Boucles de la Seine Normande
Where the Seine meets the sea. Before arriving at its destination the Seine, the river that flows through Paris, makes several large meanders over a flat, alluvial plain before flowing into the crique de Rouen and the Atlantic Ocean. Not far to travel from the south of England, it does however have quite a few breeding species or birds that are absent or hard to find in Britain yet relatively common here. The list is quite long but includes Bluethroat, Melodious warbler, Short-toed treecreeper, Nightingale. Nesting species also include White stork, Spoonbill and Golden oriole among others.
Easy to get to and well worth a short visit. The easiest way to get there is by ferry to Le Havre and if travelling in September the ferry crossing may well provide the chance of seeing interesting sea birds, especially when arriving near the French coast.
A birding trip to the Boucles de la Seine Normande could easily be extended to include the Cotentin peninsula, another very good area for birding, not that far away.
USEFUL INFORMATION
- More information about birdwatching in the Boucles de la Seine Normande regional park
- Interactive map for PC/Mac
- Interactive map for Smartphone
- Contact for birding in the Boucles de la Seine Normande regional park
- Maison de l’Estuaire
- Ligue pour la Protection des Oiseaux Normandie
- Normandy ornithological group
- Birdwatching in the French parks on Facebook
What to see and where
Top birding sites
Grand’mare observatory
Top bird species
Bluethroat
Lesser spotted woodpecker
Melodious warbler
Golden oriole
White stork
Download the Boucles
de la Seine Normande
“Which birds when” list
Other wildlife
Butterflies
Dragonflies
Amphibians
Getting there
Travel by train
London – Paris – Rouen
Other train stations nearby:
Yvetot
Le Havre
Travel by ferry
Portsmouth – Le Havre
Newhaven – Dieppe
Local transport
Car rental from:
Le Havre & Dieppe ports
Rouen train station
Caen-Carpiquet airport
Limited public transport
Bicyles (inc. electric) for rent (seasonal)
Useful tips
Plan to stay 5 - 7 days
London – Avignon direct
Allow 20 - 30 km/day
Nearest airports:
Combine with Marais du Cotentin et du Bessin for a 10-12 day stay
Car rental:
Accommodation
Local specialities
Apple juice, cider, Normandy apéritifs, spirits made from cider, beer, dairy produce: cream, cheese and artisan ice creams…