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When you consider France, you most likely consider Paris.
Sadly, so does each different vacationer heading to the nation of croissants and tradition. Which means Paris is nearly all the time full of holiday makers.
But when 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 unbelievable place to go to within the Fall.
Here’s why:
The Beauty of Rouen
Rouen is residence to the second largest variety of listed buildings in France (Paris took first place), but unlike Paris, all the primary sights are comparatively shut collectively, making it extremely straightforward to discover on foot.
In reality, regardless of Rouen’s wonderful tram and bus system, I’ve by no means wanted to make use of public transport!
If 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 lodge room in Rouen, my second journey to this magnificent metropolis.
But that doesn’t imply I’m biased after I speak about the great thing about Rouen! It’s gorgeous.
On the topic of accommodations, we’re staying within the Mercure Hotel Rouen Centre Cathedrale, and I couldn’t suggest it any extra.
I don’t normally suggest chain accommodations, however the location simply can’t be crushed. 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 top-of-the-line 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 (primarily based on two individuals sharing a room) the speed can be $144 per night time.
History 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 an incredible place to discover.
If you need to take a historic tour of town, then I like to recommend that you simply begin on the Historial Joan D’Arc.
This is a state-of-the-art interactive museum devoted to Joan D’Arc, and you progress by enormous digital exhibition rooms that inform the story of her life and dying.
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 dying 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 individual you possibly can add on a ticket to the L’aitre Saint-Maclou too. This 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 wood frames of the constructing are adorned with skulls, bones, and different reminders of the time. It’s properly price the additional couple of dollars and the additional couple of minutes to test it out!
If you solely go to one attraction throughout your time in Rouen, then make it the Notre Dame Cathedral. This 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 earth.
Fun reality: Richard the Lionheart beloved Rouen a lot that his coronary heart is buried within the cathedral.
Finally when you’re not all historical past’ed out then go to the Tour Jeanne d’Arc. This is an imposing tower that was constructed in the beginning of the 13th century, however now it’s residence to a WW2 themed escape room expertise!
You can go to all of those sights in at some point, however if you would like time for enjoyable, lingering in avenue cafes, and common people-watching then permit 2 days.
Rouen’s Laid-Back Attitude
Rouen is a comparatively small metropolis that’s recognized 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 will discover 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 Old Town it’s nearly not possible to discover a bar or café that doesn’t have an epic view.
Victor Hugo described Rouen as “the city of a hundred spires” which says all the things it is advisable know concerning the views actually.
If you’re trying to take pleasure in an area delicacy as you dine, then Rouen is legendary 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 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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This article 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, accredited or in any other case endorsed by any of the entities included throughout the submit.
