DAY TRIP: ROUEN
Rouen is the capital of the northwest region of Normandy, and just an easy hour and a half train ride away from Paris. I found it to be lively and charming, with shops and restaurants spilling out onto cobblestoned streets lined with picturesque half-timbered houses. If you make it to Rouen, here is how I would spend a day in this Norman city:
Once you get off the train, it is an easy 10-minute walk to Musée des Beaux-Arts. Their permanent collection is free, and they have quite an impressive assortment of works. At the time of writing this, the fine art museum had one of my favorite Monet paintings on display (“The Rue Montorgueil in Paris”) and a serene painting by Camille Pissarro (my favorite artist) (“Jardin des Tuileries, effet de neige”).
outside Musée des Beaux-Arts
After spending the morning in the fine arts museum, have lunch at Payiz, a delicious Mediterranean restaurant. If it is open, head over to St. Maclou Catholic Church. If you are not able to go inside, it is still extremely impressive to look at from the outside, and it is surrounded by an adorable square with restaurants.
Next up is Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Rouen, an extremely impressive and commanding cathedral. I could barely fit it in the frame when taking a photo, as it has quite an arresting presence while towering over you! If you are familiar with Monet’s work, he painted a series of 28 pieces of this exact cathedral. Go inside and enjoy a moment of peace!
la Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Rouen
As you walk through Old Town, continue your tour of religious architecture with a visit to St. Joan of Arc’s Church. It is here in this square where she was burned alive at the stake for heresy in 1431. The curves of the church are meant to depict the flames that consumed the patron saint, as well as an overturned longboat (many early Christian churches were designed with a similar shape!)
inside St. Joan of Arc’s Church
Victor Hugo once called Rouen, “la ville aux cents clochers,” (the city of 100 bell towers), and one you must see is called Le Gros-Horloge. End your day here by climbing up the winding staircase of the tower to see panoramic views of the city! Enjoy Rouen!
view from Le Gros-Horloge
