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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 at all times full of tourists.
But in the event you’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 unimaginable place to go to within the Fall.
Here’s why:
The Beauty of Rouen
Rouen is dwelling 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 straightforward to discover on foot.
In reality, regardless of Rouen’s glorious 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 seems 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 once I speak about the fantastic thing about Rouen! It’s gorgeous.
On the topic of lodges, we’re staying within the Mercure Hotel Rouen Centre Cathedrale, and I couldn’t advocate it any extra.
I don’t often advocate chain lodges, however the location simply can’t be overwhelmed. You step exterior the doorway and also you’re standing in entrance of the town’s iconic Notre Dame Cathedral. There is not any lodge nearer!
As an added bonus the lodge additionally boasts probably the greatest 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 folks sharing a room) the speed could 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 a tremendous place to discover.
If you need to take a historic tour of the 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 means of large 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 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. This 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 embellished with skulls, bones, and different reminders of the time. It’s effectively value the additional couple of dollars and the additional jiffy 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 the town and its most iconic spot. Its tallest spire is the very best in France and it’s the 4th tallest church on the planet.
Fun reality: Richard the Lionheart liked Rouen a lot that his coronary heart is buried within the cathedral.
Finally in the event 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 dwelling to a WW2 themed escape room expertise!
You can go to all of those sights in in the future, however if you need time for stress-free, lingering in avenue cafes, and basic 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 one can find 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 Old Town it’s virtually 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 every thing you’ll want to know in regards to the views actually.
If you’re seeking to take pleasure in 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 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 take pleasure in a 2 middle journey, exploring the high-octane vibe of Paris earlier than shifting 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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This article initially appeared on TravelOffPath.com
Opinions expressed listed here 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, authorized or in any other case endorsed by any of the entities included inside the put up.