A Romantic Break in Rouen, one of France’s top cities!

Instead of going through the trouble of renting a car, we hopped on the fast train from Paris to Rouen to delve into the cultural delights of the “City of a Hundred Steeples”. With half-timbered architecture, cobbled medieval streets, a buzzing restaurant scene and world-class museums, Rouen is the perfect backdrop to a romantic getaway. So, what are you waiting for? Book your break to Rouen and create your own adventure!

• Why visit Rouen on a romantic getaway?
• Where to stay in Rouen?
• What to See & Do in Rouen for couples?
• Where to eat in Rouen?

Why visit Rouen on a romantic getaway?

Looking for a solid combo of sustainable travel options, convenience, novelty, discovery and fun on your next city break? Well, Rouen ticks all the boxes!

Steeped in history, Rouen offers a fascinating peek into medieval Normandy. Located on the banks of the river Seine, the picturesque city is bursting full of heritage buildings, including the gothic Cathedral painted by Claude Monet, the Palais de Justice, the Gros Horloge clock tower or the spooky Aître Saint-Maclou to name a few of its famous landmarks. No matter the time of year you choose to visit you will be able to fully appreciate the beauty and wonder of the historic streets. Rouen is also a compact city so it’s easy to walk around. Going car-free means you’ll be able to pack even more into your day, take in the sights and discover hidden gems!

WHERE TO STAY IN ROUEN?

The beautifully preserved medieval city of Rouen has something to interest every lover of history. Whatever historic era it is that brings you to Rouen, you’ll find the right accommodation to unwind with a sense of heritage in mind!

Blending ageless character with modern comfort, the 5* Hotel de Bourgtheroulde and its enchanting Spa du drap d’Or made it to the top of our list for a dreamy night’s sleep in Rouen. This jewel of Renaissance architecture is located right in the heart of the city and features a 700 m² wellness spa which includes one of the most beautiful indoor swimming pools in Normandy! Needless to say the heavenly hot tubs, sauna, hammam and duo massages to relax added some extra magic to our romantic escape.

Location : 10 minutes walk from Rouen Train Station

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Une publication partagée par HDB • Hôtel de Bourgtheroulde (@hoteldebourgtheroulde)

The riverside city has a huge choice of accommodation, from boutique hideaways to cosy B&Bs. In the city’s premier location, facing Rouen Cathedral, the Mercure Rouen Cathedral ticks the boxes for atmosphere and privacy. The hotel features 125 rooms including 4 suites and is situated within easy walking distance of Rouen’s top attractions. One to keep in mind for our next trip!

Our handpicked selection of accommodation for an overnight stay in Rouen :

• Hôtel littéraire Gustave Flaubert
• Le Vieux Carré
• B&B La Boulangerie

Things To See & Do in Rouen For Couples

Whether it’s a landmark landscape by an impressionist master or something a little more à la mode, Rouen’s thriving art scene offers just about everything you might be after. For a uniquely immersive arts experience, head to the fine art museum – Musée des Beaux-Arts de Rouen – which features an array of works from Le Caravage, Rubens, Degas, the Duchamp brothers, Véronèse, Fragonard, Ingres, Modigliani, Velasquez or Géricault. With an emphasis on Impressionism, the museum boasts a substantial collection of works by the Impressionist masters including Monet, Renoir, Pissaro, Caillebotte, Sisley and Degas.

A city as old as Rouen is filled with treasures from the past! Located a stone’s throw from the museum, set in a pretty area of the city, Rouen’s Antique District is devoted to antiques and collectibles, with concentrations of antique dealers and shops dense enough to please the most avid antique hunter! Dealers frequent the district knowing it is the best place to find quality antiques and interesting artefacts. Every visitor who makes a bargain deal will understand why Rouen is France’s 3^rd city for antiques and vintage shopping! For a good old rummage, stroll Rue Damiette lined up with authentic timbered houses, vintage boutiques, and art galleries. While you’re there, don’t miss the stunning architecture of the Saint-Ouen abbey and the Saint-Maclou church, true symbols of the city and its history.

In the bustling streets of Rouen, nothing tells the city’s story better than it’s iconic landmark: the Great Clock lays on a Renaissance arch spanning the busy street of rue du Gros-Horloge, dominated by its gothic belfry. It houses one of the oldest clock mechanisms in Europe and a climb to the upper terrace offers a 360° panoramic view of the city’s roofs and of the Rouen Cathedral in the distance.

As we enjoy eating and sampling delicious food in Rouen, we thought some calorie burning cycling adventure would adds a different flavour to our trip! We decided to rent a bike at Cy’clic to explore the banks of the Seine river on a self-guided tour which took us off the beaten track. On this occasion we just cycled a short section of the 400 km Seine à Vélo cycling itinerary linking Paris / Le Havre – Deauville which runs through Rouen!

shopping IN Rouen

• The main market at Place Saint-Marc, on Tuesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday (local producers market over the weekend)
• Vegan’Osh: Slow cosmetics, a place for vegans in Rouen
• Le Marché du Robec (and it’s sister company L’épicerie du marché): fresh, local and seasonal produce from local farmers
• Les torréfacteurs normands: coffee roasted in Normandy

Where to eat in Rouen?

You’re about to experience a restaurant scene that offers the ultimate journey of taste sensation; from independent modern food to authentic French cuisine, it’s all here:

For time travel back to the 1900s, make your way to Pascaline, the Bistrot comptoir, a local institution since 1880! The charming decor invites you to retreat and unwind in its vintage brasserie atmosphere while you sample traditional Norman gastronomy.

Like the sound of organic restaurants with seasonal, local produce? Then you’ll love Flore, which serves quality ingredients, all-organic– and seriously tasty – dishes, including mouthwatering flexitarian and vegan options!  It’s boasts a pergola and an open kitchen too.

Finally, if you are looking forfully gluten free eateries, Hygge is the place to go to treat yourself to a special meal with a heavy focus on organic and seasonal food, prepared by two “chef” sisters in the kitchen!