This Hidden Gem In France Is More Authentic Than Paris With A Laidback Vibe

This Hidden Gem In France Is More Authentic Than Paris With A Laidback Vibe


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Once 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 tourists.

However in the event 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.

The Gros-Horloge (Great-Clock) is a fourteenth-century astronomical clock in Rouen, Normandy, France. Architecture and landmarks of Rouen.The Gros-Horloge (Great-Clock) is a fourteenth-century astronomical clock in Rouen, Normandy, France. Architecture and landmarks of 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 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!

The half timber medieval buildings of RouenThe half timber medieval buildings of Rouen

If you happen to 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 resort 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 gorgeous.

With regards to inns, we’re staying within the Mercure Hotel Rouen Centre Cathedrale, and I couldn’t suggest it any extra.

The view from a hotel window in the Mercure hotel in RouenThe view from a hotel window in the Mercure hotel in Rouen
That is the view from my resort window within the Mercure Rouen Centre Cathedrale

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 resort nearer!

As an added bonus the resort additionally boasts among the best chain resort 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 (based mostly on two folks sharing a room) the speed can be $144 per evening.

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 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 via big digital exhibition rooms that inform the story of her life and loss of life.

The Historial Jeanne d’Arc, or Joan of Arc Museum, in Rouen, France.The Historial Jeanne d’Arc, or Joan of Arc Museum, in Rouen, France.

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 will get a reduction ticket for a household of 4 which is 32 euros ($35) for two adults and a couple 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 individual 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 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 value the additional couple of greenbacks and the additional jiffy to test it out!

If you happen to 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.

Notre Dame Cathedral in Rouen, FranceNotre Dame Cathedral in Rouen, France

Enjoyable reality: Richard the Lionheart liked Rouen a lot that his coronary heart is buried within the cathedral.

Lastly in the event you’re not all historical past’ed out then go to the Tour Jeanne d’Arc. That is an imposing tower that was constructed firstly of the 13th century, however now it’s residence to a WW2 themed escape room expertise!

You may go to all of those points of interest in someday, 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 gained’t discover the identical hustle and bustle right here that you’d in Paris, however you will see 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 unattainable to discover a bar or café that doesn’t have an epic view.

Street cafe in Rouen, FranceStreet cafe in Rouen, France

Victor Hugo described Rouen as “town of 100 spires” which says every part you could know concerning the views actually.

If you happen to’re seeking to get pleasure from an area delicacy as you dine, then Rouen is legendary 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.

OBB train in EuropeOBB train in Europe

It’s completely possible to get pleasure from 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 time, and I’ve fallen extra in love with Rouen than ever.

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Opinions expressed listed below 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, permitted or in any other case endorsed by any of the entities included inside the put up.





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