Photo : Pline / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0)
Abbaye St Georges de boscherville
A twelfth-century Benedictine abbey and its 4-ha monastic garden among the most beautiful in northern France, 10 km west of Rouen.
The abbey church, particularly bright and luminous, is a magnificent example of Norman Romanesque style. The Chapter house with refined capitals has original column statues.
The monastic garden has been recreated in the spirit of the seventeenth century (it had been created in 1680) and has all the characteristics of a utility garden: the flowering vegetable garden and its medicinal plants, the orchard with many old varieties and various sizes, the flower beds. Half-way up, an astonishing gnomonic collection (sundials) never fails to interest visitors. A plant maze at the top of the gardens recalls those that existed on the paving of medieval churches and offers a moment of relaxation to the youngest.
Guided tour every Sunday, at 3.30 pm from 1 November to 31 March, at 4.00 pm from 1 April to 31 October. Free audio guide in 6 languages (French, English, Spanish, German, Italian and Dutch) for individuals. Guided tour for groups by booking.
