6 Things To Do on Your Trip to Rouen
With only an hour and and ten minutes of stunning green landscape separating Paris from this buzzing Normandy city, Rouen is certainly worth a visit. As you catch the first sights of the grand Notre-Dame de Rouen from the train, recognizable by its black and green bell tower looming from a distance, you're only fifteen minutes away from arriving at this medieval city.
Rouen is filled with quirky streets the size of alleyways and Normandy-inspired architecture. The city offers more touristic attractions like La Rue du Gros Horloge, where a lavish clock ticks away above tiny boutiques and commerical stores, or the Musée des Beaux-Arts, hanging out by the Seine River that runs through Paris, Rouen, and beyond.
While the tourist attractions are definitely worth a peek, especially since there won't be nearly as many crowds as in Paris, Rouen is particularly wonderful for strolling and getting lost in the streets. You are guaranteed to stumble upon a store, building, square, or bar that captures your attention instantly. The city is a smaller, medieval Paris. Here are six ways to spend your trip to Rouen.
1. Pick up some bread and cheese from local vendors and picnic on the lawn behind the Monastery of Saint-Ouen. It will feel like you've gone back in time a few hundred years, admiring the incredible details of the monastery while enjoying the sun.
Place du Général de Gaulle. Image Credit: Ytierny
2. Have you been missing cupcakes? The Big Apple Bakery in Rouen is a cozy, welcoming bakery with numerous options for sweets. Order a cupcake garnished with candy or lovely designs, grab a seat in one of the vintage chairs, and enjoy a little taste of America with a French twist. Continue down the street for beautiful scenery.
Image Credit: Melissa Monique Halabe
3. Visit Rouen's modern church, Église Sainte-Jeanne-d'Arc. This curch offers an interesting and different architectural take on a place of prayer. Take some time to also explore the old square just outside. If you're lucky, there may be outdoor vendors selling local produce and sweets.
Image Credit: Frédéric Bisson
Image Credit: Melissa Monique Halabe
4. Have a beer at Delirium Café. Choose between drinking inside the relaxed atmosphere of the bar or outside with a view of the famous golden clocktower and cobblestone streets.
Image Credit: Frédéric Bisson
5. Visit the Le Musée des Beaux-Arts. Visiting museums is a lovely way to get a glimpse of the cultural and artistic beauty each city has to offer. The museum is free for everyone under the age of 26, so profitez! You can enjoy a breath of fresh air at the Square Verdel, a park just in front of the museum.
Image Credit: Nikater
6. Starting in mid October, Rouen will be hosting its annual carnival all the way until January. Ride the ferris wheel and roller coasters amongst Christmas decorations, play arcade games, eat funnel cakes, and hang out in this charming city with other Normands.
Image Credit: Melissa Monique Halabe Image Credit: Melissa Monique Halabe
These are only a few of the many things Rouen has to offer. So hop on a train, get excited, and see the quaint capital of Upper Normandy for yourself!
