Vatteville-la-Rue brings together historic buildings and routes that highlight Brotonne Forest and river views. The dates in the town’s history span from the late 11th century to 1602; its maritime history also reaches back to the 15th century. When planning your visit, you can decide whether to focus mainly on architectural history, the former use of a chapel, or walking and horse riding. The walking and riding routes mentioned differ in activity and landscape.
Church, chapel and château history
The Église Saint-Martin is protected as a historic monument. Its main construction phases date from the 15th and 16th centuries. Vatteville-la-Rue’s maritime history also looks back to the 15th century and includes fishing trips to Newfoundland. Thus, two distinct themes come together for this century: the architectural history of a church and the town’s maritime past.
The Chapelle Saint-Maur was already in existence in 1602 and then served as a relay station for royal hunts. Alongside the construction phases and protected status of the Église Saint-Martin, the chapel’s former function adds another historical aspect.
The Château de Vatteville-la-Rue was built towards the end of the 11th century. After being besieged and partially destroyed in the 12th century, it was rebuilt. Remains of a keep and a large hall have survived. Both its construction history and the parts of the building that remain today are notable features of the château.
At five stations among the ruins, visitors can use a mobile phone to visualise the building’s former appearance. Check before your visit whether the system is available, as the availability of facilities may change.
Routes through Brotonne and with river views
On the section of the Route des Chaumières that passes through Vatteville-la-Rue, the route continues beyond the hamlet of La Neuville into the state-owned Brotonne Forest. It thus links a stretch through the town with a continuation into the forest.
The “La Forêt d’Arelaune” walk passes through Brotonne Forest and offers views of the Seine. By contrast, “Sur les traces de François 1er” is a circular horse-riding route starting in Vatteville-la-Rue. It offers views across the Brotonne area and beautiful river vistas. The two descriptions emphasise different things: the walk features views of the Seine, while the riding loop offers views of the Brotonne area and the river. As route conditions may change, check them in advance.
Your choice therefore comes down to specific differences: a walk through the forest with views of the Seine, or a circular horse-riding route starting in town. The Route des Chaumières adds another option, with its described progression from the section through Vatteville-la-Rue, via La Neuville, into the state-owned Brotonne Forest.
Discover more destinations: Sainte-Hélène-Bondeville, Saint-Wandrille-Rançon, Montigny, Beauvoir-En-Lyons, Criquetot-L'esneval, Ouville-La-Rivière, Nolléval, Derchigny.
For the broader travel overview: Seine-Maritime.
