Autumn and winter, activities for all the family

Far from the hustle and bustle of summer, our destination reveals another side of itself: museums to explore at your own pace, local skills and crafts to discover, fascinating encounters and unusual experiences to share.

From art to gastronomy, heritage to leisure activities, here are 10 ideas for enjoying Normandy Caux Vexin off-season. Plenty of inspiration to fill your autumn and winter weekends with wonderful discoveries!

🏰 1. Step Back in Time at Martainville Castle

Step through the doors of Martainville Castle and discover the history and traditions of Normandy.

Housed in an elegant Renaissance residence, the Museum of Norman Traditions and Arts features a remarkable collection dedicated to everyday life in Normandy. Furniture, costumes, household objects and traditional crafts tell the story of the region’s inhabitants, room by room.

Off-season, the visit takes on a special atmosphere: there is more time to admire the details, be surprised by the historic objects and imagine what life was once like in a Norman manor house.

💡 Don’t miss: take the time to explore the estate and its surroundings during your visit.

🚒 2. Discover the World of Firefighters in Montville

Did you know that one of Normandy’s most fascinating museums is located in Montville?

The French Firefighters Museum traces the history of the fire service through an impressive collection of vehicles, equipment, uniforms and artefacts. The visit offers a fascinating insight into how firefighting techniques and the profession itself have evolved over the decades.

Children will love the fire engines and large-scale equipment, while adults can easily get caught up in the memories and stories behind the collections.

A perfect outing when Normandy’s weather calls for an indoor activity!

🎨 3. Try Your Hand at Sculpting with a Live Model

Fancy getting your hands in the clay and letting your creativity run free?

At the Sculpture Garden – Jean-Marc de Pas’ studio, take part in a live-model sculpting workshop. This unique artistic experience offers an introduction to sculpture by directly observing the shapes and proportions of the human body.

You don’t need to be an experienced artist: the main goal is to discover an artistic practice, experiment and enjoy creating something with your own hands.

A wonderfully creative break from everyday life — and the pleasure of going home with something you have made yourself.

🧁 4. Put on Your Apron and Bake with a Professional

Because the pleasures of Normandy also include delicious food, why not make the most of the off-season to learn how to bake with a true professional, Sophie Eyrault from La Forêt des Macarons?

In a friendly and relaxed atmosphere, discover techniques, tips and little secrets that can make all the difference in pastry-making. An experience to enjoy with family or friends — or simply for the pleasure of learning something new.

And of course, after preparing the dough, mastering the techniques and perfecting the presentation… comes the best part: tasting your creations!

An activity guaranteed to please everyone.

🌸 5. Create Beautiful Gifts with Dried Flowers

Flowers aren’t just for the warmer months!

During a creative workshop at Christopher Sageot’s Boui-Boui studio, let your imagination run free and create your own decoration or personalised gift.

Mirrors, embroidery hoops, wreaths and other decorative creations: the possibilities are endless. It is also a wonderful opportunity to discover techniques for preserving the beauty of flowers for much longer.

The best part? You leave with a unique creation made with your own hands. A lovely gift to give… or to keep for yourself!

⛳ 6. Try Golf… All Year Round

Who says golf is only for sunny days?

In Normandy Caux Vexin, make the most of the off-season and try your hand at golf in the beautiful natural surroundings of Golf de Rouen La Forêt Verte.

Whether you are a complete beginner or simply curious to discover the sport, an introductory session is a chance to take your first swings, learn the basics and enjoy some fresh air.

And when the course takes on its autumn or winter colours, the scenery becomes particularly beautiful.

Our tip: why not take the opportunity to try an activity you never thought you would?

☀️ 7. Discover the Secrets of Europe’s First Solar Oven

Head to Montville for a truly surprising discovery: Europe’s first solar oven.

How can the sun’s rays be concentrated to generate intense heat? How does a solar oven work? And how can bread be baked and seeds roasted all year round? At Neoloco, you’ll find the answers to all these questions.

This fascinating and gourmet experience offers an insight into the principles of solar energy while discovering a particularly innovative and original facility.

🕰️ 8. Hunt for Unique Vintage Treasures

Do you love rummaging, browsing and finding the one object that nobody else will have spotted?

Normandy Caux Vexin is home to plenty of great places for vintage lovers, antique hunters and anyone looking for unusual objects.

Furniture, home décor, vintage crockery, posters, clothing and curiosities… Taking the time to browse is the perfect off-season activity. Wander, search, chat with passionate dealers and, sometimes, stumble across a real hidden gem.

The joy of vintage is also about taking home an object with a story to tell.

Head to ABV Brocante in Bosc-le-Hard or Le Grenier de Camille in Ry.

🍽️ 9. Forget About Sight… and Awaken Your Other Senses

Imagine yourself sitting at the table. You can smell the aromas of your food and hear the conversations around you… but you cannot see a thing.

Welcome to a dinner in the dark at Le Clos de Rouen La Vaupalière!

This unusual experience invites you to rediscover food in a completely different way. Without sight, your brain relies more heavily on your other senses: taste, smell, hearing and even touch.

A surprising, convivial and sometimes disorientating experience that encourages you to look at the way we eat from a completely different perspective.

🎨 10. Step into the Fascinating World of Anatole Jakovsky

To round off our selection, head to the Anatole Jakovsky Museum – La Sirène, a unique destination for art lovers and the curious.

Dedicated to Naïve art, the museum houses remarkable works and collections that invite visitors to see the world differently. Here, artistic expression is often spontaneous, colourful and surprising.

The visit is also an opportunity to discover unusual collections, be intrigued by unexpected works and take the time to look at art from a different perspective.

A wonderful way to round off an off-season getaway on an artistic and original note.

🍁 Why not slow down and enjoy the off-season?

Normandy Caux Vexin doesn’t stop when summer ends. Quite the opposite.

Autumn and winter are an invitation to slow down: step through the doors of a museum, meet a local artisan, learn a new skill, taste something delicious, get creative, go treasure hunting or simply enjoy an experience you never imagined trying.

Come and discover a different side of Normandy Caux Vexin — authentic, creative, welcoming and full of surprises.

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