The capital of the department is the city of Rouen, with the coastal towns of Dieppe and Le Hâvre also featuring within the immediate area.
The landscape of the department is typically coastal as you would expect with historic ruins and Norman castles dotting the landscape. Along the coastline is stunning cliff scenery and half-timbered villages.
Why you should visit Seine-Maritime for your next holiday in France If you enjoy sightseeing and places with an interesting historic past then you need go no further than Seine-Maritime. Teamed with its magnificent beaches, divine gastronomy and its close proximity to the UK, this department is a perfect destination for a long holiday or short break.
The department enjoys a similar climate to the UK but its location means it is slightly milder year round. As with England, summers are warm with temperatures in the mid 20C and in the height of the season, temperatures can reach into the 30's.
The main routes through the city may be less picturesque but they do keep traffic away from the prettier, medieval pedestrianised centre.
Places of particular interest include:
The Rue Gros Horloge with its big clock.
St Ouen is in some people's opinion more impressive than the cathedral as its interior is often empty leaving the sun to cast colored images from the stained glass across its flagstone floor.
Place St Marc on Sunday mornings is the setting for the giant flea market with the majority of the shops open until lunchtime.
The Rive Gauche near the Eglise St Sever hosts a bric-a-brac market on Thursday mornings.
Le Hâvre is still a major western ferry port and dominates the mouth of the Seine. The port is a popular choice for holiday makers who would rather spend longer on the crossing than the drive.
These lovely towns offer several attractions, some still undiscovered to a certain degree. These include the abbey at St Wandrille near Caudebec-en-Caux where the monks sing the Gregorian chant every day, the surprisingly well preserved Roman amphitheatre in the centre of Lillebonne, and the gorgeous cheese from Neufchâtel-en-Bray whose heart-shaped form dates from the Hundred Years' War.
Etretat
Etretat is located along the Alabaster Coast (Côte d'Albâtre) and is famous for its chalk cliffs and needles which were popular subjects by the Impressionists. The town is looking a little weathered but is still worth visiting for its breath-taking scenery and selection of restaurants.
The capital of Pays de Caux, Yvetot, is an important market town completely rebuilt after WWII. The Wednesday and Saturday markets take over the central streets and it's still possible to hear the ancient dialect Cauchois being spoken. The circular pink church dating from the 1950s may seem an eyesore from outside but the stained glass inside almost makes up for it.
How to get there
Holiday accommodation in the Seine Maritime is easily accessible.
By Air
Skysouth are the only direct airline and they fly six times a week direct from Shoreham (ESH) to Caen (CFR). Prices start at around £70 for a single trip.
By Car
Driving would be the common mode of transport to get to the department as Seine-Maritime is just a quick hop across the channel to either Le Hâvre or Dieppe, both conveniently located within the department.
By Train
Go by Eurostar from the UK to Calais and then take the TGV to Le Havre or Rouen.
Glynis Shaw is from French Connections where you can Find Self Catering Holiday Properties in Seine Maritime including gites, villas or bed and breakfasts. Plus discover more about <a href="http://www.frenchconnections.co.uk/en/search/property/512-holiday-in-north-w
est-france/151-normandy/226-seine-maritime">Seine Maritime</a> and many other areas of France to help you plan your next French holiday.
