Gastronomy

Gastronomy is a living heritage in Rouen today, and has been an integral part of the city for centuries. As the second largest city in the Kingdom of France from the ^12th century onwards, the city’s prosperity has contributed to the development of this culture of gastronomy and the arts of the table. Stroll through Rouen’s two main food districts, go food-picking with a chef and enjoy the stalls overflowing with cheeses, seafood and sweet delicacies at the city’s markets. Gastronomic heritage is at the heart of the new experiences on offer, and a reflection of the destination’s creativity. Norman cheeses, crème fraîche, scallops, cider, Calvados, Pommeau… these are just some of the Normandy specialities that are still a hit. Rouen’s chefs work in the traditional way, revisiting them with delight. Drop intoone of the many restaurants that liven up the city and enjoy!

Rouen à Table! is a major gastronomic event held every year in October. Celebrating Rouen, the only French city to be awarded the UNESCO Creative City label for gastronomy, the event showcases the culinary arts in all their forms. For several days, the city is transformed into a vast field of gustatory discoveries: exceptional dinners, workshops, gourmet rallies, demonstrations and meetings between chefs, craftsmen and producers with the Fête du Ventre and Norman gastronomy. Rouen à Table! is an invitation to share flavours, showcase local produce and combine tradition and creativity. Open to all, it brings together restaurateurs, shopkeepers, hotel schools and local partners, while opening up to the world through exchanges with the UNESCO Creative Cities network.

Ever been on the fruit trail? In a loop of the Seine, between Notre-Dame-de Bliquetuit and Duclair, stretch colourful orchards where apple, pear and cherry trees benefit from a particularly favourable microclimate. Grab your basket – you can buy fruit “at the gate” – and talk to the growers. At the entrance to the city since 1969, the Marché d’Intérêt National de Rouen (MIN) is an essential logistics hub dedicated to the distribution of fresh food products, serving the region. By supporting local production, it encourages short supply chains and dynamic local shops. Usually reserved for professionals, the MIN is now open to the public, with special guided tours.

The Club des toques brings together Rouen’stop chefs and craftsmen, all of whom are experienced and keen to help people discover theFrench art of tasting. So it’s easy to find a list of top gourmet restaurants!

Apples, apples… but not only apples! Of course, cider is the Norman drink par excellence. Numerous producers open their orchards and cider mills to introduce you to the making of this local beverage, which is now enjoyed as an aperitif or with meats and, of course, desserts. Pommeau, aged in oak, is a Norman aperitif made from cider must and Calvados. Drink it chilled! And for lovers of malt and hops, Normandy also brews its own history: craft beer is booming here, driven by local breweries that combine traditional know-how with regional creativity.

A beer in a church? Lunch in a jewel of medieval art? In Rouen, gastronomy is inextricably linked to the rich presence of historic monuments. Take a seat on the Place du Vieux-Marché, surrounded by timber-framed houses, and enjoy thelively atmosphere of this historic district with a drink on the terrace.

In the heart of the historic city of Rouen and its charming surrounding communes, you’ll find a rich diversity of markets, where the very essence of local tradition and culture comes alive in a profusion of flavours and hidden treasures. The stalls are brimming with colourful fresh fruit and vegetables, local artisanal products and, of course, second-hand goods dealers selling a thousand objects steeped in history!