Guide to Seine-Maritime & Property in Department 76

Seine-Maritime is a department in the Normandy region of northern France. It is situated on the northern coast and includes the cities of Rouen (the préfecture), Le Havre and Dieppe. Seine-Maritime was established during the French Revolution in 1790, from part of the old province of Normandy. The Seine-Inférieure department was established as one of the five departments that replaced the former province of Normandy. Within the department, five arrondissements were created in 1800: Rouen, Le Havre, Dieppe, Neuchâtel…

Seine-Maritime is a department in the Normandy region of northern France. It is situated on the northern coast and includes the cities of Rouen (the préfecture), Le Havre and Dieppe. Seine-Maritime was established during the French Revolution in 1790, from part of the old province of Normandy. The Seine-Inférieure department was established as one of the five departments that replaced the former province of Normandy. Within the department, five arrondissements were created in 1800: Rouen, Le Havre, Dieppe, Neuchâtel and Yvetot. However, Neuchâtel and Yvetot were abolished in 1926. In 1955, the department was renamed Seine-Maritime to give it a more positive-sounding name, in line with changes made in several other French departments.

Geographic Areas of Seine-Maritime

The Seine-Maritime department (number 76) can be divided into three primary geographical regions: the Seine Valley, where the Seine River passes through the provincial capital, Rouen; the chalk plateau of Pays de Caux, known for its steep coastline called the Alabaster Coast; and the Norman Pays de Bray, characterised by hills and a bocage landscape.

Connecting to the Surrounding Regions

The Seine-Maritime department is connected to the adjacent Eure department through the Tancarville and Pont de Normandie bridge crossings of the Seine. It is a popular destination full of history, favoured by Brits, Americans and Parisians. It is close to ferry ports and takes under 2 hours by car to reach Paris, and 1 hour and 30 minutes by train.

Key Information about the Seine-Maritime (76)

• Main City/Prefecture: Rouen
• Nearest Airport: Rouen Airport (limited flights; Paris-CdG Airport for more connections, approx. 120 km)
• Population: Around 1.25 million (as of the latest census)
• Area: 6,278 sq. kilometres and 2,423 sq. miles
• Landmark: Étretat Cliffs, iconic white chalk cliffs offering breathtaking views of the English Channel.
• Number of Tourists/Year: Approx. 4 million, attracted by its dramatic coastline, Rouen and maritime history.

Types of Properties for Sale in Seine-Maritime

Seine-Maritime boasts a wide variety of properties, from charming half-timbered townhouses and elegant country homes to manors and historic châteaux. The coastline presents seaside residences, whereas the picturesque countryside is filled with traditional farmhouses and longères, creating perfect settings for those who value character and comfort.

Most Common Property Styles

• Half-Timbered Houses: Iconic townhomes with timber frames, full of local character.
• Longères & Farmhouses: Traditional rural stone homes, often renovated with outbuildings and gardens.
• Country Houses & Maisons de Maître: Spacious period properties with charm and elegance.
• Manor Houses & Châteaux: Historic estates, often featuring expansive grounds, are ideal for luxury living.
• Contemporary & Architect-Designed Homes: Modern houses with sleek designs and energy-efficient features.
• Seaside Residences: Coastal apartments and houses in resorts like Dieppe.
• Apartments & Lofts: Urban living in Rouen, Le Havre, and other towns, from period conversions to modern builds.

Property Prices & Trends in Seine‑Maritime in 2026

• Houses: the average price per sq. metre: €2,070 (April 2026)
• Apartments: the average price per sq. metre: €3,031 (Le Figaro - February 2026)
• Price trends: +1% over the last 12 months, +23% over the last 5 years (Le Figaro - April 2026)

House Prices in the Main Towns in Seine‑Maritime in 2026

• Average House Price in Le Havre: €2,353 per sq. metre (April 2026)
• Average House Price in Rouen: €2,492 per sq. metre (April 2026)
• Average House Price in Dieppe: €1,962 per sq. metre (April 2026)

(source: Le Figaro Immobilier)

If you are looking for a property in Seine-Maritime, please get in touch to discuss your search criteria.