This small French town is located near Paris and is perfect for an autumn getaway. It is much cheaper than the capital city.
If you’re looking for the benefits of France, such as good food, plenty of attractions and entertainment, and the beauty of a charming town, there are many alternatives to Paris.
Rouen, the capital of the northern region of Normandy, is one such alternative, and it doesn’t have the exorbitant prices or the crowds of tourists like Paris, according to Dailymail. Hotel rooms start at just $51 per night, compared to $160 in Paris, the publication noted.
Rouen, located just 90 minutes by train or two hours by car from the capital, offers everything you need for a great trip. In particular, this city is easy to walk around, which means you don’t have to spend time and money on the subway, and it offers just as much history and culture.
With a history dating back to the Middle Ages and a connection to Joan of Arc, Rouen is perfect for history buffs and those who just want to stroll through the ancient cobblestone streets. The writer Victor Hugo called Rouen “the city of a hundred spires,” and even a casual walk through the city center will make it easy to understand why.
There are plenty of things to do in the city, including Notre-Dame Cathedral, the Museum of Fine Arts, and an exhibition dedicated to Joan of Arc.
One of the most beautiful places in the city is the Big Clock. The Big Clock tower housed one of the oldest clock mechanisms in Europe, which operated from the 14th century until 1928.
Another iconic symbol of Paris is the Seine, but you can also find it in Rouen, which is located on the banks of the same river.
There are many observation decks from which you can admire the scenery, such as the top of the city’s watchtower.
Normandy is famous for its gastronomy. It is known for its cheeses, including Camembert, apples with cider, and seafood. The most famous dish in Rouen is “canard à la rouennaise,” which is a dish of duck cooked in various sauces. Local drinks, such as apple juice, cider, pommeau, and Calvados, are also popular. Local beer is also available.
Food markets selling vegetables line the cobbled streets of Rouen. On weekends, visit the Place Saint-Marc, where you can find a flea market in addition to regular market stalls. The Saver Market on Rue Eugène Boudin, which opens on Saturday mornings, offers a variety of local delicacies.
There are also many bakeries in Rouen that sell apple products, and they are especially good in this region. Visiting a bakery won’t break the bank, as prices start at just 2 euros for some items, and smaller local establishments may offer even cheaper options.
