Rouen ?? What to see?

[joan1]

:)Hi, considering a daytrip to Rouen. Found cheap tickets ( 20 euros return) and ride appears to be direct and less then 1.5 hrs each way( therefore checking the cheap and not too far away boxes).. but now, for timing.

What exactly is there to see in Rouen. I know Joan of Arc was burned there, and I am into that sort of history( was born Catholic, middle name is Joan,, and was told all about her as a child on my grandmothers knee,, isn't that sweet,, named after a girl burned as a witch.. nice story for a 6 yr old, LOL) but what else is there to see and do there?/ Is 5 or 6 hours enough time, or is it too much. Since I will be alone lets not count on 3 hour lunches,, and I am not much of a shopper.. I do like wandering about, churches, museums, and parks.

Is Rouen a good idea, I have done many of the obvious daytrips, and am not interested in wineries or vineyards. Any other ideas?

Thanks

[Shoesy]

Hi Joan ! Gitte took a trip to Rouen in September so she can tell you about it. She hasn't posted a TR about it on her website yet.

[GitteK]

Rouen is super. Worth 2 days. Tripreport will not come around until later, but Rouen is very much worth it. Easy transport from Gare St. Lazare. Easy town to walk about in. Lots to see.

I recommend:
www.hotel-de-la-cathedrale.fr/

It doesn't get any more central than this and amazing rates.

I had the lovely pastel blue room at the 3rd floor (no elevator). And they keep a very fine tri-coloured kittycat who oversees the breakfast room !

[geordy]

We did the one day back and forth by train bit several years ago and it was a lovely day.

Just enough to fill the time....the Market Square where she was burned(eerily I could "feel" a presence) , a small museum there, new church, charming center city, walk around the edge of town where I recall a tower or "keep", and a nice lunch.

I'm sure Gitte will add much more.... ;D

[GitteK]

geordy, I had a very strong feeling of her presence as well. In fact it brought tears to my eyes to suddenly (unexpectedly, actually) find myself at the place of the stake. Very emotional, also the modern church erected in her honour.

Gosh, I had better get that tripreport done !!

[travelluver]

Hi Joan,
I lived in Rouen for 1 1/2 years and enjoyed it.
There are three museums in the city. The Beaux Arts,
Glass/Ceramics, and Ironworks. The first two I think
are quite nice, small enough to get around in a short amount
of time. I believe the Arts museum is having a special exhibit
this Spring/Summer, sorry I can't remember exactly what it's on,
but when I read of it, I thought it would be nice to see. The ironworks museum has mostly what you would think (too many keys for me!), if that's your interest, you may wish to check it out.
I can send you some restaurant recommendations if you like, feel free to email me. In addition to the hotel Gitte mentioned, there are one of two others I can also give you info on if you wish. We needed to spend 6 weeks in hotels before our apartment was ready to I remember them well!

[Truffaut]

I don't particularly agree with Gitte that there's enough to fill two days, but then again she gets into a lot of detail that just doesn't do it for me. I'm more of an impressionist

The cathedral is, of course, superb. I also recommend that area around the town square. It's very picturesque and there are plenty of cafes, restaurants, etc. There's also some very nice shopping at prices considerably less that Parisian boutiques.

Rouen makes a nice two-day trip combined with Giverny.

[cigalechanta]

You must see the cathedral of Notre-Dame that Monet made famous by his many renditions
The Museum of Antiquities(rue Beauvoisine) is an old monastery sheltering beautiful objects
from Roman Rouen and earlier.

[GitteK]

More superb than the cathedral is Abbaye de St Ouen, IMO.

Loved the little museum for wrought iron and locks, Musée de la Sérrurerie - and the cityhall, which has a beautiful salle des marriages.

Yes, I guess I am into details. I would have become an excellent "Nature Morte" painter in the 17th century, working for hours and hours on getting the light reflection in the skin of one little, stupid grape just perfect ! LOL !

[joan1]

Thanks so much,, I wish I could exalt more people at once,, its very frustrating this waiting about... LOL

I had toyed with the idea of going to Bayeux instead,, but that would be an overnight, and the hotel I looked at wanted 132 euros a night, ( which is in my opinion too much) , plus I would have elected to take the tour to MSM and D Day beaches,, which meant my 2 day little trip would end up costing me hundreds of euros.. definately a trip I want to do, but later , when hubby comes and he will drive a rental car!

So ,, all these great ideas for Rouen are great. I think I would like to go to St Malo too,, bascially, I want to go everywhere and do everything and have it all cost a dollar..LOL

[gertie]

Gitte, can't wait to see your reports on Rouen. I've had my eye on it ever since I saw a travel video about it back in the 80s.

Oh, wanted to add in, there is a faience pottery place called "Fayencier Augy" in Rouen I have read about where you can watch them making the beautiful, hand-painted pieces and I have thought that might be fun to see and to browse their shop.

[GitteK]

I enjoyed my 2 days in Rouen tremendously - and "Hôtel de la Cathedrale" is a total gem. Of course you can go to Rouen on just a daytrip, but there's more than enough to see and do (and eat !) for 2 days. I'd love to go back some day.

You are welcome to click and see Travel Diaries and more photos, if you like:

Travel Diary Rouen Day I

Travel Diary Rouen Day II

[holger]

;D
Loved Gitte's blog and descriptions of Rouen. The pictures made me feel I was right there. Gitte, you don't happen to have the name of the shop with all the kitty pictures do you?

The architecture of the houses and the half timbering made me feel that it would be walking through the streets of a fairy tale.

[Jody]

Gitte, I've just spent a de;lightful hour reading your blog. Your reports are always so interesting and humorous. Wish we'd spent more than a few hours in Rouen now. I'd go just for the meals!!

[Shoesy]

;D Amazing reports, for which I have exalted you, Gitte !

[geordy]

Merci Gitte for taking me back to Rouen! I was only there on a day trip but it was certainly worthwhile.....but I do agree it is nice to spend at least a night and have the place to yourselves when the day tourists depart! And see the night lightings..like in your gorgeous cathedral shot!

Now I've got to continue my Joan Odessey and get to Orleans..maybe next year!

Different topic but in your last two days I enjoyed your handbag shopping and am glad you splurged..though now too much! ..and got a bag you love and use! We are so worth it!!!! ;D

Yesterday I stopped by a Longchamps boutique here to check out new styles and note some prices for comparison. I kind of overwhelmed myself when the sales person asked if I was looking for something specific and I told her basically the above but prefacing it with "I'm going to be in Paris in a little over a week"...and I had to stop and say "D%$# that sounds good! She , and the security guard, sgreed!

[GitteK]

Bon Voyage, geordy ! Maybe next year I'll get to see you - if I can afford to go to Paris. Yikes, this home owner business is a KILLER for a travel lover !!!

[geordy]

Thanks Gitte, a week from today! ;D

Yes I was getting used to those Sept. OPFGT lunches!!! Someday soon I hope!

I would sympathize with your fewer trips to Paris(I know how hard it has been for me to go from 4 times a year to2 ) but I haven't seen any evidence yet!!!!!!!!!

[Darcy]

Thank you, thank you, Gitte for this wonderful trip report!

Food, cathedrals and shopping - what more could a woman want!

[joan1]

Gitte, I loved your photos,, and yes, I loved Rouen terribly , and do wish I had at least overnighter there myself.

Next time.