In Canteleu, you can make the forest and its trails, historic sites and cultural offerings the focus of different parts of your stay. In the Forêt de Roumare, wildlife watching and botanical discoveries take centre stage; there is also an art trail and several ways to learn about the city’s history. When planning, it is worth checking the routes, current access conditions and event dates separately.
Forest trails and wildlife watching
The wildlife park in the Forêt de Roumare was established in 1966 and is managed by the French National Forestry Office (Office national des forêts, ONF). It allows visitors to observe red deer, fallow deer, roe deer and wild boar in their forest habitat. Individual sightings are not guaranteed. The Forêt de Roumare’s visitor facilities also include an arboretum.
For a botanical walk, a 3.5-kilometre trail takes visitors on a discovery of 32 native forest species. It is not adapted for people with disabilities. This is distinct from a 1-kilometre loop on the existing fitness trail, which has been adapted in Canteleu for people with physical disabilities. Check the current condition of this loop before your visit.
If you are planning a longer route, you can consider the 7.5-kilometre Circuit des 13 chênes. It starts either at the Parc Animalier car park or at the Mare Terreuse car park. The route length can be compared with that of the botanical trail, but it does not indicate the walking time or difficulty. Canteleu also has numerous walking paths.
Forêt monumentale: trail and practical information
The Forêt monumentale is a 4-kilometre trail in the state-owned Forêt domaniale de Roumare in Canteleu, where you can discover a remarkable natural landscape. As part of the programme scheduled to run until September 2026, the trail was free and accessible 24 hours a day, seven days a week. For visits after that, please check current access information.
The paved main route is accessible to wheelchair users and families with pushchairs, and provides access to some of the trail’s artworks. This information applies to the main route; here too, you should check the current conditions. The Hôtel de Ville – Jean-Jaurès stop on tram line T3 is less than 500 metres from the Forêt monumentale. Public transport information may change, so it is advisable to check current services before travelling.
History, culture and events
The Pavillon Flaubert is a museum open to visitors. Exhibits include furniture, portraits, busts, a quill, an inkwell and other personal items from Gustave Flaubert’s study. The pavilion has been listed as a Monument historique since 18 November 1914. Check visiting hours before your visit.
The Couvent troglodytique Sainte-Barbe originated as a Franciscan monastery established in the 15th century on the site of a quarry. It was listed as a Monument historique in 1995. The former 18th-century stables were converted into an arts venue, the Ferme des 2 Lions, in 2018. The Ferme hosts cultural and artistic events, as well as various workshops in artistic practice; the programme may change.
The Rallyes du Patrimoine were launched in 2025. At each stop, a QR code marks a quiz about the city’s history. Another way to combine culture and exercise is the Balade branchée in the Forêt de Roumare: it combines an escape game with orienteering and has 16 stations. Check the current availability of the app-based experience in advance.
The orienteering options can also be distinguished by their designated courses. The Parcours sportif Ben-Harrati has three courses: a black, a red and a yellow one. The Cité des Sports Alain-Calmat has three more: a blue, a purple and a green one.
The Fête de la Saint-Gorgon is held annually on the second weekend of September: on Fridays in Bapeaume and on Saturdays in Parc Arthur-Lefebvre. The festivities include a parade, concerts, performances and family activities. As the programme may change each year, check the dates and programme for the year of your visit.
Choose accommodation in Canteleu to suit your plans
When looking for a hotel in Canteleu, you can start by choosing a focus: forest and trails, a visit to the Pavillon Flaubert, or an event date.
Discover more destinations: Beaubec-La-Rosière, Amfreville-La-Mi-Voie, Daubeuf-Serville, Le Thil-Riberpré, Bures-En-Bray, Sept-Meules, Saint-Martin-l'Hortier, Guilmécourt.
For the broader travel overview: Seine-Maritime.
