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Rouen on a Budget: 5 Days of Charm and Culture

Discover the charm of Rouen without breaking the bank.

22 June 2023

Rouen, France is a charming medieval city with a rich history and stunning architecture that makes it perfect for budget travel. You can visit the stunning Gothic cathedral, explore the winding streets of the old town, and sample local delicacies at affordable cafes. To save money, consider staying at a budget hotel or Airbnb, and take advantage of free walking tours.

Travel plan

• Check into the budget-friendly Hotel des Carmes in the historic quarter.
• Grab a coffee and croissant at Au Grain d'Orge before walking around the old town's cobbled streets.
• Visit the Gothic masterpiece of Rouen Cathedral, which inspired Monet's series of paintings, and pay a silent homage at the tomb of Richard the Lionheart.
• Walk down to the Vieux Marché and see the modern church at the spot where Joan of Arc was burned at the stake.
• Have a casual dinner at La Forge, a cozy bistro serving traditional Normandy cuisine since 1957.

• Start the day with some fresh macarons from the charming patisserie La Maison d'Antan.
• Visit the Musée des Beaux-Arts to admire the impressive collection of European paintings, including works by Caravaggio and Rubens.
• Take a break at the Jardin des Plantes, a peaceful botanical garden founded in 1691.
• Discover more about local history at the Musée de la Céramique, displaying delicate porcelain creations made in Rouen in the 17th and 18th centuries.
• Get lost in the picturesque rue Eau de Robec, lined with colorful half-timbered houses from the medieval times.

• Hop on a train to Vernon and then a short bus ride to the enchanting village of Giverny, where Monet lived and painted for 43 years.
• Explore the exuberant gardens that inspired some of his most famous Impressionist masterpieces, such as the Water Lilies series and the Japanese Bridge.
• Visit Monet's house, which has been turned into a museum showcasing his paintings, furniture, and personal belongings.
• Enjoy a peaceful lunch at the charming Le Jardin des Plumes, a Michelin-starred restaurant serving innovative cuisine with local produce.
• Don't forget to buy some souvenirs from the quaint shops selling handmade pottery, flowers, and local honey.

• Start the day with a strong espresso and buttery croissant at the retro-chic Cafe Félix.
• Visit the Marché Saint-Marc, a lively covered market selling fresh fruits, cheeses, meat, and seafood, as well as vintage posters and antiques.
• Have a decadent lunch at Gill, a Michelin-starred restaurant famed for its inventive takes on classic French dishes, such as foie gras with a cider jelly and sea bass with a spiced carrot puree.
• Walk around the trendy boutiques and galleries in the Rue Damiette and the Rue des Arts.
• Indulge in some creamy Norman cheeses and a glass of red wine at Le 28, a cozy wine bar with a convivial atmosphere.

• Take a bus or rent a car and drive to the stunning village of Lyons-la-Forêt, surrounded by dense forests and charming half-timbered houses.
• Have a peaceful walk around the village square and discover the church of Saint-Denis, one of the oldest in Normandy.
• Explore the nearby Fontainebleau forest, known for its impressive sandstone rocks and scenic hiking trails.
• Visit the Château de Fleury-la-Forêt, a beautiful 18th-century mansion that used to belong to the writer Gustave Flaubert.
• Have a farewell dinner at La Couronne, a historical inn that claims to be the oldest restaurant in France, and savor some of the most traditional dishes of Normandy cuisine, such as oysters, mussels, and apple tart.