedroom: 1 double bed, desk, storage space. 17 sq m bedroom: 3 single beds including two that can be twinned. Storage space.

Simon welcomes you to his little paradise on the Seine, as he likes to call it. The house is located on the banks of the Seine in Villequier, in the heart of the Boucles de la Seine Normande Regional Nature Park. Nestled in Victor Hugo's village, the house is on two floors overlooking the Seine. The building is U-shaped, with a pretty courtyard where you can relax, have breakfast or simply read a book. On the second floor are the "L'Amour" room and the "La Parisienne" room, each for two people. On the second floor is "Le Nid", a studio with a view over the Seine for two or three people. In the parallel wing, two other double rooms, "la Brume" and "la Douce", also offer magnificent river views. All rooms have en-suite bathrooms. Baby equipment is available free of charge (high chairs, cots, baths, etc.) There are two family rooms for up to two children in the Brume room Small dogs accepted (max 10 kg) This guest house is close to some of Normandy?s major tourist sites, offering numerous opportunities for cultural and natural visits. Jeanne and Simon will be delighted to share them with you. Let yourself be charmed by the peacefulness of the place and come and enjoy a moment in the heart of beautiful, relaxing Normandy on the banks of the Seine. For restaurants, please visit www.entreseineetmer.fr/dormir-manger/restaurants/

Created and imagined by David and Valérie Bellenger, the White House is located in the heart of Villequier. Completely renovated in 2023, the house comprises five rooms with uninterrupted views over the Seine. The White House was born of the desire to offer an ideal and appropriate vacation spot for tourists visiting the region. With its sleek, modern decor, the House can accommodate up to 14 guests. The terrace, open to guests, features a barbecue and outdoor furniture for fine weather. The establishment is non-smoking and pets are not allowed.

This pleasant B&B is located in the heart of Victor Hugo's village: Villequier. This former fisherman's house offers a beautiful view of the Seine Valley. In the heart of the Boucles de la Seine Normande Regional Natural Park, there is a wide range of walks and places to visit. You can choose between a sightseeing weekend or a relaxing weekend punctuated by the passing of the ships. The house consists in a double bedroom at garden level. This comfortable and cosy bedroom is equipped with modern facilities and includes a private bathroom. This guest house is perfect for a romantic getaway in Normandy. Leave your daily routine behind and enjoy a relaxing break in the Seine Valley. To eat out, have a look at the list of restaurants: www.entreseineetmer.fr/dormir-manger/restaurants/

If you want to get away from it all and get to know Normandy, Villequier is an ideal stopover. The village is located on the banks of the Seine and is located halfway between Rouen and Le Havre. Both warm and with a touch of modernity, this cottage has an enclosed landscaped courtyard of 80m² with terrace. Facing the Seine, you will have your meals, punctuated by the passage of boats. All shops 4 km away. Parking in the village square 50 meters away. A playground and a skate-parks in the village will delight your children or teenagers. You can discover the Victor Hugo museum 2 steps away or browse the cycle route (which passes just in front of the house) for kilometers on foot or by bike in peace. The first shops are in Caudebec en Caux (3km) Ground floor : - open kitchen (ceramic hob, dishwasher, oven, microwave, freezer, washer-dryer), - dining room in the veranda, - lounge area with fireplace (insert) with flat screen TV (DVD player, stereo, USB connection). n1st floor: - 1 bedroom (1 double bed 160x200cm), - 1 bedroom (2 beds of 90 cm), - bathroom with wc. n2nd floor: - 2 bedrooms with 2 double beds 160x200cm each with a shower and a sink (1 wc partitioned from the 2 bedrooms). nExterior: - Enclosed landscaped courtyard with terrace

On the bank of the River Seine, in the Regional Natural Park of the Boucles de la Seine Normande, the former ferryman's house is located in the heart of the village. Semi-detached brick holiday cottage next to the Victor Hugo Museum. A small enclosed garden extends after the pleasant terrace and overlooks the River Seine. You will feel at home in this comfortable holiday cottage tastefully furnished and decorated. Ground floor: entrance hall, kitchen (dishwasher, washing machine, microwave), living room (TV, DVD player, fireplace (insert), stereo), toilet. On the 1st floor: 1 bedroom with 1 double bed, shower room, separate toilet, 1 bedroom with 2 single bunk beds, children's desk overlooking the garden of the Museum, 1 bedroom with 1 double bed and a desk . On the 2nd floor: 1 bedroom with 2 single beds and a study area, bathroom / toilet. Beds made, towels, firewood for 1 night and electricity included, gas heating: 12€/day. Housecleaning service: 40€. Pets at extra charge: 10€/day/animal.

You'll find a fully-equipped kitchen, a veranda opening onto the garden with a view of the Seine, a lounge with a billiard table in the middle. On the 1st floor, an office for telecommuting, a bedroom with a 160cm bed overlooking the Seine, a bathroom with jet shower and a laundry room with washing machine. On the 2nd floor, 2 bedrooms with 140cm beds, one of which has a 90cm child's bed and a crib. There's a parking lot just a stone's throw from the house, or you can park your car in the garden.

Located in the grounds of the Manoir des Mille Roses, our gite offers a breathtaking view over the Seine at the entrance to Villequier. It's ideally located near the cycle route and children's playground. Decorated in the style of the 1900s, a nod to the great opera tenor Mr. Poultier who built the property, the gite combines history, authenticity and every comfort to ensure that you enjoy your stay in Villequier to the full.

The Manoir des Roques, with its 5,000 m² park, is ideally located on the banks of the Seine. Built at the beginning of the Renaissance and steeped in history, it has retained its authenticity in its interior decoration. With its large sleeping capacity of 15 people (which can be increased by 6 with the small gite nearby), it is an ideal venue for family gatherings and other festive or business events.