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 nearly at all times full of tourists.
However if you happen to’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.
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 Great thing about Rouen
Rouen is dwelling to the second largest variety of listed buildings in France (Paris took first place), but unlike Paris, all the primary points of interest 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 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 great thing about Rouen! It is gorgeous.
With regards to motels, we’re staying within the Mercure Hotel Rouen Centre Cathedrale, and I couldn’t suggest it any extra.
I don’t often suggest chain motels, 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 is no such thing as a resort nearer!
As an added bonus the resort additionally boasts among the finest chain resort 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 midst of October (based mostly on two folks sharing a room) the speed can be $144 per night time.
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.
It is a state-of-the-art interactive museum devoted to Joan D’Arc, and you progress by way of large 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 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 embellished 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 best in France and it’s the 4th tallest church on this planet.
Enjoyable truth: Richard the Lionheart beloved Rouen a lot that his coronary heart is buried within the cathedral.
Lastly if you happen to’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 dwelling to a WW2 themed escape room expertise!
You’ll be able to go to all of those points of interest in at some point, however if you would like time for enjoyable, lingering in avenue cafes, and basic people-watching then enable 2 days.
Rouen’s Laid-Again Perspective
Rouen is a comparatively small metropolis that’s recognized for its relaxed and laid-back perspective.
You received’t discover the identical hustle and bustle right here that you’d in Paris, however you will see that that the persons 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.
Victor Hugo described Rouen as “town of 100 spires” which says every part that you must know concerning the views actually.
If you happen to’re trying to get pleasure from 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 get pleasure from a 2 middle 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 season, and I’ve fallen extra in love with Rouen than ever.
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Opinions expressed listed below are the writer’s alone, not these of any financial institution, bank card issuer, resort, airline, or different entity. This content material has not been reviewed, authorized or in any other case endorsed by any of the entities included throughout the submit.