Final Up to date
Whenever you consider France, you in all probability consider Paris.
Sadly, so does each different vacationer heading to the nation of croissants and tradition. Which implies Paris is sort of all the time full of holiday makers.
However should you’re in search of a French metropolis with a extra genuine and laidback vibe that’s nonetheless filled with 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 house to the second largest variety of listed buildings in France (Paris took first place), but unlike Paris, all the principle points of interest 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!
In the event 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 seems like stepping again in time.
I’m typing this from my lodge room in Rouen, my second journey to this magnificent metropolis.
However that doesn’t imply I’m biased after I discuss the fantastic thing about Rouen! It is beautiful.
With regards to lodges, we’re staying within the Mercure Hotel Rouen Centre Cathedrale, and I couldn’t advocate it any extra.
I don’t often advocate chain lodges, however the location simply can’t be crushed. You step outdoors the doorway and also you’re standing in entrance of town’s iconic Notre Dame Cathedral. There isn’t any lodge nearer!
As an added bonus the lodge additionally boasts among the finest chain lodge 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 could 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 believe it’s an incredible place to discover.
If you wish to take a historic tour of town, then I like to recommend that you just 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 means of big digital exhibition rooms that inform the story of her life and loss of life.
The room referred to as the Salle de l’Officialite within the museum is the precise room the place Joan was tried and condemned to loss of life 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 children. 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 a captivating if macabre place to discover.
The sq. right here was used as a plague pit and the picket frames of the constructing are adorned with skulls, bones, and different reminders of the time. It’s effectively value the additional couple of dollars and the additional jiffy to test it out!
In the event you solely go to one attraction throughout your time in Rouen, then make it the Notre Dame Cathedral. That is the image of town and its most iconic spot. Its tallest spire is the best in France and it’s the 4th tallest church on the planet.
Enjoyable truth: Richard the Lionheart beloved Rouen a lot that his coronary heart is buried within the cathedral.
Lastly should you’re not all historical past’ed out then go to the Tour Jeanne d’Arc. That is an imposing tower that was constructed initially of the 13th century, however now it’s house to a WW2 themed escape room expertise!
You possibly can go to all of those points of interest in sooner or later, however if you need time for stress-free, lingering in road cafes, and common people-watching then permit 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 will see that 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 Outdated City it’s nearly inconceivable to discover a bar or café that doesn’t have an epic view.
Victor Hugo described Rouen as “town of 100 spires” which says the whole lot it’s essential to know in regards to the views actually.
In the event you’re trying to take pleasure in a neighborhood 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 need to use 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 prepare takes 1 hour half-hour and costs begin from $8.
It’s completely possible to take pleasure in a 2 middle journey, exploring the high-octane vibe of Paris earlier than transferring 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.
↓ Elevate Your Journey↓
Sign Up Now For Travel Off Path Premium! No adverts, VIP Content material, Private Journey Concierge, Large Financial savings, Each day Offers, Members Discussion board & Extra!
✈️Join Our Travel Off Path Community Forum: The place vacationers unite, ask questions, share experiences and even discover like-minded journey buddies!
SUBSCRIBE TO OUR LATEST POSTS
Enter your e-mail tackle to subscribe to Journey Off Path’s newest breaking journey information, straight to your inbox.
This text initially appeared on TravelOffPath.com
Opinions expressed listed below are the creator’s alone, not these of any financial institution, bank card issuer, lodge, airline, or different entity. This content material has not been reviewed, permitted or in any other case endorsed by any of the entities included throughout the submit.