La Mailleraye-sur-Seine lies on the banks of the Seine, in the heart of the Brotonne Loop. Natural and cultural heritage sites can be found here on different scales: from the 150-metre footpath to the Chêne Cuve to the 38-kilometre horse-riding loop. The church, chapel and history of the river add to the landscape’s appeal.

The Seine, Brotonne Forest and protected landscape

The Brotonne Loop has been designated a natural monument and protected landscape by ministerial decree since 24 November 1972. To the south of La Mailleraye-sur-Seine, the Brotonne state forest covers two thirds of the area. Within the commune, it spans more than 3,000 hectares; the area lies on an old meander that the Seine has abandoned.

Another measure describes the forest massif in the Seine Valley: together with adjoining communal and private woods, the state forest forms a 7,500-hectare woodland area. The two figures therefore refer to different areas: one to the state forest within the commune, the other to the forest massif, including the other woods in the valley.

Another natural feature is the dovecote at La Mailleraye. It stands in a wet meadow near Brotonne Forest, known for its remarkable fauna and flora. Birds that nest there include the barn owl. The Chêne Cuve is also a named destination in the forest: it is described as a remarkable tree with four trunks and bears the French designation “Arbre remarquable de France”. Le Hêtre du Grand Maître is also listed as a remarkable tree in the wooded area of La Mailleraye.

Routes on different scales

The cycling route through Brotonne Forest passes through La Mailleraye-sur-Seine and then follows Quai Hilaire Tertre, Rue de Seine and Chemin de La Vieux. These three named sections provide specific points of reference for the route through the commune, without conflating the cycling route with the other trails.

Two details come together at the Chêne Cuve: the GR 23 follows the path to the tree, and a 150-metre footpath leads there from the car park. The “En bord de Seine” horse-riding route, by contrast, is a longer loop: it is 38 kilometres long, starts in La Mailleraye-sur-Seine and runs between the river and Brotonne Forest. Its route includes towpaths and wooded areas of the forest.

The routes described therefore differ considerably in mode of travel and scale. The path from the car park to the Chêne Cuve is clearly defined by its length; the cycling route is identified by its sections through the commune, while “En bord de Seine” describes a 38-kilometre loop. When choosing activities for a stay, you can treat these details as different planning scales rather than as comparable routes.

Church, chapel and the history of the river

The Church of Notre-Dame and Saint-Mathurin was built from limestone in the 16th century and is listed as a historic monument. Its architecture combines two styles: the nave is flamboyant Gothic, while the choir is Renaissance in style. The date of its construction and the different forms found in the building offer two specific points to look out for when visiting the church.

The seigneurial chapel also has several historical details. It bears the date 1569 and was consecrated on 24 August 1585. It preserves numerous tomb inscriptions of the lords of La Mailleraye from the d’Harcourt and de Nagu families. The stained-glass windows come from Jumièges and Saint-Wandrille. The dates, inscriptions and windows each point to different aspects of the chapel’s history.

The Seine is also part of the town’s recorded history: La Mailleraye-sur-Seine was once known for its river crossing and an activity associated with shipbuilding. This historical role complements the area’s present-day landscape and routes, without implying that a ferry or shipyard operates there today.

Staying by the banks of the Seine

One specific accommodation option is Camping Le Parc, located in the former château grounds on the banks of the Seine. A footpath leads from there to the riverbank. If a waterside location matters to you, this setting may help when looking for a suitable place to stay. Check the availability of your preferred accommodation before travelling.

For further planning, it is worth separating your priorities: the protected landscape and forest define the area’s natural appeal, the church and chapel offer specific architectural and historical subjects, and the routes differ considerably in length and type.

Discover more destinations: Daubeuf-Serville, Lamberville, Harfleur, Le Mesnil-Réaume, Auberville-la-Renault, Petit-Couronne, Houdetot, Mannevillette.

For the broader travel overview: Seine-Maritime.