Rouen

Rouen’s intricate but foreboding Gothic Cathedral, in its beautiful medieval quarter, is one of this historic city’s main attractions. The cathedral inspired Monet to paint numerous canvases, Richard the Lionheart’s heart is kept in one of the tombs and Joan of Arc was burned in the main square in the 15th Century. This is also where Gustav Flaubert was born. And many of the best places to stay in Rouen are in or very close to the historic centre of town.

Our Guru’s pick of the best places to stay in Rouen tend to be smaller, independent hotels or family run B&Bs.

Rouen is only around an hour and a half drive from Paris, and around two hours from the EuroTunnel, so many visitors will arrive with a car - but park it up, this is a perfect sized city for exploring on foot, or by bike.

Some of the city’s other highlights are

• its impressive art gallery with its Monets, Renoirs, Sisleys and Caravaggios,
• the Gros Horloge - or Great Clock, which has a gilded medieval clock with one hand atop a Renaissance archway,
• and the wonderfully macabre architecture and decoration of the Aître St-Maclou - once a plague cemetery.
• Rouen also has an impressive ceramics museum and numerous beautiful churches and abbeys.

Not all of Rouen has been as well preserved as the cathedral, and the city did suffer bombing during WW2. The impressively Gothic law courts are a restoration of the 16th Century original.

The city is a popular destination, so if you're planning a visit, get organised and reserve your bed in one the best places to stay in Rouen now!

For central location

• La Boulangerie is a charming B&B with just two rooms and one suite, which sleeps four. It is, as its name suggests, in the top floors of a half-timbered bakery, so as well as wooden beams and stone floors, there’s also fresh bread for breakfast!
• The Hotel le Cardinal Is a 15 room B&B with stunning views over the cathedral. The rooms are modern and elegant, and some have private balconies. As well as being close to the cathedral you’re also in the heart of town, by many of the main sights and plenty of restaurants, cafes and boutiques.

For period style

• Le Clos Jouvenet is a historic manor house B&B, offering four stylish rooms and a pretty self contained cottage, which is perfect for longer stays.

Still not sure which is the best place to stay in Rouen for you?

• Browse through our list of all the best places to stay in Rouen,
• expand your search to include the best places to stay in Normandy,
• or contact one of our friendly Gurus for advice.