Originally published on September 19, 2025.
One of the coolest things about Rouen is how the half-timbered medieval houses are everywhere. Around Saint-Maclou, they even form a complete circle of crooked beams and colorful facades. If it weren’t for all the iPhones, you’d swear you’d stepped straight into the 15th century.
We strolled past the Palais de Justice, a stunning Gothic building with elaborate stone carvings. Once the seat of the Parliament of Normandy, it’s now the regional courthouse—proving the French really do serve justice with style.
For lunch, we broke from the plan and ducked into a chain Mexican restaurant. Not exactly Norman cuisine, but surprisingly tasty for a little change-up.
Our final stop was one of Rouen’s symbols: the Gros Horloge, or “Great Clock.” This astronomical clock dates back to the 14th century, and its mechanism is one of the oldest still in working order in Europe. The golden dial spans more than two meters across, showing not just the time but also phases of the moon and days of the week. The arch it sits on has guarded Rouen’s main street for centuries—like the city’s heartbeat, still ticking away.
Big road trip news coming tomorrow…
