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If 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 nearly at all times full of tourists.
However when you’re searching for 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 unbelievable place to go to within the Fall.
Right here’s why:
The Fantastic thing about Rouen
Rouen is residence 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 straightforward to discover on foot.
The truth is, regardless of Rouen’s glorious tram and bus system, I’ve by no means wanted to make use of public transport!
For those who 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 lodge room in Rouen, my second journey to this magnificent metropolis.
However that doesn’t imply I’m biased after I speak about the great thing about Rouen! It is beautiful.
With regards to inns, we’re staying within the Mercure Hotel Rouen Centre Cathedrale, and I couldn’t suggest it any extra.
I don’t normally suggest chain inns, however the location simply can’t be overwhelmed. You step outdoors the doorway and also you’re standing in entrance of town’s iconic Notre Dame Cathedral. There isn’t a lodge nearer!
As an added bonus the lodge additionally boasts top-of-the-line chain lodge breakfasts I’ve ever eaten.
I paid £149 ($190) per evening for our keep in August, for a household of 4. For a 2-night keep in the midst of October (primarily based on two individuals sharing a room) the speed can be $144 per evening.
Historical past In Rouen
Rouen is the proper 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 town, then I like to recommend that you just begin on the Historial Joan D’Arc.
This can be 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 demise.
The room known as the Salle de l’Officialite within the museum is the precise room the place Joan was tried and condemned to demise in 1431.
Entry costs 11 euros per person ($12) or you will 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 possibly can 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 nicely price the additional couple of dollars and the additional couple of minutes to test it out!
For those who 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 very 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 the beginning of the 13th century, however now it’s residence to a WW2 themed escape room expertise!
You possibly can go to all of those points of interest in at some point, however if you would like time for enjoyable, lingering in road cafes, and normal people-watching then permit 2 days.
Rouen’s Laid-Again Angle
Rouen is a comparatively small metropolis that’s recognized for its relaxed and laid-back perspective.
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 Outdated City it’s virtually unimaginable to discover a bar or café that doesn’t have an epic view.
Victor Hugo described Rouen as “town of 100 spires” which says every part you have to know in regards to the views actually.
For those who’re trying to take pleasure in 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 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 tip 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, 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 put up.