Normandy’s major cities

Rouen

45 min

Rouen is probably one of the most beautiful cities in Normandy. The historic centre is magnificent: paved alleys, half-timbered houses, Gothic churches and large lively squares follow each other wherever you walk. Notre Dame Cathedral, painted dozens of times by Monet, impresses at any time of the day. But Rouen is not just a city of heritage: there is also a real life in the streets, good restaurants, terraces, bars and a more lively and lively atmosphere than we often imagine. There are both very good tables and older institutions like La Couronne, one of the oldest restaurants in France, right in front of the Old Market Square. https://www.normandie-tourisme.fr/les-incontournables/rouen/ Video: https://youtu.be/2lxIpBywH_Q?si=G2QIO-y7wjaOzuFx

Our tip. Park in one of the center's large car parks and explore on foot. The Old Marche Market on Tuesday, Friday and Saturday morning is a beautiful animation.

Caen

35 minutes

Caen mix history and daily life with a lot of balance. The castle of William the Conqueror still dominates the city, surrounded by large abbeys founded almost a thousand years ago. But Caen is also a pleasant and lively city, with good shopping streets, restaurants, markets and a relaxed atmosphere. It is a city easy to travel and very pleasant for a more urban day without the hustle and bustle of large cities. The Caen Memorial is one of the most important museums in the region and deserves a visit. https://www.normandie-tourisme.fr/les-incontournables/caen/ video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=424Pu9XGdZE

Our tip. For families, the Bird Hill is also a beautiful green break before returning to the road.

Le Havre

40 min

Le Havre almost always surprises visitors. Completely rebuilt after the war by architect Auguste Perret, the city has a very different architecture from the rest of Normandy: large modern lines, clear concrete, wide avenues and omnipresent light. Its city centre is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. We like or don't like it immediately, but the city has a real personality and a very different energy from Pays d’Auge or Côte Fleurie. The André Malraux Museum of Modern Art, facing the sea, is one of the most beautiful museums in Normandy, and the docks give Le Havre a very special harbour atmosphere. https://www.lehavre-etretat-tourisme.com Video: https://youtu.be/niGjQ65qeyM?si=gnSUB2wJMESbC7tr