Parc de l'Abbaye du Valasse

Located in the Seine Valley between Rouen and Le Havre, Valasse Abbey is an exceptional building set within a 155-acre park. In the 18th century, the owner of the abbey turned it into a house and the English-landscape park was designed by the architect and interior designer Pierre-Adrien Pâris. A nine-hundred-year-old historic site, visitors will be able to immerse themselves in the atmosphere and conviviality of the place.

That day I was off to discover a site steeped in history. Here I was at Valasse Abbey and its park, a place that has survived the centuries. I parked in the car park adjoining the park and as I arrived I enjoyed a breath of fresh air and a green setting. I discovered a large expanse of grass surrounded by sumptuous trees. Under a particularly impressive plane tree, a small wooden bench where I sat down. The shade provided by the tree is very pleasant, especially on a hot summer day, and I admired this tree with profound respect. I stood up and decided to walk around the park, having a look at notable tree species: oaks, planes and beeches. The place is very peaceful and I felt completely disconnected from the outside world. As I reached the end of the park, I turned around and discovered the abbey. It exudes such an incredible power. I stood there staring at it, dumbstruck. I took in its proportion, its symmetry, its harmony. The stones are intensely white, so much that the abbey was nicely enhanced by the surrounding grass. Just opposite the building there is a fountain that jets water into the air. I walked closer and the wind blew a few drops of water towards me. Refreshing!

I walked along the edges of the park through smaller, more shaded areas. They create small islands that are connected by wooden pontoons. No matter where I stood, I always enjoyed beautiful perspectives and my eyes were always drawn to the abbey, which seems to be the focal point of the site. There are picnic tables scattered throughout the park. Ideal to spend a pleasant time with friends of family. In fact I saw several families chatting happily and others lying in the grass under the plane trees, taking a nap. The setting is certainly ideal to relax. Talking about relaxing, I stopped for a gourmet break at “La Laitière”, the abbey's tea room. Giving pride of place to local products, this is a very pleasant place to stop when you visit the park.