Advice

We'd like to take a moment to briefly introduce you to other points of interest that we weren't able to squeeze into our itinerary. The Maison Sublime is one of Rouen's must-see attractions. Hidden beneath the city's Courthouse, this unique crypt houses the oldest surviving Jewish monument in all of France. It was built around 1100, but only discovered 9 centuries later. No one's quite sure what it was originally used for, but it's undeniable proof of a Jewish presence in medieval Rouen. The visit takes about an hour and admission is subject to a fee. After Joan of Arc and Pierre Corneille, why not follow in the footsteps of yet another great local figure? I’m talking about Gustave Flaubert of course! His childhood home is just a 10-minute walk from the Old Market Square and it’s also a museum dedicated to the history of medicine. What does Flaubert have to do with the medical world, you might ask? For one thing, his father was a surgeon. And two, the family home is right next door to the Hôtel-Dieu pavilion, a former hospital for the poor and needy. So you can learn about medicine from the Middle Ages to the present day, all while exploring Flaubert's family life. And let me tell you, there are some rather unusual old medical tools on display! If you're looking for some green, head to the Botanical Gardens, located on the city's left riverbank since 1840. This 8-hectare green lung is home to plants from all over the world, a 17th-century pavilion, an aviary, tropical greenhouses and an orange grove. For a taste of the city's rural charm, stroll along the Robec River and see the old watermills, standing as a reminder of the city's successful dyeing industry back in the day. Alternatively, explore the rugged beauty of the Sainte-Catherine coast. This 140-metre-high green hilltop offers stunning views over Rouen both day and night, and it's a great spot for a picnic. Fun fact: Claude Monet immortalized this very view in his painting entitled "General View of Rouen." That says it all! If you're coming here by train, be sure to stop by the former home of Ferdinand Marrou, the famous French ironworker with strong ties to Normandy. The building is a masterpiece of carved wood and wrought iron, listed as a historical monument since 1975. Don't let its spooky appearance scare you off – it's truly a hidden gem. Not too far from here, you'll also find the Ceramics Museum. Its impressive collection of over 6,000 pieces offers a glimpse into the history of Rouen's earthenware industry. In case you didn't know, Rouen was a major player in the industry, up until the end of the 18th century. You'll find everything from tableware to impressive works of art, and the free guided tour is well worth your while. For yet another unforgettable experience, we suggest you take the road to Jumièges and marvel at its awe-inspiring white limestone abbey. It has collapsed time and again, hence its open-air nave, and yet it's still considered one of Normandy's most iconic landmarks. Victor Hugo famously called it “the most beautiful ruin in France.” Well, with all this, you've got plenty of things to do, if you feel like staying in the area for a while.