If you’re visiting a city for the first time or want a change of perspective, there’s nothing like seeing the sights from above. You’ll discover a different face of the city, a panorama that is often very photogenic. Follow us and we’ll show you the best spots in Rouen, Caen, Le Havre and the whole of Normandy.
The most beautiful panoramic views of Rouen
From the Colline Sainte-Catherine
It’s a view you have to earn. Climbing 525 steps is no mean feat! But when you reach the 140-metre ‘summit’ of Sainte-Catherine Hill, you’ll be rewarded with a breathtaking view of the Riven Seine and Rouen‘s many majestic bell towers, a view that inspired a certain Claude Monet and his friends in their day. Remember that Rouen is also called ‘the city of 100 spires’!
Frim the Gros Horloge at the very heart of Rouen
The Gros Horloge, with its Renaissance arch and extravagant gilding, is one of Rouen’s most emblematic monuments. It spans the pedestrian street (the Rue du Gros Horloge) and the good news is that you can visit it! As well as discovering the 14th-century clockwork in the clock room, you can enjoy a unique 360-degree panoramic view of the beautiful medieval city of Rouen from the top of the belfry.
The most beautiful panoramic views of Caen
From the castle ramparts
To begin your tour of Caen, there’s nothing like a little excursion to the ramparts of the Castle, built by William the Conqueror himself, to enjoy a panoramic view of the city. You’ll also see the church of Saint-Pierre, the marina and the Abbey aux Hommes.
From the Parc d’Ornano
One of the best views of Caen is undoubtedly from the Parc Michel d’Ornano. This French-style park, created in 1774, surrounds the Abbaye aux Dames, one of Caen’s most emblematic monuments, also linked to William the Conqueror. And it’s on the ‘Butte du Cèdre du Liban’ (Cedar of Lebanon Hill) that we recommend you position yourself to admire the view.
The most beautiful panoramic views of Le Havre
From the Hanging Gardens
The Hanging Gardens live up to their name. Housed in a former 19th-century fort, the greenhouses overlook Le Havre. The panorama not only highlights the unique character of the city, but also offers a magnificent view of the sea and the Seine estuary. The gardens are free to enter, unlike the greenhouses, which require a (small) entrance fee.
From the 17th floor of the City Hall
Now follow us on an unusual tour of the City Hall. These guided tours are brought to you by the Pays d’Art et d’Histoire. From the 17th floor (72 metres high), you’ll discover the precision with which the city centre was redesigned after WW2 by the visionary architect Auguste Perret. A truly impressive panorama, especially of the sea and the villas of Sainte-Adresse.
From the Christian Dior gardens in Granville
In the bay of Mont-Saint-Michel, the town of Granville is partly built on a rock. You’ll be spoilt for choice with so many different viewpoints. Start with a stroll along the ramparts, a must! From the Place de l’Isthme in the upper town (Granville’s old town), you can admire the rooftops, the casino and the bathing huts. Another remarkable viewpoint is the public garden of Christian Dior. Through the sea pines, you can see the Chausey Islands, Granville’s archipelago, in the distance.
From the top of the Mont-Saint-Michel!
If you like spectacular views, this truly is the place to be. There are two options: visit the Abbey of the Mont-Saint-Michel and go to the Terrasse de l’Ouest, which overlooks the immensity of the bay. From up there, the people crossing the Bay look tiny! Another option for an even more impressive view is to book the ‘In the Archangel’s Sky’ tour. The number of participants is limited to 18. You will then have the privilege of accessing the choir terrace and the lace staircase. Here we are on the roofs of the Mount, as close as possible to the Archangel.
A view of the River Seine from Château Gaillard
Keep your eyes peeled, for the views here are well worth the detour. To reach the majestic ruins of Château Gaillard, built by Richard the Lionheart, you have to climb a hill. Once at the top, you’ll be rewarded with views of the historic Petit Andelys district and one of the most beautiful meanders of the River Seine.
118 metres above the Roche d’Oëtre
Let’s head to the Suisse Normande (Normandy Switzerland), and more specifically the Roche d’Oëtre natural site, which offers a bird’s eye view of the Rouvre Gorges, which it overlooks from a height of overone hundred metres!
In the heart of the Normandy bocage: The Roches du Ham
A stone’s throw from Saint-Lô and its ramparts, you’ll find plenty of greenery! Enjoy the view from the Roches de Ham: a 105 metre high slate cliff overlooking the winding Vire valley. There are several natural promontories, but a wooden viewpoint was built a few years ago at Brectouville. The hiking trail there is waiting to be explored! Feeling hungry? The Roches de Ham creperie offers a panoramic view too!
A unique view of Honfleur and the Pont de Normandie
If you’d like to discover Honfleur in a different way, we highly recommend walking or cycling up to Mont Joli, just a stone’s throw from the chapel of Notre Dame de Grâce. Once you’ve reached the top, you’ll have a completely different view of the medieval town, the Seine estuary and the world-famous Pont de Normandie.
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