Originally published on September 20, 2025.
We gave ourselves a road trip within the road trip today. Leaving Rouen, our first stop was the riverside village of La Bouille. With its narrow lanes, half-timbered houses, and a bakery that would tempt even the most disciplined traveler, it felt like stepping into a Normandy postcard. Fun fact: “La Bouille” may mean mud pit or bubbles—thankfully the rain didn’t take us to the muddy version.
Next came Jumièges Abbey, reached by crossing the Seine on a free ferry (a surprise bonus). Founded in the 7th century and once hailed as “the most beautiful ruin in France,” its towering remains are a haunting reminder of the grandeur of medieval monastic life. Even better—it was a free-entry day, so we wandered at will.
From there we headed to Vernon, drawn by the picture-perfect Old Mill House perched on the last standing piers of a medieval bridge. It’s been painted countless times, and today I added my camera’s take to that long tradition. Just down the road lies Monet’s Garden in Giverny. We gave it a shot, but the endless line made us retreat instead of queue. Sometimes you just have to keep moving.
Back in Rouen, we squeezed in a visit to Saint Ouen Abbey Church, an immense Gothic structure still under restoration. Inside we stumbled into a live military brass performance—echoing trumpets and horns filling the vaulted nave was goosebump stuff. Add in an artisan expo tucked among the arches, and the whole experience was delightfully unexpected.
Tomorrow, we pack up and leave Rouen behind.
