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.

 

What to see and where

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:

Local specialities

Apple juice, cider, Normandy apéritifs, spirits made from cider,  beer, dairy produce: cream, cheese and artisan ice creams…

Boucles de la Seine Normande
documents to download

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