This Hidden Gem In France Is More Authentic Than Paris With A Laidback Vibe
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While 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 holiday makers.
However in case you’re on the lookout 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 house 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 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!
In the event 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 discuss the fantastic thing about Rouen! It is beautiful.
With regards to lodges, we’re staying within the Mercure Hotel Rouen Centre Cathedrale, and I couldn’t suggest it any extra.
I don’t normally suggest chain lodges, however the location simply can’t be crushed. You step outdoors the doorway and also you’re standing in entrance of the town’s iconic Notre Dame Cathedral. There is no such thing as a lodge nearer!
As an added bonus the lodge additionally boasts the most effective 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 midst of October (based mostly on two individuals sharing a room) the speed can be $144 per night time.
Historical past In Rouen
Rouen is the right spot for historical past buffs.
As a agency member of the historical past nerd membership, I believe it’s a tremendous place to discover.
If you wish to take a historic tour of the 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 enormous 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 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 interesting 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 nicely price the additional couple of dollars and the additional jiffy to test it out!
In the event you solely go to one attraction throughout your time in Rouen, then make it the Notre Dame Cathedral. That is the image of the town and its most iconic spot. Its tallest spire is the best in France and it’s the 4th tallest church on the planet.
Enjoyable truth: Richard the Lionheart cherished Rouen a lot that his coronary heart is buried within the cathedral.
Lastly in case you’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 house to a WW2 themed escape room expertise!
You’ll be able to go to all of those sights in in the future, however if you would like time for stress-free, lingering in road cafes, and normal people-watching then enable 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 can see 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 Previous City it’s nearly unimaginable to discover a bar or café that doesn’t have an epic view.
Victor Hugo described Rouen as “the town of 100 spires” which says all the things you want to know in regards to the views actually.
In the event you’re seeking to get pleasure from a neighborhood 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 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 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 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 writer’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 publish.