Further north, this region comprises only two departments (Seine-Maritime and Eure) and two medium-sized cities, Rouen, on the Seine, which has 380,000 inhabitants, and Le Havre, a Channel port, which has 250,000 inhabitants.

Rouen (Upper Normandy)

The chief economic activites are located in the Seine valley, with recent arrivals such as the automotive industry, electronics and pharmaceuticals. 75% of the region's population live in this area and 80% of jobs are based there.

A powerful petrochemicals industry has grown up around Le Havre (the second biggest French port) and Rouen (the fourth biggest).

Etretat cliffs (Upper Normandy)

There have been some job losses in agriculture, but it remains a major activity in the area, both for livestock (cattle and horses) and cereal production. But it is for its cheeses, apples and cider that this region is most famous.