After a delightful weekend in Rouen, here’s my feedback on what I got out of it, what I think I did well and what I think needs improving for a future trip.

You’ll find all the articles about this weekend in Rouen at the bottom of the page.

The destination

Once again, Rouen is a very interesting city that combines several advantages

– Its cultural heritage

– Its proximity to Paris

– Its size makes it easy to visit on foot

– Its own environment, with its proximity to the Normandy coast and its beautiful seaside towns.

Time of year

Normandy’s climate can be mischievous, and visiting a town in the rain is never pleasant. By going at the beginning of May, you start to minimize the risks, even if…

Transportation

From Paris, the easiest way to get around is by train: it avoids traffic jams and its price is unbeatable.

However, it does have a limit: if you want to get out of Rouen to go to Deauville, for example, nothing is easy or really fast by this means of locomotion, and that’s when you may regret not having a car at your disposal. So if you’re only going for 2 or 3 days, it’ll be hard to find the time to go beyond the city center if you’re not totally autonomous.

Hospitality

I didn’t have much choice, but I don’t regret it: the Hotel de Bourgtheroulde really does offer great service in a historic setting.

Restaurants

There are many regions in France where the same can be said, but Normandy is a great place to eat. Maybe not as gastronomic as in Alsace or Lyon, but the local produce is good and so are the local specialties.

In my opinion, the city lacks truly gourmet restaurants and starred restaurants if you’re looking for something exceptional, but there are some very good bourgeois restaurants.

For my part, I really enjoyed my dinner at Les Nymphéas and, in a simpler, more authentic style, at Chez Pascaline. As for Jehanne, I remain circumspect: too much effort put into the packaging and not enough on the contents of the pack.

Any regrets? Not to have tried the local specialty, duck à la rouennaise, aka blood duck or pressed duck.

On the other hand, I was stunned by the number of restaurants that don’t accept online reservations… It’s 2023, guys…

Tourism

A very pleasant town, with a pedestrian-only downtown area that’s a joy to stroll around. I’ll particularly remember the city’s rich Gothic architecture, its typical half-timbered houses and the rich museum of fine arts.

It’s a real mistake not to visit Rouen at least once in your life.

If I had to regret anything, it’s that I didn’t have the leisure to extend my stay with a trip to Deauville or Trouville, but I would have needed an extra day.

Bottom line

A very pleasant weekend in a city whose size makes it ideal for a short stay.

The articles about this weekend in Rouent.

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