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While you consider France, you most likely consider Paris.
Sadly, so does each different vacationer heading to the nation of croissants and tradition. Which suggests Paris is nearly at all times full of holiday makers.
However when you’re on the lookout for a French metropolis with a extra genuine and laidback vibe that’s nonetheless full of issues to see and do, then I like to recommend Rouen.
This hidden gem of a metropolis is the cultural and historic capital of Normandy and is an unimaginable place to go to within the Fall.
Right here’s why:
The Fantastic thing about Rouen
Rouen is dwelling to the second largest variety of listed buildings in France (Paris took first place), but unlike Paris, all the principle sights are comparatively shut collectively, making it extremely simple to discover on foot.
In truth, regardless of Rouen’s wonderful tram and bus system, I’ve by no means wanted to make use of public transport!
When you go to the middle of Rouen, the very first thing you’ll discover is its abundance of medieval alleys and half-timbered homes. It looks like stepping again in time.
I’m typing this from my resort room in Rouen, my second journey to this magnificent metropolis.
However that doesn’t imply I’m biased once I speak about the great thing about Rouen! It is beautiful.
With regards to resorts, we’re staying within the Mercure Hotel Rouen Centre Cathedrale, and I couldn’t suggest it any extra.
I don’t normally suggest chain resorts, however the location simply can’t be overwhelmed. You step outdoors the doorway and also you’re standing in entrance of the town’s iconic Notre Dame Cathedral. There is no such thing as a resort nearer!
As an added bonus the resort additionally boasts among the finest chain resort breakfasts I’ve ever eaten.
I paid £149 ($190) per night time for our keep in August, for a household of 4. For a 2-night keep in the course of October (based mostly on two individuals sharing a room) the speed can be $144 per night time.
Historical past In Rouen
Rouen is the right spot for historical past buffs.
As a agency member of the historical past nerd membership, I feel it’s a tremendous place to discover.
If you wish to take a historic tour of the town, then I like to recommend that you simply begin on the Historial Joan D’Arc.
It is a state-of-the-art interactive museum devoted to Joan D’Arc, and you progress by big digital exhibition rooms that inform the story of her life and dying.
The room known as the Salle de l’Officialite within the museum is the precise room the place Joan was tried and condemned to dying in 1431.
Entry costs 11 euros per person ($12) or you may get a reduction ticket for a household of 4 which is 32 euros ($35) for two adults and a pair of youngsters. The exhibit opens from 10am – 7pm (with final entry at 5.15pm) however arrive early to see the place at its quietest.
For an additional 2 euros ($2) per particular person you may add on a ticket to the L’aitre Saint-Maclou too. That is round a 3-minute stroll away and is an interesting if macabre place to discover.
The sq. right here was used as a plague pit and the picket frames of the constructing are embellished with skulls, bones, and different reminders of the time. It’s effectively value the additional couple of greenbacks and the additional couple of minutes to test it out!
When you solely go to one attraction throughout your time in Rouen, then make it the Notre Dame Cathedral. That is the image of the town and its most iconic spot. Its tallest spire is the best in France and it’s the 4th tallest church on the earth.
Enjoyable truth: Richard the Lionheart cherished Rouen a lot that his coronary heart is buried within the cathedral.
Lastly when you’re not all historical past’ed out then go to the Tour Jeanne d’Arc. That is an imposing tower that was constructed at first of the 13th century, however now it’s dwelling to a WW2 themed escape room expertise!
You possibly can go to all of those sights in someday, however in order for you time for enjoyable, lingering in avenue cafes, and basic people-watching then enable 2 days.
Rouen’s Laid-Again Perspective
Rouen is a comparatively small metropolis that’s recognized for its relaxed and laid-back angle.
You gained’t discover the identical hustle and bustle right here that you’d in Paris, however you’ll find that the individuals are hotter.
You’re welcome to linger in eating places and bars watching the world go by, and within the metropolis’s Previous City it’s virtually not possible to discover a bar or café that doesn’t have an epic view.
Victor Hugo described Rouen as “the town of 100 spires” which says every thing it’s essential to know in regards to the views actually.
When you’re seeking to get pleasure from an area delicacy as you dine, then Rouen is known for its Canard a la Rouennaise, this can be a centuries-old roasted duck recipe.
Sadly, American vacationers can’t fly on to Rouen, however the metropolis is fairly near Paris, so you should utilize Charles de Gaulle Airport as your arrival hub.
From here the train will take round 2 hours and prices simply $40. From the middle of Paris the practice takes 1 hour half-hour and costs begin from $8.
It’s completely possible to get pleasure from a 2 middle journey, exploring the high-octane vibe of Paris earlier than shifting to the extra relaxed Rouen for the top of your journey.
I’ve visited each Paris and Rouen as a part of my go to to France this summer season, and I’ve fallen extra in love with Rouen than ever.
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Opinions expressed listed here are the creator’s alone, not these of any financial institution, bank card issuer, resort, airline, or different entity. This content material has not been reviewed, accepted or in any other case endorsed by any of the entities included throughout the put up.
