There's been an abbey at Jumièges since the 7th century, with various destruction and rebuilding over the centuries.

The abbey was destroyed by the Vikings, rebuilt and consecrated in the presence of William the Conqueror in 1067, and again destroyed during the Hundred Years War.

At the time of the French Revolution, stones from the abbey were used for other buildings, and since then it has been a ruined site, much admired for its beauty by Victor Hugo and others.

Located just 28 kilometers (17 miles) west of Rouen, in a loop of the River Seine, the drive to Jumièges offers beautiful views of the Seine as it meanders through the river valley.

The main building of the abbey is the Église Notre-Dame, with its Norman Romanesque design and two gracious towers. (Note: Recent restoration work has focused on this building.)

You can also wander through the Cloisters, a smaller church, and various passageways and other structures.

The ruins are well-preserved and evoke the history of this Benedictine abbey.

The site is surrounded by beautiful gardens, and walking through these provides a variety of perspectives on these lovely ruins.

After your visit you can cross the Seine on a small, free ferryboat (bac) and continue your drive.

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