So, you’re wondering about Rouen and what to actually do there, huh? I get it. Before I went, I heard a bit of this and that, some folks raving, others just shrugging. I figured the best way, like always, was to just go and see for myself. No massive itinerary, just my feet and a bit of curiosity.
First Impressions & That Big Cathedral
Landed in Rouen, and yeah, the old buildings hit you straight away. It’s got that look, you know? Half-timbered houses leaning all over the place. My first mission, like pretty much everyone else’s, was the Cathedral Notre-Dame. You can’t miss it; the thing is colossal. I spent a decent chunk of time inside, mostly just staring up. It’s impressive, alright. All that stone, all that history. Monet painted it a load of times, and I can kinda see why. It changes with the light. Still, after a while, a cathedral is a cathedral, if you know what I mean. I’m glad I saw it, ticked it off the mental list.
The Famous Clock and Getting Sidetracked
Next up was the Gros-Horloge. That big astronomical clock. It’s slapped right there in the middle of a busy street, pretty cool to look at. I even paid to go up. The view from the top is alright – lots of rooftops, a bend of the Seine. It’s one of those things you do. Did it change my life? Nah. But it’s a good landmark.
But the thing about Rouen, for me, wasn’t just these big-ticket items. It was when I started to just wander off the main drags. That’s where it got interesting. I’m a big believer in getting a little lost. You always find something.
Finding the Real Vibe
So, I started poking down side streets. And man, that’s where Rouen really started to show its character. All those narrow, cobbled lanes. I found the Place du Vieux Marché, where Joan of Arc met her end. A bit heavy, that history, but the square itself is lively now. There’s a modern church there that looks kinda like a dragon or a Viking ship, pretty wild design. I actually liked it.
What I really enjoyed doing was:
- Just grabbing a coffee at a small café and watching the world go by. The people-watching is top-notch.
- Finding a little bakery and getting something ridiculously buttery and flaky. Simple stuff.
- Walking along the Seine. It’s not Paris, but it’s got its own quiet charm.
- Stumbling upon little antique shops. Didn’t buy much, but looking is half the fun.
I spent a lot of time just ambling down streets like the Rue Eau de Robec, with that little stream running down it. It felt more real, less like a show for tourists. The half-timbered houses there felt less like museum pieces and more like actual, lived-in buildings, even if some looked a bit crooked.
So, My Two Cents on “What To Do”
If you’re heading to Rouen, yeah, see the cathedral, see the clock. They’re famous for a reason. But don’t just stop there. My advice? Give yourself time to just explore with no real plan. Duck into alleys. Sit on a random bench. Try the cider – it’s the local stuff.
For me, Rouen wasn’t about a checklist of sights. It was about soaking up the atmosphere of a really old city that’s still got a lot of life in it. The best things I found weren’t in any guidebook, they were just… there. Waiting to be stumbled upon. That’s how I tackled it, and honestly, I had a pretty good time just figuring it out as I went. Don’t overthink it, just walk around. You’ll find your own Rouen.
