Where to have a picnic in Rouen?
Looking for a place to have a picnic in Rouen as a couple or with the family? Discover the gardens and parks that offer you an ideal setting for a successful picnic in Rouen.
Sainte-Catherine Hill
A must-see spot for tourists passing through Rouen, the Sainte-Catherine hill is also one of Rouennais’ favorite places to picnic. Sitting in the grass, you can enjoy a breathtaking view of the city of Rouen.
For a memorable experience, don’t forget to schedule your picnic at sunset to admire the incredible light, once immortalized by Claude Monet in his painting “General View of Rouen”.
The Quays of the Seine
If you want to have a picnic in Rouen with a light breeze, green spaces, tables to eat and games for the children, head to the banks of the Seine.
The Saint-Sever meadow on the left bank or the Rollet peninsula will offer you an enchanting setting to eat while watching the barges go by on the Seine. Frequented by locals, the banks of the Seine have become essential for a meal on the go.
To appreciate the river, you can also take a seat on the shores of Île Lacroix and spend a quiet moment scrutinizing the cruise ships, barges or oars sailing on the Seine.
The Plant Garden
Direction the green lung of the left bank: the Jardin des Plantes. Ideal for family picnics, this large park will seduce you as much for its botany, its resident animals and its many facilities for children to have fun.
Take advantage of the large grassy esplanades, to sit in the shade of a century-old tree while admiring the peacocks that roam freely. If the sun is persistent, you can cool off at the edge of the large pools, often the scene of wild races between remote-controlled boats.
The Garden of the Town Hall
Are you looking for a large park in the historic center for a picnic in Rouen? The Jardin de l’Hôtel de Ville is the perfect place.
Located near the Saint-Ouen Abbey and the Town Hall, this garden is very often frequented by Rouennais to eat as soon as a ray of sunshine appears. The large green spaces and the many trees will give a rural atmosphere to your picnics. Also enjoy a view of the half-timbered houses in the antiques district.
We advise you to choose this place during the spring season to enjoy the many cherry blossoms all dressed in pink.
The Route of the Mills
A discreet little corner of the capital of Normandy, the route des moulins to the east of the city center is an unusual place to have a picnic in Rouen. Along the Robec or the Aubette, treat yourself to a moment out of time by picnicking a few steps from one of the Rouen mills.
The calm of the place will offer you a perfect setting for dining in the open air a few minutes from the hectic life of the historic center. Easily accessible by public transport, we advise you to get on your bike and follow the river from the center of the city to this charming place.
Prepare your picnic in Rouen
After finding the place for your picnic, it is important to prepare your packed lunch. Normandy has many specialties that will brighten up your picnic in Rouen: cheeses, apple juice, cider, apple pies.
To find the best products, you can of course go to one of the many markets in the city or go through the door of one of the charming specialized shops which highlight local producers and their local products.