Château’s near Rouen

Our first château that we visited was Robert Diablo. Since construction started in the 12th century, it’s been razed and rebuilt several times. In the 1500s it was finally abandoned until the early 1900s when a local industrialist tried to restore it. After World War II it was restored as a tourist attraction with mini golf course, walking trails, a restaurant and visits to the castle. In 2009 it was closed permanently. Now it is open during summer months and the locals enjoy walking the grounds.

Daisy enjoyed “the zoomies” up here running up and down the path in the 41 degree weather.

Our next château is Château d’Hautot-sur-Seine. We took a river ferry over the Seine to get to this château. The ferry runs on demand making frequent trips back and forth the 150-200 meters. Also IT WAS FREE!! And it now makes the 14th different type of transport we’ve taken this trip (but who’s counting?)

The chateau is a gorgeous large home / estate owned by the local village primarily used for receptions and meetings. It was closed so we just walked around.

And our last is Château des Deux Lions. 🦁 was not open so we took a few pics and headed to get lunch. It’s also a seminar and reception locale.

Stopped at a river walk area to have lunch in a cool old warehouse that has a food court.

Crossing the Seine is Pont Gustave-Flaubert the world’s largest vertical lift bridge. It only goes up about 30 times a year. It opened in 2008 after four years of construction and €137 million to build the entire project. 670m (2200 ft) in length and when it lifts a center segment about 100m long, weighing 1,300 metric tonnes (or 2.8 million pounds), goes up 55m or 180 feet. Local politicians are still arguing the need for the lift as it primarily goes up to support the Rouen Flotilla boat parade each year.

Now back for naps, then to meander around a bit once the lights start coming on.Read more