Sur la trace des Vikings

Sur la trace des Vikings is a metal sculpture positioned along the A13 motorway near Sotteville-sous-le-Val and made up of abstract geometric elements rising high above the landscape. The structure was designed to be perceived by those traveling at speed along the highway.

The work was created in the 1990s by artist Georges Saulterre specifically for this motorway location. Its completion marked a shift toward introducing contemporary art into the landscape along major French highways.

The sculpture speaks to the Norse heritage that shaped this region through abstract forms rather than realistic depiction. Visitors passing by can interpret the work as reflecting the paths and influences that define the local landscape.

The work is best viewed from the roadway itself, and can be most clearly seen when traveling northbound on the motorway. Stopping at nearby rest areas provides the chance to observe the sculpture from different angles and distances.

The work was deliberately conceived to shift in appearance, so travelers perceive the forms differently depending on their speed and viewing angle. This dynamic perception makes it a rare type of roadside art specifically optimized for movement.

Location: Sotteville-sous-le-Val

Inception: 1990

Creator: Georges Saulterre

GPS coordinates: 49.32127,1.10176

Latest update: January 7, 2026 03:18