Bois des Bruyères - Image 1
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Parc du Champ des Bruyères

4.5
·1k reviews·Saint-Étienne-du-Rouvray, France

A vast green expanse perfect for family fun, BBQs, and dog walks, with a hidden history of WWI military hospitals.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Summer afternoons

Perfect for BBQs and picnics

CrowdHigh
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Bois des Bruyères - Image 1

Parc du Champ des Bruyères

Best Time

Summer afternoons

Perfect for BBQs and picnics

CrowdHigh
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A vast green expanse perfect for family fun, BBQs, and dog walks, with a hidden history of WWI military hospitals.

4.5
(1k reviews)

"Love this park, so spacious. Really good for sport, kids, BBQs, picnics and dog walking."

Vertical photo
TIP

🧺 Pack a Picnic Basket

Bring your own food and drinks for BBQs and picnics, as on-site options are scarce .

👟 Comfortable Walking Shoes

The park is large, so wear comfy shoes for exploring its expansive grounds.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Spacious Lawns

Spacious Lawns

Throughout the park

Vast, well-maintained green spaces ideal for picnics, sports, and relaxation.

Children's Play Area

Children's Play Area

Central playground

Features unique pipe-like structures and safety flooring for active play.

Lookout Tower

Lookout Tower

Elevated point

Offers panoramic views, though some find the surrounding scenery limited.

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Planning Your Visit

Embrace the Green Space

Parc du Champ des Bruyères offers vast open areas perfect for picnics, BBQs, and sports. It's a popular spot for families and dog walkers, so expect a lively atmosphere, especially on sunny days. Remember to bring your own picnic supplies as food options within the park are limited.Reddit

Uncover Hidden History

This park has a poignant past as the site of a WWI racetrack that housed military hospitals. While historical markers were scarce in 2018, keen observers might spot remnants of tented hospitals in aerial views. Consider researching this history before your visit to appreciate the park's deeper significance.Reddit

Best Times

When
Summer afternoons
Why
Perfect for BBQs and picnics
Crowd
High
When
Weekends
Why
Lively atmosphere for families
Crowd
High
When
Weekday mornings
Why
Quieter for strolls and dog walking
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

J’ai oublié de filmer un toboggan ! #centerparcs #centerparcsleshautsdebruyeres #piscine #tobbogan
@emi.andreaaa
53.3K likes • 733.8K views

🧺 Pack a Picnic Basket

Bring your own food and drinks for BBQs and picnics, as on-site options are scarce.Reddit

👟 Comfortable Walking Shoes

The park is large, so wear comfy shoes for exploring its expansive grounds.

🌱 Domaine Les Bruyères · La Ruche À 40 km de Paris, un domaine du XIXᵉ éveillé par Cybèle et Franck Idelot : un parc centenaire, un potager en permaculture, un écosystème vivant tout entier dédié à l’accueil et à la cuisine.
@voyageurgourmand
13.3K likes • 81.4K views
Le Parc naturel urbain du Champ des Bruyères est un des parcs de la Métropole. 🌳 . . . @villederouen @sottevillelesrouen @petitquevilly @grand.quevilly
metropole_rouen_normandie
169 likes • 18.7K views

🐶 Dog-Friendly Fun

Leashed dogs are welcome, making it a great spot for a walk with your furry friend.

🗑️ Bins Need Regular Emptying

Be prepared for bins to be full during peak times; consider taking your rubbish with you.Reddit

Découverte du Champ des Bruyères avec @reseau_astuce_officiel 🌱 La semaine dernière, je suis allée au Champ des Bruyères pour un pique-nique entre amis ! Vous connaissez cet endroit incroyable ? À 20min du centre-ville de Rouen en transports en commun, ce parc naturel de 28 hectares vous promet de belles pelouses, des aires de jeux, une ferme pédagogique et plein d’autres surprises 🌳🧺 Pour y aller...
lucilemmn
281 likes • 7.4K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🧺 Pack a Picnic Basket

Bring your own food and drinks for BBQs and picnics, as on-site options are scarce.Reddit

👟 Comfortable Walking Shoes

The park is large, so wear comfy shoes for exploring its expansive grounds.

🐶 Dog-Friendly Fun

Leashed dogs are welcome, making it a great spot for a walk with your furry friend.

🗑️ Bins Need Regular Emptying

Be prepared for bins to be full during peak times; consider taking your rubbish with you.Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.5
(1k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors appreciate Parc du Champ des Bruyères for its vast, open spaces, making it ideal for BBQs, picnics, and active play. The unique playground is a hit with children. However, some note that bins can overflow during peak times and the lookout tower's view is not particularly remarkable.

"There were some delicious bbqs going on (chicken I think) but nobody offered us any food. The playground was mostly pipes coming up from the ground, which resulted in a long line of shimmying children hoofing along the bars for no real reason. Lots of safety equipment (bouncy floors etc). Also, a lookout tower which must have cost loads but doesn't give you a view of anything."

Mark Bryant

"I visited the park while it was still developing, while researching my historical novel, The War Nurse. During WW1, the old racetrack that was located here was the site of multiple military hospitals, where tens of thousands were treated, and thousands breathed their last breath. Many of those are buried in the nearby St. Sever Cemetery.

If one looks closely at the aerial images, you can still make out the imprint on the earth from the tented hospitals, like a scar revealing a long-ago wound.

After seeing the many well-cared for cemeteries and memorials throughout France, I was astonished that no mention of this important part of the park’s history could be found at the time of my visit in 2018. I hope as the park develops, this oversight will be corrected."

Tracey Wood

"Love this park, so spacious. Really good for sport, kids, BBQs, picnics and dog walking. Bins do need emptying more regular."

miss tatty

What People Like

Spacious green areas
Great for BBQs and picnics
Unique children's playground

What People Dislike

Bins can overflow
Lookout tower view limited

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Information on public transport or driving directions to Parc du Champ des Bruyères is not readily available in the provided content. It's recommended to check local transport maps or GPS for the best route.

Parking availability is not specified in the provided tips. It's advisable to check local resources or arrive early if driving.

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

The park is generally free to enter, offering open access for visitors to enjoy its green spaces and facilities.Reddit

Specific opening hours are not detailed, but it's understood to be an open public park accessible for daytime activities like picnics and BBQs.Reddit

🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience

You can enjoy BBQs, picnics, sports, dog walking, and children's play. The park's spaciousness makes it ideal for various outdoor recreational activities.Reddit

Yes, there's a playground featuring unique pipe structures and safety flooring, designed for active children's play.Reddit

Absolutely! The park is well-suited for BBQs, especially during the summer months when the weather is pleasant.Reddit

Yes, it's a popular spot for dog walkers due to its spaciousness and open areas. Dogs are welcome on a leash.Reddit

Historically, the park's grounds were once a racetrack that served as the site for multiple military hospitals during WWI, treating tens of thousands of soldiers.Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Food options within the park itself are limited. Visitors are encouraged to bring their own food for picnics and BBQs.Reddit

Yes, bringing your own food is highly recommended, as the park is ideal for picnics and BBQs.Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The expansive green lawns and the unique playground structures offer good photographic opportunities. The lookout tower provides a vantage point, though views may vary.Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Parc du Champ des Bruyères is a dream for families! The unique playground with its pipe structures is a huge hit, offering a different kind of active fun. The spacious lawns are perfect for running around, playing games, or having a relaxed picnic. Don't forget to bring your picnic basket and enjoy a BBQ if the weather is good.Reddit

While the park is great for kids, be aware that bins can get full on busy days. Bringing a bag for your own trash is a good idea. The lookout tower offers a fun perspective, though the views might not be the main attraction for younger children.

🐶 Dog Owners

This park is a paradise for your four-legged friends! Parc du Champ des Bruyères offers ample space for dogs to roam and play on its expansive green areas. It's a popular spot for dog walking, so your pet will likely enjoy meeting other canine companions. Remember to keep your dog on a leash as per park regulations.Reddit

While the park is generally well-maintained, keeping an eye on your dog and being mindful of other visitors is always recommended. The open nature of the park makes it easy to supervise your pet during your visit.

🚶‍♀️ History Buffs & Solitary Strollers

For those interested in history, Parc du Champ des Bruyères offers a unique, albeit subtle, connection to WWI. The grounds were once a racetrack that served as a site for military hospitals, a fact that adds a layer of solemnity to the landscape.Reddit While explicit signage might be minimal, the imprint of the past can be felt by those who know where to look.

If you prefer a quieter experience, visiting on a weekday morning will offer a more serene atmosphere. You can enjoy peaceful strolls through the spacious park, reflecting on its history or simply enjoying the natural surroundings without the weekend crowds.

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

A Park with a Poignant Past

Parc du Champ des Bruyères holds a significant historical weight, having been the site of a racetrack that was repurposed during World War I. This area became a crucial location for multiple military hospitals, where countless soldiers received care. The sheer scale of treatment meant that thousands of lives were touched by this place, with many ultimately succumbing to their injuries and being laid to rest in nearby cemeteries like St. Sever Cemetery.Reddit

While researching for a historical novel, one visitor noted in 2018 that explicit historical markers detailing this crucial period were scarce within the park. However, with careful observation of aerial imagery, the faint imprints of the tented hospitals can still be discerned, serving as a subtle reminder of the past. It's hoped that as the park continues to develop, this important chapter of its history will be more prominently acknowledged.Reddit

This historical context adds a layer of depth to the park, transforming it from a simple recreational space into a site of remembrance. Visitors interested in the history of WWI or the local heritage might find a visit particularly moving, especially if they take the time to learn about the events that transpired here.

Family Fun and Recreation

Parc du Champ des Bruyères is a fantastic destination for families, offering ample space for children to play and explore. The playground is a highlight, featuring a distinctive design with pipe-like structures that encourage active movement and imaginative play. The safety flooring adds an extra layer of security for younger visitors.Reddit

Beyond the playground, the park's vast, open lawns are perfect for a variety of family activities. Whether it's kicking a ball around, flying a kite, or simply enjoying a leisurely picnic, there's plenty of room for everyone. The availability of BBQ facilities also makes it an ideal spot for family gatherings and celebrations, especially during warmer months.Reddit

It's worth noting that while the park is well-equipped for fun, some visitors have observed that the bins can become full during busy periods. Planning ahead by bringing your own bags to manage waste can help ensure a pleasant experience for everyone and maintain the park's cleanliness.Reddit

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