Rouen is a city of sights, and it’s not hard to see why. With its cobblestone streets, historical architecture and half-timber houses that line its backstreets, Rouen is one of the most photogenic cities in northern France. It’s also an important historic city with a rich past. The town was founded by the Romans in the first century AD, and remained an important military stronghold against such enemies as the Vikings and the English during the Middle Ages. Today, you can explore those old medieval streets and learn about Rouen’s fascinating history wherever you are.
Plan your trip to Rouen
If you’re planning a trip to the French city of Rouen, you’ll need to do a little research first. Rouen is a favourite with tourists, and so you’ll want to avoid peak times to ensure you get a visit without the crowds. Rouen’s main attractions are spread throughout the city, but you’ll also find a few highlights within easy reach of the capital. Rouen’s cathedral is a top attraction in the city. Like many cathedrals in France, it’s been a focus of many events over the centuries, including the signing of the Declaration of the Rights of Man and Citizen in 1789. Find out more about the cathedral’s impressive architecture and history before exploring the city’s many other sights. Rouen is also home to a number of museums and art galleries, making it a good base to explore the city’s culture. The city’s best parks and gardens are also within easy reach of Rouen, making it a good city to relax after a busy day exploring its sights.
Visit the cathedral
The cathedral of Rouen is the 11th-century church that is the city’s most famous building. Its construction began during the Norman invasion of Rouen in the 10th century and took about 200 years to complete. Norman kings, bishops and aristocrats are buried in the cathedral’s impressive crypt. The cathedral also contains some of Rouen’s most important art, including a famous 12th-century stained-glass window and the sculpture Song of Isildur, which depicts King Arthur’s sword Excalibur as it was taken from the Lady of the Lake. The cathedral is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and a visit to Rouen is not complete without a visit to its ancient walls.
Enjoy a coffee in a café
Coffee Cafés are a great way to meet locals and enjoy a cup of the local brew. You can find them in all the city’s historic centres, including the Place Rouen-Car Rouen. This part of the city is full of half-timber houses, and the coffee shops are a great way to explore the area without a guide. There are also plenty of options in Rouen’s city centre, particularly around the train station. You can enjoy a coffee at one of the many sidewalk tables or in a café, some of which also offer light meals. You can also find a variety of cafés that serve a variety of international cuisines.
Stroll through the city centre
Rouen’s city centre is a must-see, and you can get the most out of your visit by walking through the centre of the city. You’ll find many half-timbered houses and streets that are lined with cafes and shops. The main streets of Rouen are also home to many of the city’s museums and art galleries, including the Musée des Beaux-Arts and Musée d’Histoire des Sciences. You’ll find many restaurants in Rouen’s city centre that offer lunch menus for under 10 euros or, in many cases, for under 5 euros. You can also find many budget hotels and hostels near the city centre.
Sample some local cuisine
Rouen is known for its crêpes, and there are several places to enjoy this classic French treat in the city. One of the most popular is L’Aubergiste, which serves crêpes filled with delicious local fruit and cream. Another Rouen favourite is bouillabaisse, which is a traditional Seine River fish stew consisting of a variety of fish, shellfish and vegetables. You can also find local dishes at many of the city’s inexpensive restaurants. If you’re looking for a more formal dining experience, you can also find many world-renowned restaurants in the city.
Relax at one of the city’s parks or gardens
Rouen is home to several large parks and gardens that are a great place to relax and take in some of the city’s sights. The Parc Georges-Herbert is home to a number of statues, including one of Rouen’s most famous residents, Charles de Gaulle. You can also find the Musée de Rouen, which is dedicated to the city’s history, in the park. Parc de la Tête-d’Or and Parc de la Halle are two other large parks with green spaces in the city centre that are a great place to relax and take in the sights. If you’re looking for something a little more adventurous, you could also try the Rouen-Étretat canal, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Final Words
Rouen is one of France’s most photogenic cities, and it’s also a historic city with a rich history. It’s worth visiting, and you can experience all the city has to offer with a visit to Rouen. Rouen is a good base for exploring the region, and it has many parks and gardens to relax in.
