The Seine by Bike: From Paris to Rouen
Day 1
55 km
Paris → Conflans-Saint-Honorine
Your adventure begins at Paulette’s agency in Paris’s 15th arrondissement, where you collect your equipped bike (hybrid or electric), your panniers, and your craving for fresh air. From the very first pedal strokes, you leave behind the city’s hustle, gliding along the bike lanes of the Saint-Denis Canal.
Along the way, you pass through Chatou, home to the Impressionist Island and the charming Fournaise Museum. A peaceful riverside break is a must before gently continuing to Saint-Germain-en-Laye, a royal city rich in heritage. The Seine then leads you to Conflans-Sainte-Honorine, the inland shipping capital of France. With its quiet quays, moored barges, and winding streets, this first stage is full of charm.
Day 2
73 km
Conflans-Saint-Honorine → La Roche-Guyon
The Seine stays by your side for this longer but experience-rich day. You cycle through Mantes-la-Jolie, where the collegiate church of Notre-Dame overlooks the riverbanks, then on between peaceful villages and verdant shores.
Stop in Vétheuil, a village made famous by Claude Monet, or in Haute-Isle, known for its cliffside dwellings. You then reach La Roche-Guyon, one of France’s most beautiful villages. Its cliff-carved château towers above terraced gardens. The setting is both medieval and pastoral—the perfect close to a long but stunning ride.
Day 3
70 km
La Roche-Guyon → Poses
On this third day, you leave the cliffs of the Vexin behind and enter Normandy. First stop: Vernon, with its old mill, half-timbered houses, and Impressionist museum—an invitation to pause and wander. Just nearby, Giverny is worth a stop to soak in the atmosphere of Monet’s famed garden. Even without visiting, his spirit lingers in the air.
You continue on to Les Andelys, dominated by the ruins of Château Gaillard, offering breathtaking views over the Seine Valley. Then the road winds between cliffs, ponds, and quiet lanes to Poses, a waterside village ideal for a peaceful evening. Nature reigns here, and after three days of riding, it’s the perfect place to recharge.
Day 4
40 km
Poses → Rouen
Your final day in the saddle is a gentle one. You follow the Seine past Léry and Pont-de-l’Arche, then through wooded lanes near Criquebeuf-sur-Seine and Elbeuf. The Norman countryside leads you into Rouen, a city rich in art and history.
You arrive in the heart of town, your bike gliding past medieval streets, half-timbered facades, the gothic cathedral, and lively quays. Here, you simply return your bike at Paulette’s drop-off point in Rouen. No need to worry about the way back—your journey ends here. Unless, of course, you choose to catch a train, extend your stay… or keep pedaling all the way to the sea!