Trifter

After the runaway success of the Cruise Passengers’ Guide to Le Havre, I am wondering if visitors to Rouen, will be keen to follow in the footsteps of a guide, less familiar with the area, but equally adventurous.

Barges and a River Cruise Boat docked on the River Seine at Rouen.

The Seine River Cruise Boats dock on the right bank of the Seine, that is on the north side of the river. This is the ideal starting point to discover the city, in fact closer to the Cathedral Notre Dame, than for visitors arriving by train. On the south bank, opposite the quay where the cruise boats dock, there is a parking for camper vans, and when I was there, it was FREE!!! Many cities in France do provide facilities for persons touring in camper vans, and in this instance very close to the town center. Arriving by train is still a good option, with the station about one kilometer north of the river.

The Tomb of Rollon

The interior of the Cathedral Notre Dame boasts the tomb and sculpture of Rollon, reached by any of the streets that venture north from the quay, from where the cathedral is visible. The other landmark visible from the quay is the new Flaubert bridge, reached by walking west from the cruise boats. A pleasant stroll along a traffic free embankment.

The Flaubert Bridge

West of the Cathedral Notre Dame is the tourist office, and close by, is the Rue du Gros Horloge ( The Street of the Large Clock).

Rue du Gros Horloge

Walking westwards, the street passes under the clock, to the Place du Vieux Marche ( Old Market Square).

Place du Vieux Marche

Around these streets are the restored timber buildings of a bygone age.

Rouen

I enjoyed a hot chocolate and granary bread at the Paul, rue Jeane d’ Arc, and an Indian meal at the Punjab in the rue des Bons Enfants. There are two fast food restaurants in the area, Quick and Macdonalds. For an extravagant meal the restaurants in the Old Market Square can increase calories and decrease funds adequately…. Some midweek lunch menus still offer good value, but the evenings and weekends are always more expensive. In the last few years Japanese restaurants have mushroomed, with several in the center of Rouen… The Irish Pub is also a big hit with the French and Rouen has quite a few Pubs… If a bar does not serve food they may allow you to bring your own sandwiches, but do ask. Not all bars are happy about customers eating their own food on their premises!!!!!!!!!!!

River Cruise Boat