Alright, so Rouen. Heard a lot about it, seen the pictures, you know the drill. Figured I’d go see what the fuss was all about. Landed there, and honestly, my first thought was, “Okay, now what?” It’s one thing to read about historical places, another to actually be there and try to soak it in without just ticking boxes.
My First Blundering Steps
So, the first day, I did what most folks probably do. I grabbed one of those tourist maps. You know, the ones with all the “must-see” spots highlighted. I started walking, aiming for the big names. Saw the Gros Horloge – yeah, it’s impressive, a big clock, hard to miss. Then I shuffled over to the Cathedral. Stood there, craned my neck, took the obligatory photos. It’s huge, no doubt. Lots of history. But I felt a bit… disconnected. Like I was just looking at old stones, not really getting the place.
I tried following a “historic walk” suggested in some guide. It led me past a bunch of old buildings, plaques on walls. I read them, nodded, and moved on. But it all felt a bit like a museum exhibit, you know? A bit too curated. I was walking, seeing, but not really experiencing.
Changing Tactics: Just Wandering
By the afternoon, I was a bit frustrated. This “follow the numbers” approach wasn’t working for me. So, I decided to just ditch the map for a bit. I just started walking. No plan. If a street looked interesting, I went down it. If I saw a little alleyway, I’d peek in. This is when things started to change for me.
I found myself in quieter streets, away from the main tourist throngs. I saw buildings that weren’t famous, but they had character. Little shops, people going about their day. I stumbled upon a small square with a few locals just chatting on a bench. That felt more real.
What I started doing was this:
- Early Mornings: I got up before the city fully woke up. Walking around then was magical. The light was different, it was quiet. I saw the city before it put on its “tourist face.” This was when I really appreciated the architecture, the cobblestone streets.
- Sitting and Watching: I’d find a bench, maybe grab a coffee from a local spot, and just watch. Watch people, watch the light change on the buildings. You pick up a lot just by observing.
- Getting Slightly Lost: Best way to discover things, honestly. I wouldn’t go too far off the beaten path initially, but enough to find those little hidden gems. Turns out, Rouen has a ton of these half-timbered houses tucked away.
- The Market Vibe: I made sure to visit the Place du Vieux Marché not just for the Joan of Arc connection, but to see the actual market. The food, the smells, the chatter. That’s the pulse of a city.
What I Actually Enjoyed
So, after a couple of days of this “less plan, more explore” method, I found my groove. The Musée des Beaux-Arts was genuinely good, I spent a good few hours there, not rushing. And walking along the Seine, that was pretty relaxing too. But it wasn’t just the big sites. It was the feel of the place I started to connect with.
One thing I really started to appreciate was the sheer number of churches. Not just the main cathedral. Tiny ones, big ones, all with their own atmosphere. I didn’t go into all of them, but just noticing them, the architecture, it added to the whole medieval vibe of the city.
And the food! Forget fancy restaurants for every meal. I found some great little bakeries and casual spots just by wandering. A good pastry and a coffee can make your whole day.
My Takeaway
So, for Rouen, my advice, if you can call it that, is to not overschedule. Yes, see the big things, they’re famous for a reason. But then, put the checklist away. Walk around. Get a little lost. Sit down and just be there. That’s how I felt I really saw Rouen, beyond just the postcard views. It’s a city with layers, and you only find them if you give yourself time to peel them back a bit. Took me a day or so to figure that out, but once I did, my whole experience changed. It wasn’t just about “what to do” but “how to be” in the city.
