During your discovery of the Alabaster coast, a stop to visit Veules-les-Roses is essential. This magnificent little village will have something to delight and charm you with. Indeed, Veules-les-Roses is one of the most beautiful villages in France.
In this article, we take you on a discovery of this charming village, all in blooming roses. Our advice on things to do and see in Veules-les-Roses, our tips for visits and some suggestions to help you choose where to sleep in Veules-les-Roses.
Summary:
- Presentation of Veules les Roses
- What to do in Veules-les-Roses?
- Practical advice for visiting Veules-les-Roses
- Where to sleep to visit Veules-les-Roses
- My opinion on the visit to Veules-les-Roses
Presentation of Veules les Roses
Welcome to Veules-les-Roses, the town where the smallest river in France is located. Indeed, the Veules extends over less than 1 meters and is the charm of this small town.
Also close to the sea, Veules-les-Roses is also famous for its seafood, its oysters or its watercress, harvested not far from Veules.
The richness of this place also lies in its town center and its many period buildings, thatched and half-timbered.
For many years, the Veules was used by various trades: wheat mill, wool washing or flax grinding, thus leaving absolutely magnificent buildings. These have been tastefully renovated and are perfectly maintained.
Unfortunately, some beautiful seaside villas were destroyed during the Second World War, giving way to more modern constructions.
During the XNUMXth century, Veules-les-Roses saw some beautiful Parisian personalities pass by. Among the most illustrious were Victor Hugo and his great friend, Paul Meurice.
What to do in Veules-les-Roses?
After this short presentation of Veules-les-Roses, let me tell you about the things to do and see in Veules-les-Roses. Attracting many tourists each year, this small seaside resort has plenty to charm more than one!
Visit Veules-les-Roses:- The circuit of the Veules
- Saint Martin's Church
- See the mouth of the Veules
- Discover the local gastronomy
- Take your time along the Veules
The circuit of the Veules
As mentioned above, La Veules attracted many local craftsmen. The testimony of this past is still very present. An explanatory route leading you to discover this very small river has been created.
At each of the stages, you can find panels explaining the place, its history and its use.
This route includes 23 points, from the seaside and the cliffs, to the watercress beds located at the sources of the Veules!
Count about 1h30 to visit the whole of this route, while taking the time to read the explanatory panels and admire the richness of the places!
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Different themes are covered throughout this course: fauna and flora, cultural heritage, trades of yesteryear, architecture, history, etc.
Among the most beautiful corners, I really liked the part with the watercress beds, the drinking trough and the mill. There are also beautiful brown trout here. As part of a program to safeguard and repopulate the surrounding rivers, trout are a species to be protected because they are particularly sensitive to the various types of pollution in their natural environment.
Saint Martin's Church
Located on the Veules circuit, this church dates from the end of the XNUMXth century. Only the square tower is original. The rest of the building was rebuilt during the XNUMXth century.
Once inside, you can admire its sandstone pillars adorned with carvings. It also houses organs from the XNUMXth century, an altarpiece from the same period and a beautiful recently renovated vault.
This little church deserves a look! Especially since it is located in the middle of the course, the passage is therefore almost obligatory!
See the mouth of the Veules
Indeed, the Veules being the smallest river in France, you can easily see its source and its mouth on the same day! It is located on the seafront, a short walk from the town centre. This place is very easily accessible both by car and on foot.
Once there, you will see that the layout of this place is designed for the whole family: access to the beach, small garden around the mouth, children's play area, walks to admire the cliffs, glaciers, restaurants , …
This peaceful place attracts both locals and visitors, whether out of curiosity or to enjoy the seaside.
Discover the local gastronomy
We have already talked about this specialty previously: I am obviously talking about watercress. At the source of the Veules, watercress has been cultivated there for more than 7 centuries. Even today, this product is the subject of many recipes and transformations to delight your taste buds: pies, jams, breads, cider, etc. If you wish to discover and taste this product, you can go to the watercress festival, which takes place every year on Easter Sunday.
Another local specialty that will attract the attention of seafood lovers: the Veules oyster. This flat oyster has made Veules-les-Roses famous for its taste and the location where it is grown. Small production in comparison with the rest of the region, this oyster is to be tasted imperatively.
Take your time along the Veules
After this intense visit, between sea, culture and old buildings, I invite you to take some time for yourself in a very cute, typical and quiet place! This is the Douce France relay, in the heart of old Veules-les-Roses. This place is perfect for a coffee break or a meal. This old house is also located on the course of the Veules.
Practical advice for visiting Veules-les-Roses
- How to get to Veules-les-Roses?
Veules-les-Roses is easily accessible by car. Halfway between Dieppe and Fécamp, it takes about half an hour to get to Dieppe, 40 minutes to Fécamp and 1 hour to Etretat.
Veules-les-Roses does not have a station. On the other hand, a regular bus line serves Veules-les-Roses, it is line 61. For more information on this means of transport to reach Veules-les-Roses, you can go to the website transport in Normandy. - Where to park in Veules-les-Roses?
Veules-les-Roses attracts many tourists each year and has planned the facilities accordingly. In total, there are 4 car parks that welcome you, more or less close to the sea or the city center, the choice is yours!
These car parks are: cliff car park, canon car park, watercress car park and sources car park. - How long to visit Veules-les-Roses?
During my presentation of the circuit of the Veules, I recommended you about 1h30 to do the whole route. This goes for the sightseeing aspect. On the other hand, you can take advantage of it to spend some time by the beach or on a terrace overlooking the Veules. I think half a day is an ideal time to visit Veules-les-Roses.
Where to sleep to visit Veules-les-Roses
Visiting Veules-les-Roses is a must for a stay in Normandy. Located between Dieppe and Etretat, Veules-les-Roses can be a great opportunity to cut your road and spend a night in this pretty little village.
Here is our suggestion of accommodation to stay in Veules-les-Roses for one or more nights:
Relais Hotelier Douce France
I have already presented this establishment to you during the article. This place is almost a must in Veules-les-Roses, whether to drink a coffee, eat or even spend a night. Perfectly well placed in the heart of the old town, the charm of this magnificent residence will not leave you indifferent. Hotel See rates
Villa Valentine
This beautiful large capacity holiday home can accommodate up to 6 people. Located near where the Veules has its source, you are a stone's throw from the town center and the sea. This magnificent old house has recently been tastefully renovated. All the necessary comfort is provided inside. Not to mention the very cocooning decoration. Holiday home See prices
Hotel Les Bains
To conclude this accommodation suggestion, here is a hotel located outside of Veules-les-Roses, less than 10 minutes by car. Very well located, close to the beach, the decoration is lovely and the welcome of the staff, very warm. The rooms are clean and functional. A great alternative if you don't want to stay in Veules-les-Roses. Hotel See rates
These accommodations offer reasonable rates ranging from less than €100 per night for the Hotel Les Bains, to around €120 for the Relais Douce France. These rates are based on an estimate for a double room.
Regarding the holiday home, the prices will vary according to the number of people during the stay. Count about 1000€ per week for 4 people and about 1300€ per week if you are 6 people in high season.
My opinion on the visit to Veules-les-Roses
This visit to Veules-les-Roses really enchanted us! This small village really deserves its reputation as the most beautiful village in France. Everything is charming: the alleys, the rosebushes in bloom (we were there in June), the old houses, the Veules and its preserved banks, the seaside, the facilities provided for everyone, … This place is at both friendly and calm, while being dynamic thanks to the various shops. I recommend this visit without hesitation and even encourage you to spend a night to have time to walk around and soak up this place.
