The city of Rouen, on the banks of the River Seine, is the northern French region of Normandy’s vibrant and historic capital. Famous for its art and unique medieval architecture, this region offers fantastic cultural experiences and gourmet food. So if you’re looking to spend some time learning French, what better place than here?

Getting around

Normandy is served by three international airports – Paris Charles de Gaulle, Paris Orly and Beauvais International Airport – with daily flights coming in from all over the world, as well as by the Eurostar train from London and Belgium. Thanks to the region’s excellent transport connections, getting to Rouen is easy – it’s just over an hour’s train ride from Paris, and can also be reached by coach or car.

Things to do

Normandy has no shortage of amazing places to visit. In Rouen, a must-see is the impressive 14th century Gros Horloge (Great Clock) tower, and a trip wouldn’t be complete without visiting Rouen Cathedral, one of the best examples of Gothic architecture in France and which inspired the painter Monet. Much of Rouen is pedestrianised, making it perfect for wandering around its charming cobbled streets surrounded by quirky architecture. And there’s plenty to do, no matter the season. In spring and summertime, Jardin des Plantes is an oasis just outside the city centre, where the gardens are almost always in bloom. In winter, the Rouen Christmas Market is well worth a visit. This event sees over seventy market stalls set up in the cathedral square, and includes a giant ferris wheel, as well as a fantastic ice skating rink.

Safety

Normandy is generally a safe region to visit, and Rouen is mostly peaceful and trouble-free. However, as with any travel destination, it is always important to be aware of your surroundings and keep an eye on your valuables.

Costing of living

With so much to offer, you might expect Normandy to be very expensive. But it’s actually reasonably affordable. For example, a meal for two in a mid-range restaurant costs around €45. There’s also plenty of local produce in the region, including cider and beer, which are not only delicious, but very cheap at the supermarket. Local transportation is also reasonable, with a one-way ticket costing only a couple of euros and during the weekend all the public transport is free.