Villequier

Heritage & nature

Nestled in a meander of the Seine, Villequier is a small village with a unique character, where history and nature intermingle.

Here, the atmosphere of this village in the heart of the Seine Valley is peaceful. Every alleyway, every half-timbered house seems to tell a story, steeped in tradition and literary memories.

Let yourself be enchanted by the landscapes along the Seine, which have inspired some of the world’s greatest painters, and discover a heritage where authenticity reigns supreme.

©Villequier V Rustuel 2023 Seine Maritime Attractivite 1051303|V. Rustuel

©Along the Seine in Villequier|V. Debels

Discover Villequier, a village full of character

Located on the banks of the Seine, just 4 km from Caudebec-en-Caux, Villequier is a village where the river sets the pace and shapes the landscape.

As you stroll through its narrow streets, you’ll discover a maritime past that is still palpable, between the quays lined with typical houses and the serene atmosphere that invites you to escape.

A visit to Villequier is the perfect opportunity to immerse yourself in an authentic setting, where nature and culture meet.

Villequier and its fascinating history

Villequier’s history dates back to Roman times, as evidenced by the mysterious “Camp de César”, a fortified site nestling in the landscape. But the village is best known for the family tragedy that marked it forever: the drowning of Léopoldine Hugo and her husband Charles Vacquerie in 1843. This tragic event profoundly affected Victor Hugo and influenced his writings.

Today, the Victor Hugo Museum, housed in the Vacquerie family home, recounts this poignant story. Owned by the Département de la Seine-Maritime, the house houses a collection of objects, memorabilia and exhibitions dedicated to the writer and his family.

Léopoldine’s grave is in the nearbySaint-Martin church cemetery. A visit here is like plunging into a moving page of French literature.

Impressionist table

Things to do in Villequier

Visit the Victor Hugo Museum

The Musée Victor Hugo is a former home belonging to Victor Hugo’s in-laws: the Vacquerie family. The two families were close friends, linked by the tragedy of September 4, 1843, when Léopoldine Hugo, the poet’s daughter, drowned in the Seine with her husband Charles Vacquerie.

Discover the intimacy of Victor Hugo and the Vacquerie family in this uniquely charming house museum. Each room transports you into a world of emotions, where family memories rub shoulders with the poet’s works.

Before leaving, take time to explore the romantic garden that surrounds the house. It’s the perfect place to extend your visit, with its colorful flowers and breathtaking view of the Seine.

Discover the church of Saint-Martin

The Victor Hugo Museum is much more than just a place of remembrance; it’s an invitation to discover the man behind the myth. The cemetery adjacent to the church in the village of Villequier adds an extra dimension to the immersive experience offered by the museum. Here lies Léopoldine Hugo, Victor Hugo’s daughter, whose tragic fate had a profound impact on the writer’s work.

Explore the Bois de Villequier

If you love a walk, head for the natural site of Bois de Villequier, which offers pleasant views over the Seine and the village. This Sensitive Natural Area boasts numerous springs and is home to a wide variety of flora and fauna, which you can discover along the site’s footpaths.

©Victor Hugo House Villequier|V. Rustuel

Events in Villequier

Villequier is also a lively village that knows how to captivate its visitors. Whether it’s through cultural events at the Victor Hugo Museum, guided walks to explore its unique landscapes or exhibitions highlighting local art and history, there’s always a reason to come back.

Every season brings its own activities, so let yourself be seduced by the welcoming soul of this village, which perfectly embodies the balance between tradition and modernity.

Plan your weekend in Villequier

Want to extend your stay in this charming village?

Stay at the White House, a modern, uncluttered house overlooking the Seine, or at the Gîte Villequier – Le 1882, a charming accommodation in the heart of the village’s narrow streets.

Enjoy a meal on the terrace of the Le Magnolia restaurant, with a view of the boats on the Seine, or savor a snack in its elegant tea room. An escape that combines serenity and gourmet delights.