View of Rouen City - View of Rouen City, Welcome to Rouen, Capital of Normandy
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The Ultimate Guide: What to See in Normandy, France

Daydreaming of quaint, cobblestone streets, majestic cathedrals, and lively markets alongside exquisite countryside? All this and more can be found in Normandy, France's beautiful northwest province. Take in the region's iconic character while enjoying a relaxing stay at Radisson Blu Hotel, Rouen Centre. While you are preparing to uncover its secrets, here are a few ideas on how to spend your days.

09 May 2023 4 min to read

Explore Remarkable Rouen

Rouen, the city of 'a hundred spires' as Victor Hugo famously described it, is so called due to its Medieval buildings, including the highest cathedral in France standing over 150 meters tall. With its rich cultural heritage, it is easy to see why Rouen is named the capital of Normandy.

Looking for some of the best spots in the city to see on a day trip and some interesting tales?

  1.  The Gros Horloge: Take a look at the 14th-century astronomical clock where under the arcade, you will find beautifully carved angels. There is one angel with an upside-down head and the legend says that it’s the work of one of the sculptors who considered himself poorly paid and in revenge, made this 'mistake'.  
  2.  Rue Saint-Romain: Head to this street and if you look closely, you’ll see not much has changed since the Middle Ages – step into history and spot the grooves from carriage wheels still visible in the cobblestones. The half-timbered houses are also perfect to take a snap from your trip. 
  3.  Rue aux Ours: Here you can spot at the bottom of one of the buildings a small plaque showing the height relative to sea level.
Blog images - Welcome to Rouen, Capital of Normandy - For History and Culture Lovers
Blog images - Welcome to Rouen, Capital of Normandy - For History and Culture Lovers
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What to Eat in Normandy

Normandy is also known for its delicious local produce. Do not leave the region without tasting a few specialties!

  1. Teurgoule dessert: a traditional dessert similar to rice pudding, slow-baked 
  2. Norman cheeses like Camembert or Neufchâtel
  3. Apple juice or cider – if you're a fan, why not visit the nearby cider factory Ponpon
  4. Chocolate - visit the Auzou chocolate shop and take home the traditional 'Larmes de Jeanne d’Arc' (tears of Joan of Arc), chocolates created to symbolize Rouen's history
Norman Local Food - Welcome to Rouen, Capital of Normandy
Blog images - Welcome to Rouen, Capital of Normandy - apple cider

Stroll through Honfleur

  1. The center of Impressionism: when in Normandy  if you want to get the full experience, you can't but also visit Honfleur, a charming old port town and the birthplace of impressionism at just 1-hour drive from Rouen. And truly, its old, rich buildings, all nestled so close to each other, beautifully reflect the rich colors into the water, naturally inspiring an artist to recreate the romantic setting.
  2. Saint Catherine's wonderful wooden church: did you know that the town’s 15th-century Saint Catherine's church is entirely made out of wood? Make sure you pay this historic church a well-deserved visit while you are there.
  3. Elegant seaside resorts - Deauville, Trouville, and Cabourg: if it is the epitome of French chic you are after, then head to the seaside resorts of Deauville, Trouville, and Cabourg; their glamorous buildings and villas, alongside the sandy, golden beaches showcase a distinctive old-time richness.
Blog images - Welcome to Rouen, Capital of Normandy - Honfleur
Blog images - Welcome to Rouen, Capital of Normandy - Honfleur

A Day Trip from Paris

Why limit yourself to two beautiful destinations when you can enjoy more? Only an hour and a half from Paris by car or 1 hour by train, Rouen is an easily accessible destination and the perfect day trip from one of the world's most loved capitals. Travel from one of our hotels in Paris to explore France's stunning northwest.

Whatever you choose to do, Normandy and its quaint cities and towns are always going to be a must-see; so discover this one-of-a-kind province's secrets and peculiarities, past and present, while making yourself at home at Radisson Blu Hotel, Rouen Centre.

Related tags: Europe & CIS , France , Rouen , Radisson Blu Hotel, Rouen Centre
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