Natural areas

An adventure in the heart of biodiversity

In Seine-Maritime, nature is written in capital letters. Mysterious forests, well-tended gardens, cliffs that play with the wind… Here, nature is king, a living heritage that we admire as much as we protect.

Here, you can walk, run and hike – in short, you live it 100%! Let’s take a look at some of the wild places that make our département a model of preservation and discovery.

Forests: cathedrals of green

With its 113,000 hectares of forests, 40% of which are public, Seine-Maritime is a natural playground where beech and oak trees stand like benevolent guardians, ready to welcome your adventures.

The Forêt d’Eawy: an immense 7,000-hectare beech forest, this is a must for hikers. Try the Puits Merveilleux trail or follow the Allée des Limousins for complete immersion and let the magic happen!
La Forêt Verte: This green lung, labelled a “Forêt d’Exception”, is perfect for dynamic or “cool” walks, trail running or a family outing just a stone’s throw from Rouen.
The Forêt de Roumare: accessible to all, it combines biodiversity and relaxation. Ideal for a family walk or a country picnic.
Forêt de Lyons: with its “cathedral” forests, this is the perfect spot for a nice walk or an impromptu hike. Every detour offers a new vantage point or clearing in which to daydream.
Parc Naturel Régional des Boucles de la Seine: Meandering through wooded landscapes, this park is a jewel for nature lovers. Whether you’re hiking, observing or simply strolling, it’s a life-size adventure playground.

These forests, carefully preserved by theOffice National des Forêts, are havens for biodiversity and escape-seeking spirits. Ready to discover other treasures? Head for Cap d’Ailly or the fascinating Bois de l’Epinay!

Discover the must-see forests of Seine-Maritime.

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Gardens, or the Art of sublimating nature

If the forests are adventurous, the gardens of Seine-Maritime are veritable tableaux vivants. Here, every grove and every flower has something to say, between controlled elegance and French charm.

Les Jardins d’Étretat: suspended between sky and sea, these sculpted gardens defy the wind and sublimate the cliffs. An unforgettable encounter between art and nature.
Le Havre Japanese Garden: an oasis of calm and symbolism, it’s an invitation to meditate. Every detail is designed to soothe the soul.
Le Jardin des Plantes de Rouen: classic and exotic at the same time, you’ll marvel at its botanical collections and historic pavilion.
La Roseraie du Château de Mesnil-Geoffroy: the largest in Normandy, with 3,000 rosebushes. Fragrance, color, romance: a garden for lovers.

Discover our map of gardens in Seine-Maritime for a green escape in the fresh air.

Explore, marvel and thrill!

"I fell in love with the cliffs of Étretat... and the gardens overlooking them. A magical blend of sky, sea and nature." Camille, enchanted visitor

Espaces Naturels Sensibles: sharing the living world

Before your very eyes, nature expresses itself in all its splendor and fragility. Espaces Naturels Sensibles (ENS) are places where biodiversity reigns supreme, carefully protected by the Seine-Maritime department.

The aim of this label is to preserve exceptional places – secret valleys, rustling marshes, wild hillsides – while allowing the public access to them in a reasoned way. These areas are carefully managed to balance conservation and awareness-raising, offering signposted trails and explanatory panels to turn every visit into a learning experience.

These carefully preserved Espaces Naturels Sensibles (ENS) are refuges for life and a heritage to be protected.

©Heurteauville Tourbiere Nature|Frenchwanderers

Did you know?

The Espaces Naturels Sensibles are accessible to the public while respecting their fragility.

Strict harvesting rules, protection of flora and fauna, and marked trails ensure a balance between discovery and conservation.

Every year, numerous free outings are organized with guides to help you explore these unique natural areas.

Why protect these areas?

Because they are the last refuges of many species.

Because they remind us that nature is a heritage to be passed on. Because they offer us visitors a chance to breathe, learn and explore differently!

A few must-sees

From verdant hills to sparkling waters, the Boucles de la Seine are an invitation to slow down, contemplate and savor. Whether you’re a lover of history, nature or gourmet delights, every meander tells a story.