Normandy’s capital, Rouen has plenty to shout about. The immense Gothic cathedral, completed in the 16th century, is so imposing that it was immortalized in several Monet paintings. During the Gallo-Roman era, it was the second most important city, after Lyon, then Lugdunum. Between the 11th and 15th century, it was an Anglo-Norman capital and in the 15th century, Joan of Arc was imprisoned and burnt alive here. Rouen suffered extensive bombing during WW2, but has been lovingly rebuilt, and is now a hub for opera, theater and art galleries.
Most of Rouen’s sights are perennial and can be visited at any time of year. Summer has the best weather, but when French schools are on holiday (July and August), accommodation prices tend to be higher. In the winter months, the plethora of galleries and museums keep visitors busy, and December welcomes a vast Christmas market with typical regional produce.
Rouen has two subway lines which form a fork and link much of the city. There are also trams and buses, and transport is inexpensive, at €1.60 per trip. If you’ve got time, explore on foot. The River Seine runs through the city center on its way from Paris to the English Channel, and pedestrian walkways follow much of the riverbank.
Arrive hungry! Rouen has an excellent gastronomy scene and there are several Michelin starred restaurants to try (we particularly recommend L’Odas in the heart of the old city).
Regional delicacies include ‘larmes de Jeanne d’Arc’ (Joan of Arc’s tears), which are grilled almonds covered in chocolate, and Rouen duckling, which is cooked in red wine, port or brandy, and thickened with blood.
