Departmental Archives Of Seine Maritime

Departmental Archives of Seine-Maritime, Rouen, France: Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Historical Information

Date: 14/06/2025

Introduction

Located in the heart of Rouen, the Departmental Archives of Seine-Maritime serve as a guardian of Normandy’s extensive historical and cultural legacy. Established in 1796 following the French Revolution, these archives were created to centralize and safeguard administrative, judicial, notarial, and civil records that chronicle centuries of regional history. Today, they provide an invaluable resource for historians, genealogists, students, and the general public, offering a rich array of exhibitions, educational programs, and digital resources to all visitors. (official website)

Historical Background and Significance

Founding and Early Growth

The Departmental Archives of Seine-Maritime were established as part of a nationwide initiative to preserve public records after the upheaval of the French Revolution. Initially, documents were scattered across various sites until a dedicated archival building was acquired in 1825, marking the formal consolidation of these historical materials. Over the 19th and 20th centuries, the archives expanded their holdings and infrastructure, safeguarding not only administrative documents but also records from Norman abbeys, local notaries, and municipalities. (myCityHunt)

Preservation Through Turbulence

During World War II, the archives faced threats from bombing and occupation, prompting the temporary relocation of collections to rural sites for protection. The postwar era saw the inauguration of a modernist skyscraper in 1965, designed to house the growing volume of records. Further expansion in the 1980s with the conversion of a textile factory in Darnétal ensured continued preservation and accessibility. Today, the archives house over 53 linear kilometers of documents, making them one of France’s most significant regional repositories. (myCityHunt)

Collections and Holdings

The archives’ collections encompass an extraordinary range of materials, including:

Judicial Records: Court proceedings and legal documents shedding light on the region’s social and legal history.
Ecclesiastical Archives: Parish registers and records from Norman abbeys, vital for genealogical and religious studies.
Notarial Records: Marriage settlements, wills, inventories, and property transfers, essential for family research (Maison de Normandie).
Civil Registration: Birth, marriage, and death records dating back to 1792, transferred to the archives after 100 years (Maison de Normandie).
Industrial and Architectural Archives: Documents from major local industries and architectural plans, including records of the Havre Shipyards and post-war urban reconstruction (myCityHunt).

A significant portion of these holdings is digitized and available via the digital portal, facilitating remote research and access.

Visiting Information

Locations and Getting There

The Departmental Archives operate across several sites, with the main locations being:

Pôle archives historiques / Grammont: 42 Rue Henri II Plantagenêt, 76100 Rouen
Tour des Archives (Pôle archives contemporaines): Quai Jean Moulin, Rouen
Centre des archives du travail et de l’architecture / Darnétal: 27 rue Lucien Fromage, Darnétal

All sites are accessible via Rouen’s public transportation network, including buses and TEOR tram lines. Limited parking is available nearby, and bicycle access is facilitated by local bike lanes.

Opening Hours

Pôle archives historiques / Grammont: Tuesday to Friday, 8:45–12:00 and 13:00–17:00
Tour des Archives (Pôle archives contemporaines): Monday to Tuesday, 8:45–12:30 and 13:30–17:00; Wednesday, 8:45–12:30
Centre des archives du travail et de l’architecture / Darnétal: By appointment

Hours may vary during holidays and special events; always check the official website for up-to-date details.

Tickets and Admission

Admission: Free for all services, exhibitions, and reading rooms. Some workshops or guided tours may require advance registration or a nominal fee.

Facilities and Accessibility

Amenities

Reading Rooms: Spacious, well-lit rooms with individual desks, power outlets, and free Wi-Fi for research.
Digital Resources: On-site terminals for accessing digitized collections.
Exhibitions: Permanent and rotating temporary exhibitions showcasing highlights from the archives.
Visitor Services: Lockers, cloakroom, accessible restrooms, vending machines, and nearby cafés in the Saint-Sever district.

Accessibility

The archives are fully accessible to visitors with reduced mobility:

Ramps, elevators, and wide corridors throughout public areas
Designated disabled parking spaces
Adjustable desks and magnifying devices available
Induction loops for hearing assistance at key points
Some staff speak English and informational materials are available in English

Advance notice is recommended for visitors requiring specific accommodations.

Events and Educational Programs

Exhibitions

Permanent Exhibitions: Feature medieval court records, notarial registers from 1360, and rare documents from the Exchequer and Parlement of Normandy.
Temporary Exhibitions: Regularly updated themes, such as the Renaissance in Normandy and the evolution of local industries (Archives départementales de Seine-Maritime).

Special Events

International Archives Day (June 9): Interactive public events, including games and document discovery activities.
Heritage Days (Journées du Patrimoine): Guided tours, behind-the-scenes access, and thematic workshops (Archives départementales de Seine-Maritime Facebook).
Workshops: Genealogy, document preservation, calligraphy, and Norman industrial history for all ages (Préparer sa visite).

Research and Public Services

Guided Tours: Available by reservation, particularly during special events.
Lectures and Conferences: Regular talks with historians and archivists.
Remote Research: Digital collections and document request services via email or the online portal.

Practical Visitor Tips

Bring valid photo ID for registration.
Check online for updated hours and any special closure notices.
Arrive early on weekdays for quieter study and research sessions.
Photography is permitted in designated areas; flash is generally not allowed.
Combine your visit with nearby Rouen landmarks, such as the Cathedral, Gros Horloge, and the Musée des Beaux-Arts (Normandie Lovers).
Language: Some English support is available; non-French speakers may wish to contact the archives in advance.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What are the visiting hours for the Departmental Archives of Seine-Maritime?
A: Hours vary by site; generally, Tuesday to Friday, 8:45–12:00 and 13:00–17:00. Always confirm on the official website.

Q: Is there an admission fee?
A: No; access to the archives and exhibitions is free.

Q: Are guided tours available?
A: Yes, especially during events; check the schedule or book in advance.

Q: Is the building accessible for people with disabilities?
A: Yes, all public areas are accessible, with staff available for assistance.

Q: Can I access documents online?
A: Many collections are digitized and accessible via the digital portal.

Visuals and Virtual Resources

High-quality images of the archives’ exterior and reading rooms, with alt text such as “Departmental Archives of Seine-Maritime building in Rouen” and “Reading room at Departmental Archives of Seine-Maritime.”
Interactive maps and virtual tours available on the archives’ website.
Sample digitized documents, including medieval charters and parish registers.

Plan Your Visit and Further Resources

The Departmental Archives of Seine-Maritime offer a welcoming and well-equipped environment for anyone interested in Normandy’s past. With free entry, expert guidance, and a vibrant schedule of cultural events, the archives are a must-visit for researchers and casual visitors alike. To plan your visit, consult the official website for up-to-date information on hours, exhibitions, and digital resources.

Explore Rouen’s historic center and enrich your experience with the Audiala app, which provides audio guides and interactive content for local cultural sites.