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If 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 sort of at all times full of holiday makers.
However for those who’re in search of 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 unbelievable 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 sights are comparatively shut collectively, making it extremely simple to discover on foot.
In truth, regardless of Rouen’s glorious 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 appears 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 motels, we’re staying within the Mercure Hotel Rouen Centre Cathedrale, and I couldn’t advocate it any extra.
I don’t normally advocate chain motels, however the location simply can’t be overwhelmed. You step exterior 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 best 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 course of October (based mostly on two folks sharing a room) the speed could 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 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 simply 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 means of big digital exhibition rooms that inform the story of her life and loss of life.
The room known 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 couple 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’ll be able to add on a ticket to the L’aitre Saint-Maclou too. That is round a 3-minute stroll away and is an enchanting if macabre place to discover.
The sq. right here was used as a plague pit and the wood frames of the constructing are adorned with skulls, bones, and different reminders of the time. It’s properly value the additional couple of dollars and the additional jiffy 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 town and its most iconic spot. Its tallest spire is the very best in France and it’s the 4th tallest church on this planet.
Enjoyable reality: Richard the Lionheart beloved Rouen a lot that his coronary heart is buried within the cathedral.
Lastly for those who’re not all historical past’ed out then go to the Tour Jeanne d’Arc. That is an imposing tower that was constructed in the beginning of the 13th century, however now it’s house to a WW2 themed escape room expertise!
You’ll be able to go to all of those sights in in the future, however in order for you time for enjoyable, lingering in road cafes, and normal people-watching then permit 2 days.
Rouen’s Laid-Again Perspective
Rouen is a comparatively small metropolis that’s identified for its relaxed and laid-back angle.
You received’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 nearly not possible 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 it’s worthwhile to know concerning the views actually.
When you’re trying to take pleasure in a neighborhood delicacy as you dine, then Rouen is known for its Canard a la Rouennaise, it is 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 practice takes 1 hour half-hour and costs begin from $8.
It’s completely possible to take pleasure in a 2 heart 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 time, 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, accredited or in any other case endorsed by any of the entities included inside the put up.