Rouen has a small-town feel and a selection of chic boutique properties, like the impressive Château de Belmesnil | Courtesy of Château de Belmesnil / Expedia.com
Trace the River Seine north and you’ll eventually come to the Normandy city of Rouen. Medieval houses and Gothic churches pepper the cobblestone city, including Cathédrale Notre-Dame, which was famously painted by Monet.
Rouen isn’t a big city when compared to other French regional capitals, providing it with a small-town feel and more family-run restaurants, cafés and inns rather than large chains. Support local businesses by choosing one of these boutique properties, complete with picturesque courtyards and gourmet cuisine.
This 15th century listed building may appear to blend in seamlessly with historic Rouen,courtesy of its cobbled courtyard, wrought-iron lamps, and chateau-like spires. However, its interiors straddle the centuries, thanks to a neon-backlit pool and hot tub, built-in white wardrobes, and pop-art canvases. In the double guest room, you’ll even find Fight Club-era Brad Pitt staring out broodingly from the walls.
A half hour drive east of Rouen’s city centre comes this regal six-hectare estate dating back to the 18th century. Its ten stylish rooms include four suites with king size bed, bath tub, and espresso machine. Although there’s no restaurant on site for lunch or dinner, you’ll be well served for breakfast options with a generous continental fare, including a selection of jams, fruit and freshly baked goodies.
The Cappelini family describe their restored countryside offering as a “gourmet escape”, which hints at the mouth-watering focal point of this welcoming manor on the banks of the Seine. Your Italian hosts welcome you to share evening meals at the family table, while cooking lessons even allow you to help out with the recipes. Fresh vegetables, like aubergine and tomatoes, are grown in the Cappelini’s cherished garden.
Surrounded by the Roumare Forest that is home to wild boar and deer, this offbeat manor house comes with the advantage of a peaceful leafy setting while remaining just a 15-minute drive away from the centre of Rouen. The bold pink wallpaper, gold-framed portrait paintings, and stag head wall mount ensures the place retains much of its 18th century quirks.
Hotel Le Cardinal faces the Notre-Dame Cathedral, a location that affords all 15 of its rooms a decent view of the Gothic structure from the window. Rooms are fresh and minimal with neutral tones, parquet floors and provide just the basics: WiFi, a small desk, and a flat-screen TV. Not that much time will be spent in the room anyway because its central location make it easy for you to discover all that Rouen has to offer. The hotel’s address is on a pedestrian-only street, meaning no noise from traffic at night.
In a classically Norman half-timbered house, Le Vieux Carré provides a homely, bed and breakfast feel in a serviced hotel. Its 13 rooms are each decorated with a different motif – some floral, some colourful, and others more subdued. Their salon de thé offers a tea service from a well-curated selection (rotated every six months) and home-made baked goods are served in their charming courtyard terrace from 3:00 pm to 7:00 pm. If tea isn’t your thing, they have fresh pressed juices and hot chocolate on offer as well. There’s also a restaurant, open for lunch only, with an extremely well-priced menu and home-cooked dishes.
Les Initiés is a convivial spot combining a laid-back bar with inviting rooms, some of which are lucky enough to have a view of the neighbouring and ornate Palais de Justice. Owners Christelle and Phillippe provide a warm welcome, whether you’re just stopping by for a pint in the pub, a bite to eat on their street-side terrace, or looking for a place to spend the night. A continental breakfast is served daily as part of your stay.
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