Vacation Packages and Tours to Normandy, France

Discover Normandy's Wonders

A vacation to Normandy is sure to dazzle travelers with its memorable people and places that have influenced the history of Europe and the world. It is perhaps most famous as the site of the D-Day attack in World War II. Much of the area was destroyed or damaged during these operations and today you can tour numerous attractions that commemorate the events that took place. The Caen Memorial houses a small museum and is located just ten minutes from the WWII Landing Beaches. Another famous piece of Normandy history is the story of Joan of Arc, France's national heroine. It was in a square in the Normandy city of Rouen where she was burned at the stake, and the Musee Jeanne-d'Arc showcases her life, as well as her personal politics and accomplishments.

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Description

With a history dating way back, “the city of a hundred spires” is an old settlement that saw its most prosperous days during the Middle Ages. This is not only where the famous author Gustave Flaubert lived, but also the city where Joan of Arc was convicted and burnt at the stake in 1431. Rich in art and history, Rouen today has approximately 500,000 Rouennais living in the city and urban area. Because of all the students living here, the city remains lively both day and night. The countryside offers an even more relaxing atmosphere; Rouen and the surroundings are full of history and places to discover. With Paris only a 90 minute drive away, it's easy to come here for a short trip even if you chose the French capital as your main base. If you choose to explore the surrounding areas, there are many daily excursions to go on. You can visit Monet’s home in Giverny, which is one example of a popular attraction outside the city. Another interesting site is Jumièges Abbey, the ruins of a Benedict monastery, that can be found in Jumièges.

Useful information

Population:

Rouen: 111,000 Urban area: approximately 500,000

Currency:

Euro (EUR) €1 = 100 cents

Emergency Info:

Police: 17
Ambulance: 15/112
Fire Brigade: 18

Opening Hours:

Shops are generally open all day from Monday to Saturday between 8/9am-6.30/7.30pm. Smaller shops are open from Tuesday to Saturday and close for lunch between 12.30pm-2pm.

Do & See

Abbaye de Saint-Wandrille

Abbaye de Saint-Wandrille is a Benedictine monastery located in a small, delightful little village close to Rouen. There is an active monastic community inhabiting the abbey, which lives a frugal and humble life following the order of St Benedict. In an effort to raise funds to support the community and building maintenance, the monks even brew their own beer for sale - the only place in France where an operation of this kind is conducted within monastery walls. The monastery grounds hold well-preserved Medieval ruins.

Aitre St-Maclou

The courtyard of Ecole of the Beaux-Arts is both fascinating and slightly eerie, yet a beautiful place. This ancient cemetery was historically used for plague victim burials, although little speaks to it in the present. The building around it dates back to the 14th century. It's a great starting point for your sightseeing tour.

Beaux-Arts Museum of Rouen

Founded by Napoleon I, the Beaux-Arts Museum of Rouen contains an extensive collections dating back to the 15th century, with its collection of paintings constituting particular interest. Some of the biggest names whose work adorns museum walls include celebrated masters such as Rubens, Van Dyck, Caravaggio, Diego Velázquez, David, Renoir, and, of course, Monet, who lived and worked in a village not too far from here.

Biotropica

Just north of Val de Reuil you can find Biotropica, a park full of exciting animals and a tropical greenhouse. This is the perfect place to bring the children for a daily excursion and some great fun.

Cathedrale Notre-Dame de Rouen

With its striking Gothic architecture and beautiful stained glass, this historic cathedral is Rouen's primary attraction. Inside the cathedral you can find the tomb of Richard the Lionheart. Notable trivia: the cathedral was struck by lightning several times over the centuries, resulting in various degrees of damage.

Château Gaillard

This fortress was ordered to be constructed by the legendary Richard Lionheart. It boasts spectacular views over the Seine River and will keep both adults and kids entertained while exploring the area. The château still stands 8 centuries after its inauguration, and is a major attraction despite the grim stories of its involuntary residents.

Claude Monet's House and Gardens

The well-known impressionist Claude Monet lived in Giverny his whole life. Today, you can visit his house and the very gardens that gave him inspiration to paint some of his most famous pieces of work.

Courthouse of Rouen

With a mix of architectural styles (with a heavy Gothic influence), this beautiful building is a must-see when in Rouen. Palais de Justice was restored after World War II, but is today just as glorious as it was in the 16th century. Entry isn't open to the public, but do pay a visit to the courtyard area.

Dining

Bar à Huîtres

Located at the heart of Rouen's central market is the Bar à Huîtres, a casual bar serving up some fantastic fresh seafood and oysters at extremely reasonable prices.

Brasserie Paul

The oldest brasserie in Rouen, Brasserie Paul still opens its doors daily in the historical part of town. This cosy restaurant offers classical dishes of the French cuisine, down to snails and foie gras.

Gill

Claimed to be one of Rouen’s best kept gourmet secrets, Gill offers splendid food in a stylish setting. Food lovers and gourmands can sit back and enjoy a selection of tasting menu dishes in the Norman gastronomic tradition. This reputable establishment was awarded 2 Michelin stars for culinary excellence.

Ho Lamian

Tucked away in one of Rouen's historic streets is this beloved Chinese eatery serving up noodles (lamian) made fresh on-site with a traditional accompaniment of meat or vegetables, served as a soup, curry or regular main.

La Petite Auberge

Snails in different types of sauces are the speciality of La Petite Auberge. If you are interested in trying these French delights and many more, you can do so at this traditional cosy restaurant, offering a selection of set menus at different price points (starting at €20).

La Rose des Vents

At La Rose des Vents you can have a great meal in a relaxed atmosphere that will make you feel just like home – if your home happens to be packed with vintage memorabilia, that is: this restaurant used to be a vintage store, and little has changed in its decor. Worth a visit!

Le Cap'Tain

Restaurant Le Cap'Tain is a casual affair frequented by after-work gathering enthusiasts, not least for its attractive menu of juicy burgers. Come for a relaxed meal, drinks, and karaoke (Thursdays after 9.30pm, weekends on request).

Le Kaboul

If you want to try some genuine Afghan food you can visit Le Kaboul, a cozy restaurant located in the heart of Rouen. The friendly staff will invite you to join a culinary journey through Afghanistan and ensure you have a great experience at Le Kaboul.

Cafes

Citizen Coffee

Citizen Coffee is a cool, hip café located right in the middle of Rouen. Here you can rest your legs after a day’s touring while sipping on a good cup of coffee and having something to eat (they offer light snacks for breakfast and lunch). The outdoor seating are is a summer favourite.

Dame Cakes

The café Dame Cakes is housed in a historic building dating back over a century. Here you can have a great afternoon tea with cakes and other small goodies in an elegant setting.

La Cornaelle

This tiny creperie serves an extensive amount of galettes (buckwheat crepes) with sweet and savoury fillings, from the classic egg, cheese and ham combination to calvados dessert flambees. The tiny outdoor terrace gets packed very frequently.

Maison Yvonne

An artisan cafe with a wide selection of baked goodies, pastries and cakes in close proximity to the main train station. It's excellent for grabbing a coffee and pastry on-the-go, or even treating yourself to a little something refined, like a macaron or miniature eclair.

Bars & Nightlife

Delirium Café

The international franchise has recently beaten the world record for the sheer number of beer varieties on offer, boasting a total of 3162. The Rouen instalment doesn't quite offer the same variety, and yet still plenty of tap and bottled beers to last you well into the night. Located right next to the Gros Horloge.

La Boîte à bières

If you are a beer devotee, you will probably love La Boîte à bières. This bar has a wide range of imported beers and whiskeys, to choose from. You can also grab a snack if you are hungry and join in on the quiz and karaoke nights.

Le Saxo

Le Saxo tops the list of Rouen's music bars. Here you can enjoy some great drinks while listening to live music of various genres. Live jazz is played on some Thrusdays, and most Friday & Saturday nights see further live performances.

Le Vicomté

Spread over five different floors, this cool bar also offers dancing and dining. Here you can have a few drinks in a relaxed and sophisticated atmosphere while listening to some soft tunes.

Les BerThoM

With its location in close proximity to the old market square, Les BerThoM is hard to miss, and it would have been a shame – with its regular rotation of tap beers and jovial vibe, its an easy nightlife favourite for a night of casual fun.

Shopping

Auzou Le Chocolatier Normand

Auzou is the Rouen address for sophisticated chocolate creations, elegant sweet treats, and a colourful abundance of macarons that come in an incredible variety of flavours.

Bouchara

Drop by Bouchara and find the perfect gift for loved ones who have a penchant for home design. The store stocks a wide variety of decor items, in stylish designs to suit any taste.

Galeries Lafayette Rouen

Galeries Lafayette Rouen is the place to go shopping for warm, winter clothes or lovely summer ones. Hats, bags, coats, watches - shop for yourself or for your loved ones. The department store is know for the high quality of its goods and reputable brands represented.

Markets

Rouen is especially known for its markets; there is at least one available each day. Two of the most famous ones are the markets at Place Saint Marc and Vieux Marche. Place Saint Marc is open every Saturday and Sunday and you can find everything from clothing to flowers here. At Vieux Marche you can buy great local deli foods like cheese, meat and vegetables.

Printemps

Printemps is another well-known French department store stocking well-respected brand clothing and accessories of reliable quality. Do you have a party to attend? Stop by Printemps and pick out the perfect clothes, and dress to impress.

The Body Shop

The brand known worldwide, The Body Shop, has a branch in Rouen. Drop by and get lost in the amazing smell of the different bath and body products. Purchase your favourite fragrance and some makeup for yourself or for your significant other.

Zadig & Voltaire

If you are in France and want to get an insight into local street fashion, stop by this store and find yourself among elegant, forward clothing and accessories, for both men and women. Zadig & Voltaire is located in the heart of Rouen.

Tourist Information

Best Time to Visit

Rouen is at its most pleasant weather-wise during spring, summer and autumn. The last weekend of May sees the city centre transformed into an old Medieval town to mark the annual Joan of Arc Festival, with abundant thematic entertainment. Nearing Christmas time, Rouen puts on a fine Christmas market that charms with its fairytale-like setting among half-timbered houses. In the summer, Rouen sets the scene for an annual Armada that attracts many thousand visitors.

Passport / Visa

France can be visited visa-free for up to 90 days by citizens of Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, Malaysia, Israel, UAE and most countries in America. If you are unsure whether or not you need to apply for a visa, we recommend contacting the embassy or consulate in your country. International (non-Schengen) travelers need a passport that is valid for at least 3 months after the end of their intended trip in order to enter the Schengen zone. Citizens of Schengen countries can travel without a passport, but must have a valid ID with them during their stay.

Airport

Aéroport Rouen Vallée de Seine is located 9 kilometres from Rouen and is one of the most important airports in Normandy. Bus number 13 operates between the airport and Rouen. You can find the bus stop about 500 meters from the airport. www.tcar.fr You can also take a taxi. A selection of taxi companies: Radio Taxi +33 235 88 50 50 Vit Taxi +33 235 61 20 50 At the airport you can also find several car rental companies. A selection of car rental companies: Europcar +33 232 08 39 09 www.europcar.fr Hertz +33 232 10 01 22 www.hertz.fr Other airports near Rouen, with both International and domestic flights, are Beauvais-Tillé Airport and Deauville - Saint-Gatien Airport . Paris is located approximately 130 kilometres from Rouen. If you arrive at Charles De Gaulle Airport in Paris you can reach Rouen with the Intercity Train from Gare Saint Lazare Station.

Public Transport

Rouen is relatively small, so if you enjoy riding bike, this is a great way to discover the town. The first half-hour is free, and the additional time will be charged from your account. There are about 20 bicycle stations located around the city centre. www.cyclic.rouen.fr If you do not want to ride a bike you can use the bus or metro. A single ticket is valid for one hour (travelling only on the TAE or VTNI lines). Single tickets can be bough from the bus driver. You can also buy your ticket from TIP agencies, at the stations and online. www.crea-astuce.fr

Taxi

It is not difficult to find taxis around the city centre. There are about 11 stations throughout the city. The White Taxis: +33 235 61 20 50 taxisblancs@laposte.net Radio Taxi de Rouen: +33 235 88 50 50 Ride sharing apps, such as Uber, are also in common use in Rouen.

Electricity

220/240 V, 50 Hz

Pharmacy

You can find several pharmacies in Rouen. La Grande Pharmacie du Centre:

Post

There are several post offices around Rouen. Stamps are available from kiosks and newsagents. Post Office:

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the must-see attractions in Normandy?

Normandy is home to the iconic Mont-Saint-Michel, the historic D-Day landing beaches, and the charming port town of Honfleur. The city of Rouen, with its stunning Gothic cathedral, and the picturesque cliffs of Étretat are also top attractions.

When is the best time to visit Normandy?

The best time to visit Normandy is from late spring to early fall, particularly May to September, when the weather is mild and outdoor activities are more enjoyable. However, visiting in June can be particularly poignant if you're interested in D-Day commemorations.

What local dishes should I try in Normandy?

Normandy is famous for its creamy Camembert cheese, apple cider, and Calvados, an apple brandy. Be sure to try the local seafood, especially mussels and oysters, as well as the traditional dish of 'Coquilles Saint-Jacques' (scallops).

How can I get to Normandy from Paris?

Normandy is easily accessible from Paris by train, with services running to major cities like Rouen, Caen, and Le Havre. Alternatively, you can drive, which takes about two hours to reach Rouen, offering more flexibility to explore the region.

How many days should I spend in Normandy?

To fully experience Normandy's highlights, plan to spend at least three to four days. This allows time to explore the D-Day beaches, visit Mont-Saint-Michel, and enjoy the region's charming towns and culinary offerings.

What are some recommended day trips from Normandy?

From Normandy, you can take a day trip to the Loire Valley to explore its stunning châteaux or visit the vibrant city of Paris. Another option is to explore the nearby Brittany region, known for its rugged coastline and unique culture.

What is the best way to get around Normandy?

Renting a car is the most convenient way to explore Normandy, as it allows you to visit remote areas and travel at your own pace. However, regional trains and buses are available for those preferring public transport, connecting major towns and cities.

Trips

Paris and Normandy Escapade

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