Saint-Georges de Boscherville Abbey - Image 1
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Saint-Georges de Boscherville Abbey

4.5
·1k reviews·Saint-Martin-de-Boscherville, France

A 12th-century abbey featuring an imposing church, serene formal gardens with ascending views, and a fun labyrinth.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Spring & Summer mornings

Gardens in full bloom

CrowdLow
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Saint-Georges de Boscherville Abbey - Image 1

Saint-Georges de Boscherville Abbey

Best Time

Spring & Summer mornings

Gardens in full bloom

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A 12th-century abbey featuring an imposing church, serene formal gardens with ascending views, and a fun labyrinth.

4.5
(1k reviews)

"Beautiful tranquil gardens and lovely views of the Abbey and across the Seine Valley."

Vertical photo
TIP

Start with the Church

Explore the small, cute church first before venturing into the gardens. :church:

Enjoy the Garden Views

The gardens ascend, offering lovely views of the abbey and the Seine Valley. :camerawithflash:

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Tranquil Formal Gardens

Tranquil Formal Gardens

Gardens

Ascending gardens with stunning views of the abbey and Seine Valley. Discover something new at every turn.

Reddit
12th-Century Abbey Church

12th-Century Abbey Church

Church

An imposing yet intimate church with a beautiful organ above the entryway. A peaceful start to your visit.

Reddit
The Garden Labyrinth

The Garden Labyrinth

Top of the garden

Fun to navigate, this maze at the garden's summit offers a playful challenge and rewarding views.

Reddit
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Planning Your Visit

Garden Strolls & Church Visits

Prioritize exploring the beautiful gardens first, as they offer ascending views and hidden discoveries. The church, while small, is worth a look before or after your garden exploration. Reddit

Value for Money Considerations

While the abbey is historically significant and the gardens are lovely, some visitors feel the 6 euro fee might be a bit high for the accessible areas. Consider a combined ticket if visiting nearby attractions. Reddit

Best Times

When
Spring & Summer mornings
Why
Gardens in full bloom
Crowd
Low
When
Late afternoons
Why
Golden hour views
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Connaissiez-vous l'Abbaye Saint-Georges-de-Boscherville ? 🙂 Le nom de la commune aujourd’hui appelée Saint-Martin-de-Boscherville a beaucoup changé au fil du temps. À l’origine, entre 1050 et 1066, elle s’appelait Balchervilla ou Bauquervilla. Ce nom venait sans doute d’un homme nommé Bal(d)kar, un nom d’origine germanique, et le mot “villa” qui désignait un domaine rural. Puis, la forme courant...
elodie_guide_local
5.4K likes • 183.7K views

Start with the Church

Explore the small, cute church first before venturing into the gardens. Reddit :church:

Enjoy the Garden Views

The gardens ascend, offering lovely views of the abbey and the Seine Valley. Reddit :camerawithflash:

Abbaye Saint Georges de Boscherville As we left our parkup along the banks of the River Seine Tom the drone reveals our first Abbey of the day. What a pretty place ! See our latest episode at the link below https://youtu.be/jfv1PL6P5cI #camper #vanlife #france #getawaygeese
getawaygeese
10 likes • 139 views
Our favourite day trip from Rouen is the Abbey of Saint-Georges de Boscherville, a former Benedictine abbey located only half an hour’s drive from the city centre. The abbey's Norman Romanesque architecture earned it four listings as a Monument Historique and is breathtaking from above, below, and pretty much every angle. But the most underrated view is from the top of the sloped terraces, where...
carmenhoyw
0 likes • 1.2K views

Embrace the Labyrinth

The maze at the top is fun, but be prepared to spend some time finding your way out! Reddit :hiking_boot:

Consider Combined Tickets

If visiting nearby, a combined ticket with Jumièges Abbey might offer better value. Reddit :ticket:

Tips

from all over the internet

Start with the Church

Explore the small, cute church first before venturing into the gardens. Reddit :church:

Enjoy the Garden Views

The gardens ascend, offering lovely views of the abbey and the Seine Valley. Reddit :camerawithflash:

Embrace the Labyrinth

The maze at the top is fun, but be prepared to spend some time finding your way out! Reddit :hiking_boot:

Consider Combined Tickets

If visiting nearby, a combined ticket with Jumièges Abbey might offer better value. Reddit :ticket:

What Travellers Say

4.5
(1k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors praise the beautiful and tranquil gardens with their ascending views of the abbey and Seine Valley, as well as the charming 12th-century church. The garden labyrinth is a fun addition. Some feel the admission fee is a bit high for the accessible areas, and modern elements in the garden can detract from the historical ambiance.

"Such a cute church and pretty garden.
I would highly recommend start a stroll in the church first- it’s small and cute so won’t take much time. Look above the entryway for the pretty organ and take a few step to see the church.
The better part of the visit is the garden. Each step you will discover something interesting in the garden as it ascends for better views.
The maze at the top of the hill is fun to get into but might take a bit to find a way out.

Happy travel"

Ling Watson

"Interesting historical place. Suitable for pink visit. Most of the premises are inaccessible, only the park and church are open. Beautiful place"

Alex

"Beautiful tranquil gardens and lovely views of the Abbey and across the Seine Valley. Well worth getting a combined ticket for here and the Abbey de Jumièrges, just around the bend in the Seine."

Chris Pedley

What People Like

Beautiful tranquil gardens
Lovely Seine Valley views
Charming abbey church

What People Dislike

Admission fee perceived as high
Modern garden elements

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The abbey is located near Rouen in Normandy, France. Driving is the most convenient option, with parking available on-site. Public transport options are limited, so check local bus schedules if you're not driving. Reddit

Public transport to the abbey can be challenging. It's best to check regional bus routes from Rouen, but driving is generally recommended for ease of access. Reddit

The most straightforward way to reach Saint-Georges de Boscherville Abbey from Rouen is by car, taking approximately 20-30 minutes. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Opening hours can vary seasonally. It's advisable to check the official website or local listings before your visit to confirm current operating times. Reddit

Admission typically involves a fee, with some visitors noting a 6 euro charge. Combined tickets for nearby attractions may offer better value. Reddit

While advance ticket purchase might be possible online, it's often convenient to buy tickets upon arrival, especially during less busy periods. Reddit

Discounts may be available for certain groups, such as students or seniors. Inquire at the ticket office or check the abbey's official website for details. Reddit

Currently, visitors can primarily access the church, the gardens, and the labyrinth. Some historical premises may be inaccessible. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

You can explore the historic church, wander through the beautiful formal gardens with their ascending views, and try to navigate the fun labyrinth at the top. Reddit+1

Absolutely! The gardens are a highlight, offering lovely views of the abbey and the Seine Valley, with interesting discoveries around every corner. Reddit+1

The labyrinth is located at the top of the garden and is a fun, albeit sometimes challenging, experience to navigate. Reddit

Information on guided tours is not widely available, but exploring the church and gardens independently is a popular way to experience the site. Reddit+1

Take your time to stroll through the ascending gardens, enjoying the views and discovering the various features. The labyrinth at the top is a must-try. Reddit+1

📸 📸 Photography

The ascending gardens offer fantastic vantage points for photos of the abbey and the Seine Valley. The church interior, especially the organ, is also photogenic. Reddit+1

Photography is generally permitted inside the church, but it's always good practice to be respectful of any signage or requests from staff. Reddit

Late afternoons often provide beautiful golden hour light, enhancing the views from the gardens. Morning light can also be lovely for capturing the abbey's architecture. Reddit

Drone usage is typically restricted at historical and religious sites. It's best to assume it's not allowed unless explicitly stated otherwise. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Saint-Georges de Boscherville Abbey offers a pleasant outing for families. The formal gardens provide space for children to explore, and the labyrinth at the top is a definite highlight that kids will enjoy navigating. Reddit The church is small enough that it won't overwhelm younger visitors, and the beautiful views from the garden can keep them engaged. Reddit

Tip: Pack snacks and drinks, as on-site facilities might be limited. Comfortable walking shoes are a must for exploring the gardens and the labyrinth. Reddit

🏛️ History Buffs

For history enthusiasts, Saint-Georges de Boscherville Abbey offers a glimpse into 12th-century architecture and monastic life. The well-preserved church is a key attraction, showcasing Romanesque elements. Reddit While some modern interventions in the garden have been noted, the core historical significance of the site remains. Reddit

Recommendation: Consider visiting in conjunction with other historical sites in the region, like the Abbey de Jumièges, to gain a broader understanding of Normandy's rich past. Reddit

🌿 Garden Lovers

The formal gardens are a major draw for those who appreciate horticulture and scenic landscapes. The ascending layout provides lovely panoramic views of the abbey and the surrounding Seine Valley, making for a picturesque stroll. Reddit Discovering the various elements within the garden adds to the charm of the visit. Reddit

Must-do: Take your time to wander through the different levels of the garden and don't miss the fun labyrinth at the summit. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Exploring the Gardens and Labyrinth

The formal gardens of Saint-Georges de Boscherville Abbey are a significant draw, offering a delightful experience for visitors. As you ascend through the garden, you'll be rewarded with increasingly beautiful views of the abbey itself and the picturesque Seine Valley beyond. Reddit Each step reveals something new, making it an engaging walk rather than just a passive viewing. Many visitors find the gardens to be the most rewarding part of their visit. Reddit

At the very top of the garden, you'll find a labyrinth. This adds a playful element to the visit, offering a fun challenge for those who enjoy a bit of navigation. While it might take a little time to find your way out, the experience is often described as enjoyable and a unique feature of the abbey grounds. Reddit

Tip: Wear comfortable shoes as you'll be doing a fair bit of walking and ascending through the gardens. Reddit

The Historic Abbey Church

The 12th-century abbey church at Saint-Georges de Boscherville is an imposing yet intimate structure. Visitors are encouraged to start their exploration here, as its compact size means it won't take up too much of your time. Reddit Inside, you can admire the beautiful organ situated above the entryway, adding to the historical ambiance of the space. Reddit

While the church is a significant historical site, some modern additions within the garden, such as metal stairs and contemporary signage, have been noted by visitors as potentially detracting from the feeling of stepping back into the 12th century. Reddit However, the church itself remains a well-preserved and tranquil space to appreciate the abbey's past. Reddit

Value and Visitor Experience

The admission fee for Saint-Georges de Boscherville Abbey is typically around 6 euros. While many visitors find the gardens and church to be beautiful and historically interesting, some feel that the fee might be a bit high considering that not all premises are accessible. Reddit This sentiment is often tied to the presence of modern structures within the historically significant grounds. Reddit

For those looking to maximize their experience and potentially get better value, combining a visit with the nearby Abbey de Jumièges is a frequently recommended option. Reddit This allows you to explore more historical sites in the region and might make the overall cost feel more justified for the historical and scenic experiences offered. Reddit

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