Best attractions and places to see around Tôtes include a variety of historical sites, cultural points, and natural features. Tôtes is a commune in the Seine-Maritime department of Normandy, France, known for its strategic location and rich history. The area offers a mix of architectural landmarks, literary heritage, and scenic gardens. Visitors can explore both the town's immediate surroundings and notable sites further afield.
Last updated: June 23, 2026
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Clères is a French commune with 1,380 inhabitants in the Seine-Maritime department in the Normandy region. It belongs to the arrondissement of Rouen and the canton of Bois-Guillaume.
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Taking tours of the park with a naturalist’s commentary is fantastic!
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Every year (first Sunday of spring) the village of Clères welcomes spring with the traditional daffodil festival and its market. For decades, this festival has been a meeting point for the summer. We will therefore find different local producers and artisans presenting their products, but also awareness stands around nature and shows.
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The market halls were built in the 18th century, and over time had various functions: museums, cinema hall, attic... Today, they have regained their former glory and host a weekly market on Sunday morning as well as an annual event every first Sunday of Spring: the Daffodil Festival.
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Clères is a charming little village which developed in the 9th century around a fortified castle whose ruins are still visible today. To do this, it is necessary to go to the zoological park, one of the main attractions of the city along with its market halls and its church.
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Very pretty water point in the village. You can stop there to take a breather and take photos.
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The story of a river, a legend and biodiversity.
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Yes, Tôtes and its surroundings offer several family-friendly options. The most popular is Clères Zoological Park, which features diverse tree species and heritage buildings, alongside its animal exhibits. Another option is Parc du Bocasse, an amusement park located approximately 9km away, offering various attractions for children.
Tôtes is rich in history. You can explore the 19th-century Neo-Gothic Church of Saint-Martin and the historic Auberge du Cygne, famous for its literary connections to Guy de Maupassant and Gustave Flaubert. Nearby, consider visiting the 18th-century Château Saint-Victor with its magnificent carved oak woodwork, or the 11th-century Collégiale Notre Dame d'Auffay, known for its unique 'Jacquemarts' clock tower.
The region boasts several remarkable gardens. You can visit the Jardins de Bosmelet (6km), Clos du Coudray (8km), or Jardin de Bellevue (13km). Additionally, the grounds of Imbleville Castle feature a beautiful three-hectare water garden. Clères Zoological Park also offers diverse tree species and botanical interest.
Yes, there are numerous hiking opportunities. You can find trails like the 'Crossing the Scie loop from Vassonville' (11.5 km, moderate) or the 'Imbleville Castle loop from Beauval-en-Caux' (24.8 km, difficult). For more options, explore the Hiking around Tôtes guide, which details various routes.
The area around Tôtes is suitable for both cycling and mountain biking. For mountain biking, consider routes like the 'Forest Trail for Mountain Biking – Clères Village loop from Le Bocasse' (58.8 km, moderate). Cyclists can enjoy routes such as the 'Collegiate Church of Our Lady of Auffay – Nice little bridge over the Scie River loop from Auffay' (33.5 km, moderate). More routes are available in the MTB Trails around Tôtes and Cycling around Tôtes guides.
Tôtes holds a significant place in French literary history, particularly through the Auberge du Cygne. This historic inn is famously associated with Guy de Maupassant, who wrote his first literary success "Boule de Suif" there, and Gustave Flaubert, who penned chapters of "Madame Bovary" at the inn. Visitors can even see the room once occupied by Maupassant.
Tôtes hosts a dynamic market on Wednesday mornings, offering a chance to experience local life and find various goods. Additionally, the nearby village of Clères celebrates the annual Clères Daffodil Festival every first Sunday of Spring, featuring local producers, artisans, and nature-themed stands.
Tôtes serves as an excellent base for exploring the region. Popular day trip destinations include Rouen (approx. 27 km away) with its stunning cathedral and historic streets, and Dieppe (approx. 27 km away) known for its port, castle, and maritime museum. The extensive ruins of Jumièges Abbey, about 32 km from Tôtes, are also a highly visited religious monument.
Beyond the main attractions, you can admire the private 19th-century Belloy Castle and Dupuis Castle from the streets of Tôtes. Slightly outside the town center, the Manor of Bosc aux Lièvres showcases characteristic Pays de Caux architecture. The Source of the Austreberthe is also a charming and tranquil spot.
The best time to visit Tôtes for sightseeing and outdoor activities is generally from spring to early autumn (April to October). During these months, the weather is pleasant for exploring historical sites, enjoying the gardens, and engaging in hiking or cycling. Spring offers the beauty of blooming flowers, while summer and early autumn provide comfortable temperatures for outdoor adventures.
Visitors particularly appreciate the blend of historical charm and natural beauty. Highlights like Imbleville Castle are praised for their medieval appearance and beautiful water gardens. Clères Zoological Park is noted for its diverse trees and heritage buildings. The overall appeal lies in the region's rich history, picturesque landscapes, and the opportunity to explore charming villages like Clères Village.
Yes, Tôtes was a site of violent fighting in 1940, commemorated by a monument to the victims. The hamlet of Bonnetôt was also a V1 missile track location for the Nazi occupiers, a site uncovered by Resistance fighter Michel Hollard. These locations offer a glimpse into the region's wartime history.


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