Paris – Cabourg by Bike: Cycling Along the Seine

🚲 Hop on your bike and set off for an unforgettable adventure from Paris to Hardricourt, a 65 km route blending urban art, imperial history, and Impressionist charm, with DolceVia.

Before you leave, remember to choose suitable equipment: an electric bike to enjoy the ride effortlessly, or a gravel bike for more versatility on the paths.

🎨 Your journey begins along the Canal Saint-Martin and the Canal Saint-Denis, where street art transforms the banks into a true open-air gallery. A beautiful way to leave the city in style.

🖼️ Then follow the Route des Impressionnistes along the Seine to Île de Chatou, where you can settle in front of the famous balcony painted in Le Déjeuner des Canotiers, on the terrace of the restaurant Les Rives de la Courtille, in the heart of the charming Hameau Fournaise.

🏛️ Continue to Rueil-Malmaison, tracing the footsteps of Napoleon Bonaparte and Empress Josephine, then cross the majestic forest of Saint-Germain-en-Laye and stop at Maisons-Laffitte to admire its castle nicknamed the "Versailles of Yvelines."

⚓ End your journey gently in Conflans-Sainte-Honorine, the capital of river transport, before reaching the peaceful Hardricourt.

⏸️ For a restful night, the establishment Les Glycines du Vexin welcomes you with all the necessary comfort. An ideal accommodation for cycling tourists!

© Bridebook

🚴‍♂️ Let yourself be enchanted by a bike trip from Hardricourt to Giverny, along 60 km of bucolic roads between heritage, nature, and art. This route will take you to the heart of the Impressionist universe, in settings worthy of master paintings.

🏰 Start by discovering the Château d’Hardricourt, an elegant estate overlooking the Seine, before following the small country roads that wind between orchards and lush valleys.

🧺 Halfway through, treat yourself to a well-deserved lunch break in the park of the Château de Rosny-sur-Seine, a peaceful and shaded place, perfect for a picnic in front of history.

🎨 As you approach Giverny, dive into the world of painter Claude Monet. Don’t miss his house and magnificent gardens at the Fondation Claude Monet, where the famous water lilies come to life before your eyes.

🖌️ Continue your artistic immersion with a visit to the Musée des Impressionnismes, dedicated to this revolutionary painting movement that captured light and life in a new way.

🌸 For a well-deserved break, stay at the elegant guesthouse La Pluie de Roses, nestled in a green setting just steps from Monet's gardens. A charming address to gently conclude this stage.

© France Guide Info

🚴‍♀️ Cycle from Giverny to Poses on a 56 km route rich in stunning landscapes, medieval history, and artistic discoveries. A stage that will take you from the Impressionist banks of the Seine to the majestic cliffs of Normandy. 🏞️ Leave Giverny and follow the valley to Andelys, dominated by the imposing Château Gaillard. Built in 1198 by Richard the Lionheart, this medieval fortress overlooks one of the most beautiful loops of the Seine. Climb to the top for an exceptional panorama of the valley, the Notre-Dame Collegiate Church, and the Clock Tower. ⛰️ As you leave Andelys, let yourself be captivated by the striking scenery of limestone cliffs overlooking the meanders of the Seine. A breathtaking landscape, perfect for nature lovers. ⚓ Then head to Poses, an old boatman village nestled in a bucolic setting, with its peaceful and flower-filled towpath. Take the time to stroll in this little corner of paradise. 🌳 Treat yourself to a moment of relaxation at the Léry-Poses Park or visit Biotropica, a fascinating tropical zoological greenhouse just steps from the lake. 🎨 For art lovers, stop by the Galerie du Bord de Seine of Michèle Ratel. Set in a natural setting facing the Seine, this post-impressionist gallery invites you to discover works that capture light, mist, and water reflections in a garden designed for painting. 🚢 Don't miss the Museum of River Navigation, a testament to the region's river history. 🌸 For a restful night by the water, drop your bags at the Gîte Les Jardins de Félicie, a charming address in Poses surrounded by greenery, ideal for recharging after a day on the road.

© Eureka Attractivité

🚴‍♂️ Embark on a captivating stage between Poses and Rouen, covering 45 km of heritage, nature, and living history. This section runs alongside the Seine while taking you through places rich in memory and charm. 🏰 From the very first kilometers, take a break in the medieval town of Pont-de-l’Arche, with its ancient alleys and authentic atmosphere. Just a stone's throw away, don’t miss the Abbey of Notre-Dame de Bonport, founded in the 12th century on the banks of the river, a hidden gem of Cistercian art. 🧵 Further along, the town of Elbeuf, once the capital of cloth in Normandy, invites you to discover its rich industrial past at La Fabrique des Savoirs, a free and fascinating museum. Also, make a detour to the remarkable Cirque-Théâtre d’Elbeuf, one of the last eight permanent circuses in France, classified as a historical monument. ⛰️ Back on the towpath, be impressed by the majestic chalk cliffs shaped by the Seine. The semi-troglodyte church of Orival, nestled in the rock, offers you a mystical and mineral interlude. 🌲 Then cross the splendid La Londe-Rouvray state forest, a true natural gateway to Rouen, perfect for a moment of freshness and calm before reaching the city. 🕍 And here you are in Rouen, the "city of a hundred bell towers." Immerse yourself in its history by admiring the Notre-Dame Cathedral, the Gros-Horloge, and the iconic places related to Joan of Arc, such as the Historial Jeanne d’Arc. 🌙 For a peaceful and responsible night, settle in at 3 Daliphard, a committed accommodation nestled in greenery at the gates of Rouen. Ideal for beautifully concluding your adventure!

🚴‍♀️ Continue your cycling adventure from Rouen to Jumièges, a 55 km stage in the heart of the Parc Naturel Régional des Boucles de la Seine Normande. An enchanting route marked by the loops of the Seine, colorful orchards, and the charm of Norman villages.

🌊 Leaving Rouen, follow the Seine to the château de Robert le Diable, perched on a promontory overlooking the valley. A true guardian of the river's loops, this legendary site offers a majestic panorama.

🌿 Let yourself be carried away by the peaceful atmosphere of the Norman countryside. Stop to stroll through the gardens of the château de Soquence, then continue to La Bouille, a picturesque village that inspired the greatest Impressionist painters. Enjoy its riverside terraces for a well-deserved break.

🍽️ 🧺 At the halfway point, settle down for a countryside picnic on the quays of Bas-Caumont, facing the white cliffs where old stone quarries open up. A peaceful moment rocked by the passage of boats and the song of birds.

🍏 Continue your journey on the Route des Fruits, a bucolic route among apple trees, pear trees, cherry trees, raspberry bushes, and orchards as far as the eye can see. Make a gourmet stop at the ventes à la barrière and chat with passionate fruit growers who continue this traditional know-how of the Seine valley.

🏛️ Don't miss the superb Château du Taillis, an elegant 18th-century estate surrounded by a 5-hectare park, which also houses a museum dedicated to 1944.

⛪ Finally, you reach Jumièges, a jewel of Romanesque architecture, with its impressive Abbaye de Jumièges. Nicknamed the "most beautiful ruin in France," it offers a magical setting to conclude this day of cycling.

🌙 For a restful night between charm and comfort, stay at the Domaine Le Clos des Fontaines, a lovely address nestled just steps from the abbey.

© Abbaye de Jumièges

🚴‍♂️ Extend your adventure between Jumièges and the Marais-Vernier over 45 km, an authentic crossing of the natural heart of Normandy. Here, the Seine peacefully winds between thatched-roof villages, classified marshes, and unforgettable panoramas.

🏡 Your itinerary begins at the Maison du Parc naturel régional des Boucles de la Seine Normande, an ideal place to learn more about the heritage, wildlife, flora, and history of this territory. Housed in a beautiful thatched cottage, the park house offers exhibitions, guided walks, and a true dive into the world of the Seine loops.

🌾 You then enter the famous Route des Chaumières, a true immersion into the rural Normandy of yesteryear. Cross typical villages with thatched roofs: Aizier, Vieux-Port, Trouville-la-Haule, Saint-Opportune-la-Mare, Le Perrey, Bouquelon… so many charming stops, among orchards, dovecotes, and flower-filled barns.

🔭 In Saint-Opportune-la-Mare, climb to the top of the panoramic tower to admire the Marais Vernier, a true natural amphitheater listed in the European RAMSAR network. This vast wetland, an ancient dried-up meander of the Seine, is an exceptional refuge for thousands of migratory birds. A living and silent spectacle not to be missed.

🌿 Pedal to the rhythm of the birds' song, between reed beds, pastures, wet forests, and marshy meadows, in one of the most preserved micro-regions of the Seine valley.

🌙 End your day gently at the Domaine du Clos du Phare, a haven of peace nestled in nature, perfect for a restful night facing the landscapes of the Marais-Vernier.

© Eureka Attractivité

🚴‍♀️ The penultimate stretch of your cycling adventure with DolceVia: from Marais-Vernier to Honfleur, a short but rich stage of 25 km through bucolic landscapes, river heritage, and the Norman art of living.

⚓ Take a break in Berville-sur-Mer, an old fishing port with its charm intact. This peaceful village by the Seine reveals its treasures: the boat "L’Annick", the old sailing ship "La Fleur des Flots", witnesses of a lively maritime past. Stroll along the esplanade, admire the stunning views of the Normandy and Tancarville bridges, and let yourself be seduced by the wild heaths of the Mont Courel forest, classified as a "sensitive natural area."

🌳 A perfect moment to slow down, breathe in the salty air, and soak up the unique biodiversity of this area between land and estuary.

🎨 Your journey ends beautifully in Honfleur, the city of painters and sailors. Wander around the Vieux Bassin, stroll through the cobbled streets lined with half-timbered houses, and visit the impressive Sainte-Catherine church, built of wood in the 15th century. The artistic atmosphere is palpable: galleries, workshops, and museums immerse you in the world of Impressionists and great navigators.

🍽️ Treat yourself to dinner at one of the terrace restaurants with a view of the port, to savor fish, scallops, or local cider, in a timeless atmosphere.

🌙 For a charming night, unpack your bags at L’Hôtel La Chaumière, a superb address with authentic and elegant style, just steps from the sea and the town.

© Honfleur

🚴‍♂️ Last stage of your journey with DolceVia: from Honfleur to Cabourg (38 km), cross the meadows of the Pays d’Auge, mythical beaches, and elegant towns that look like postcards. 🎨 A final look at the Old Port of Honfleur, the cradle of Impressionism, before discovering the Eugène Boudin Museum – a vibrant tribute to this local son. Leaving Honfleur, the road softens in the meadows of the Pays d’Auge where future champions gallop at the racetracks and where Normandy cows produce the most renowned cheeses in France. 🧀 Take a break in Pont-l’Évêque, a small gastronomic gem. Its half-timbered houses, charming streets, and famous cheese immerse you in the soul of Calvados. Visit the Calvados Experience, an immersive and sensory museum, and why not a distillery to learn all about cider, pommeau, and artisanal calvados? 🌊 Soon, the sea appears on the horizon. An honor guard of apple trees leads you to Deauville, the pearl of the Côte Fleurie. Its famous boardwalk, striped parasols, elegant villas, and the majestic Villa Strassburger offer a chic and seaside interlude. 🍽️ It’s the perfect time for a lunch break! Settle down at L'Étage Deauville, a friendly spot with a sea view, or cross the small port to reach Trouville-sur-Mer. Sit in front of the fish market for a tasting of seafood in a local aperitif style – with, depending on the season, freshly landed scallops! 🚴‍♀️ A few more pedal strokes, and you arrive at Cabourg, a Belle Époque gem bordered by a long beach of fine sand. Stroll along the seafront avenue, discover the Grand Hotel that inspired Marcel Proust, relax in the Casino garden, or enjoy an ice cream while watching kites flutter above the water. 🌙 To conclude this adventure gently, settle in at the Manoir de la Marjolaine, an elegant charming residence nestled in nature, just steps from the sea. The perfect place to savor the end of an unforgettable journey, filled with culture, nature, and Norman flavors.

© Sandrine Boyer Engel



✨ Did you enjoy the Paris–Brussels cycling adventure? Discover the Paris–London… or also be tempted by the Paris–Amsterdam by bike!