Unveil Rouen and Upper Normandy with LES INITIES 2

A special place, assembling a collection of objects associated with the famous French composer in the house where he was born: Claude Debussy's birthplace is located in the historic quarter of Saint-Germain-en-Laye. It was in this 17-century house in the town that Claude Debussy was born, on 22 August 1862, and spent his early childhood. His father ran a china shop on the ground floor. After the composer's death in 1918, it soon became the main gathering place of his many admirers. Once inside, you will discover a wonderful little inner courtyard, where a splendid wooden staircase will lead you up to the museum. The museum, officially recognised as a 'Maison des illustres' ('Houses of the Famous'), displays objects and photographs that help provide a better understanding of the composer's creative process. In fact, Debussy liked to surround himself with objects from different places and artistic movements, which influenced his music. For example, a Japanese lacquered panel, which came from his Parisian mansion, depicting two fish swimming under a willow, musically metamorphosed into 'Poissons d'or', a piano piece (1907). A small museum but a grand tribute to one of France's greatest composers!

Come and spend a day among France's biggest monuments, all in one park! It's bound to appeal to both young and old! Prepare to explore France and its biggest landmarks in just a few hours by visiting the France Miniature park. Set off on a trip through France and discover 117 monuments reproduced at 1:30 scale and in the setting of a five-hectare park set out in the form of a map of France. Admire all of France's most beautiful sites, from Paris' most beautiful monuments in minature form, to Versailles, the Chateaux of the Loire region, the Auvergne Volcanoes, the Arles Amphitheatre, gothic and roman architecture, Normandy, Mont Saint-Michel and more... On this unconventional yet cultural tour you will find out the stories behind many French monuments. An attractions area, based upon the regions of France is also to be found in the park. Find inspiration for your future trips to France at France Miniature!

Located in the heart of Impressionist country, close to Paris, Saint-Germain-en-Laye and Versailles, the serviced apartments of Residhome Carrières La Défense benefit from an outstanding location. The residential hotel is close to the picturesque town centre, restaurants and shops. It is within easy reach of Paris and the business district of La Défense, with fast access to RER A and Transilien rail services. Carrières-sur-Seine is a town with a country feel. For nearly two centuries it has been the charming green backdrop to pleasant walks, with its Parc de la Mairie (a classified "monument historique" site), washhouse, tithe warehouse, troglodyte houses, windmill, etc. Other sites and features in the area include: the Château de Versailles, the Château de Monte Cristo, a ride aboard the Dénicheur, the Impressionist cruise, the Serre aux Papillons (butterfly farm), the Parc Zoologique de Thoiry, and the Club Hippique de la Jonction at Saint-Germain-en-Laye (riding stables - hacking in the national forest), the Golf de l'Ile Fleurie, etc.

In 1228, Saint Louis and his mother Blanche de Castille established the Abbey of Royaumont, today still the largest Cistercian abbey of Ile-de-France. Listed as a historical monument, the abbey has one of the most beautiful examples of Gothic refectory in France. The 7 hectares park, crossed by canals, is labelled "Remarkable garden" by the French Minister of Culture. It has conserved some of its medieval features and today has three gardens: an experimental vegetable garden, opened in 2014, a medieval inspiration garden, and the garden of the monastery transformed into a ravishing French garden in 1912. The abbey is open every day, from 10 am to 6 pm (5:30 pm between November and March). Royaumont Abbey also offers guided visits, heritage and garden activities for children and families every Sunday throughout the year, and holds a music and dance Festival every year in September and October. In 1228, Saint Louis and his mother Blanche de Castille established the Abbey of Royaumont, today still the largest Cistercian abbey of Ile-de-France. Listed as a historical monument, the abbey has one of the most beautiful examples of Gothic refectory in France. The 7 hectares park, crossed by canals, is labelled "Remarkable garden" by the French Minister of Culture. It has conserved some of its medieval features and today has three gardens: an experimental vegetable garden, opened in 2014, a medieval inspiration garden, and the garden of the monastery transformed into a ravishing French garden in 1912. The abbey is open every day, from 10 am to 6 pm (5:30 pm between November and March). Royaumont Abbey also offers guided visits, heritage and garden activities for children and families every Sunday throughout the year, and holds a music and dance Festival every year in September and October.

This little gem awaits you on the Ile des Impressionnistes in Chatou : visit the workshops of the Sequana association ! In addition to the visit of the worshop, short cruises aboard the electric-powered boat "Chloé" are possible in spring and summer. Sequana restores and sometimes buids replicas of the boats used during the boating era: yoles, 'périssoires' (a type of dinghy), canoes and sailing boats. The association also does historical research and takes part in various nautical events and festivals. In Spring and Summer, Chloé, an electric boat, accepts 9 passengers in addition to the pilot and the sailor for a guided tour on the Seine. In times of Covid, cruises are limited to 6 people or 9 if they belong to the same family.

The Fournaise museum proposes a meeting with the artist during a show, punctuated by digital animations and videos, in the middle of the atmosphere recreated by the sets of theaters. of the museum. One hundred years after his death, Renoir is back in Chatou hologram! Familiarly, he tells us about his vision of painting, the harsh criticisms of his contemporaries, his workshop secrets, his loves, his relatives ... and the fertile inspiration drawn from the banks of the Seine. At the time of the first scandals, Durand-Ruel and some amateurs give him a decisive support by buying him paintings. Alphonse Fournaise is one of the first! He ordered his portrait and that of his daughter for 200 francs. For more than ten years, Renoir made frequent stays at home and around Chatou where he painted about thirty paintings. Aged nearly forty, he began the ambitious Breakfast of the Boaters. This painting, painted on the balcony of the Maison Fournaise, is the result of long research. The painter feels then that he has arrived "at the end of impressionism". This great admirer of the masters of the Italian Renaissance dreams of making this work a bridge between Veronese, Raphael and the modern life of his century. Retained at the Fournaise by his painting in 1880, he wrote to Monsieur de Bellio: "You will not regret your trip. It is the most beautiful place around Paris. " To complete your experience in the footsteps of Renoir, go back in time on the Fournaise hamlet thanks to the virtual reality helmets, wander among the characters of the Breakfast of the boaters with the tactile tablets or create your own work according to the master in painting Virtual. In this unprecedented show, technology offers an innovative, fun and surprising approach to an immersive journey in the heart of the painter's Impressionist years in Chatou. - Departures of visits every 30 minutes. Come 15 to 20 minutes in advance. - Duration of the show: about 60 minutes

The Grand Trianon was built in 1687 by Jules Hardouin-Mansart. Thus, the King Louis XIV could escape from all the ceremony of the Court and relax in the company of his concubines. The Grand Trianon is based on the Italian architecture and invites you to poetry and wandering. One little story: the Grand Trianon used to be surrounded by thousands of flowers in pots that were changed every day. Even now, this tradition is carried on every season. The display was amazing: we could admire flowerbeds of all colours and we could smell lots of scents. Thereafter, the Grand Trianon was frequented by Napoleon Bonaparte and the French Presidents.

The Petit Trianon was built between 1763 and 1768 by the architect Gabriel, requested by Madame de Pompadour, mistress then friend of king Louis XV. Mme de Pompadour was the former mistress of the king but still his friend. She was the instigator of this little palace, built by Gabriel from 1763 to 1768 near the botanical gardens and the new menagerie to entertain him with one of his passions : sciences. To please the Marchioness, always aware of the last trend, the architect changed his rocky aesthetics to adopt pure lines and cubic shape. It was the latest architectural style, called “the Greek style”. It is not as simple as it looks like : each frontage is different, built to reply to its surrounding : the Courtyard, the French Garden and its lovely pavilion, the Botanical Garden and the Flower Garden. Even inside we find a modern style. The decoration of the Small Trianon is more simple than the rest of the estate. It is not about materials, you will notice the absence of gold for example, but more about the fineness and elegance of the sculptures dedicate, like the palace, to nature. Sadly, Mme de Pompadour died before the completion of the Palace in 1764. Nowadays it keeps the souvenir of an other inhabitant : Louis XVI made a gift of the Trianon Estate to his queen Marie-Antoinette in 1774. She lived there a distant life from the court, maybe too distant for some of the courtier.

ArrayYour Experience Use Your Passport to Tour the Château de Versailles Your ticket gives you access to the most famous places within the royal estate including the Royal Palace, the Park, Gardens, Marie Antoinette’s Estate, and entry to any exhibitions on show at the time of your visit. If you plan to visit on a Friday, Saturday or Sunday, it’s worth paying the extra €8 for an upgraded Passport ticket, which includes access to the Musical Fountain and Garden shows. Learn About the French Monarchy with the Help of a Multilingual Audio Guide Upon entering the Palace, collect your complimentary audio guide from one of the two pick-up counters located on the ground floor, one at the entrance to the Apartment Ladies and the other at the entrance to the Gallery of Castles. Audio guides are available in 11 languages: Spanish, Chinese, English, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Polish, Portuguese and Russian. Begin your visit by exploring the ornate King and Queen's State Apartments. Learn about the French monarchy and peek into the private lives of the infamous King Louis XIV and Marie Antoinette. Next, make your way to the glittering Hall of Mirrors. Designed to protect the ornate walls and ceilings from smoke, the hall’s 357 mirrors were strategically placed to reflect the light of candles. With just a few flames, the reflection from so many mirrors was enough to light up the whole hall! Explore 250 Acres of Gorgeously Landscaped Lawns and Fountains After admiring the inside of the Palace, head outdoors and take in the grandeur of the estate’s impressive architecture. Stroll along the cobblestone grounds, through the beautiful French gardens, and pass by the gorgeous Versailles fountains. Next, stop by the Estate of Marie Antoinette and discover the life and antics of the Queen at the Petit Trianon. Walk around the Village of the Queen and English gardens, then see where Marie Antoinette built her own house, a Mill, a Preparation Dairy, a Cave, a Belvedere and the magnificent Temple of Love where lovers get engage. At the Carrosses Gallery, travel back in time as you explore carriages, coaches, sculptures and other artifacts left behind by the French Monarch. If you’re short on time and would prefer to skip the long lines, a Versailles skip-the-line entry ticket will allow you to save your time. If you’d like to maximize your time at the palace of Versailles and get a more in depth Castle experience, click here. Each year, it is estimated that approximately 5 million people visit the Palace of Versailles, and between 8 and 10 million people walk its gardens. A place of immense beauty, Versailles stands as a symbol of France’s monarchy and its glorious history.

Listed as a World Heritage Site for 1979 years, the Château de Versailles is one of the finest achievements of 17th century French art. The Château and the Trianon estate are open every day except Monday. The Château opens at 9am, the Trianon estate only opens from 12pm. The Park and gardens are open every day and free of charge (access to the gardens is subject to a charge on the days of the Grandes Eaux Musicales and Nocturnes and during the Jardins Musicaux). Access to the Park only through the Queen's Gate (for pedestrians, cyclists and vehicles every day), through the Saint-Antoine Gate (for pedestrians and cyclists every day and for vehicles at weekends and public holidays) and through the Sailors' Gate (for pedestrians and cyclists every day) from 7am to 8.30pm, with the last access at 6.15pm in the high season and from 8am to 6pm in the low season The Hall of Mirrors, the King's Apartments, the Museum of French History: over the centuries, the Palace of Versailles, the seat of power until 1789, has never ceased to expand. At the beginning, it was only a modest castle built by Louis XIII for hunting. However, Louis XIV chose this site to build the palace we know today, a symbol of royal absolutism and the embodiment of French classical art. In the 1670s, Louis XIV had the Grand Apartments of the King and Queen fitted out. The most emblematic achievement of these spaces, places of parade and reception par excellence, remains the Hall of Mirrors designed by Mansart. In the following century, the extensions continued, notably with the construction of the Chapel and the Opera House. The Château now has 63,154 m2 divided into 2,300 rooms. Although the Château lost its vocation as the official seat of power in 1789, in the 19th century it had a new destiny: to become the Museum of the History of France, as desired by Louis-Philippe, who came to the throne in 1830. Many of the rooms in the Château then housed the new collections retracing the great events of French history, which were enriched until the beginning of the 20th century.

The oldest Jewish monument in Western Europe is also known as "Maison Sublime" (the Sublime House). An important heritage and architectural treasure built around 1100. This rectangular building made with stones from Caumont has impressive dimensions: 9.50 metres (31 ft) wide and 14.10 metres (46 ft) long. Only the ground floor has been well-preserved, the other floors have been levelled for the construction of the Parliament of Normandy, which started in 1499.

Gothic style architecture. Main building started in 1509 and 2 wings 15th and 18th centuries.

The yawning renaissance arcade of the Gros-Horloge spans the cobbled street and houses one of the oldest clock mechanisms in Europe. Flanked by the belfry holding the town s bells, this magnificent, richly decorated time-piece with its extraordinary single-needle dials invites you inside to discover, a contemporary theatrical representation of the dial room and the clock keepers apartments. Extraordinary panorama over the city from the top.

It took several centuries to build the Cathedral, and it is in itself a display of each successive stages in the development of the Gothic style. The Tour Saint-Romain (12th century) ; the Portail des Libraires and the Portail de la Calende (14th century) ; the West façade and Tour de Beurre (15th and 16th centuries) ; the cast iron spire (152 metres high - 19th century). Beautiful stained glass windows.

The Hôtel de Bourgtheroulde, an outstanding example of French Renaissance architecture, was built at the beginning of the 16th century by Guillaume II Le Roux. The main building in Place de la Pucelle, built before 1510, opens onto a central courtyard adorned with historical frescoes dating back to that period and depicting the famous meeting of the Field of the Cloth of Gold between Francis I and Henry VIII in 1520. It has now been renovated and converted into a luxurious boutique hotel.

The Historial Jeanne d'Arc (Joan of Arc Museum) is located in the Archbishop's palace in Rouen, in the heart of the historic centre and close to the cathedral. This exceptional setting, built between the 11th and the 18th century, is listed a Historic Building. It is where Joan of Arc was condemned to death (1431) and where the second trial took place (1456). This place is thus particularly appropriate to immerse visitors in the history and myth of this heroine of French History. A visit out-of-the-ordinary using the latest video and sound multimedia technologies, the architecture and the evocative power of the place serve as a background to Joan of Arc's epic tale. Guided by Juvenal, the jurist who presided over the second trial, visitors will witness and take part in an incredible historical and legal story with testimonies of those who had met Joan. Another part of the museum will deal with the myth of Joan of Arc in a dedicated area called "Mythothèque" in which visitors will have access to multimedia educational tools to better understand who Joan of Arc was through the themes of politics, arts and history.

Built next to the site where Jeanne d Arc was martyred, this modern church has a dual vocation : first as a church honouring St. Joan and second as a civil memorial to the French heroine. France officially commemorates Jeanne d'Arc on the second Sunday in May. In Rouen, the Jeanne d Arc Festival is held on Sunday around May 30th. With its slate and copper scales, the church s modern exterior evokes the sea. Inside, you can admire the remarkable Renaissance stained-glass windows from the Church of St. Vincent that was destroyed in 1944.

The Church of Saint-Laurent, built in the 16th century, gathers the greatest collection in the world of over 5.000 pieces of ironwork from Antiquity to the 20th century, and including signs, looks, usual tools and architectural elements.

The museum, houses one of the French richest collections of art from the 15th to the 20th century, including paintings by Clouet, Caravaggio, Velasquez, Poussin, Géricault, Monet, Sisley…

This museum is set in a 17th century palace, and is mainly devoted to the history and manufacture of the earthenware of Rouen from the 16th to the 18th century, as well as pieces from other faience centers and porcelains centers in France and around the world.

Come when you want to spend a pleasant time in this Art Déco brasserie, under Gustave Flaubert's kind gaze, for breakfast, lunch or dinner. Warm and friendly welcome.

This new 28-seat restaurant is a genuine gourmet stopover. The chef, Olivier Da Silva, already awarded with a Michelin star for another restaurant, decided to settle in Rouen. His surprise menus allows customers to discover new flavours every time. The kitchen is open onto the restaurant, only separated by a glass wall so you can see, from the dining room, how this young chef works.

Cheese fondues, raclettes, casseroled eggs, roasted Camembert cheese with Morello cherries... Come and savour the cheese specialities.

Located in the historic heart of Rouen, Place de La Pucelle, the Pottier brothers offer traditional, high-quality cuisine in a friendly, family atmosphere.

Claude Monet, Apollinaire, Marcel Duchamp and Simone de Beauvoir used to come here and enjoy the cooking as you will : the salads and slices of bread or the famous speciality : the apple and camembert turnover with a cider sauce.

The bar of the famous Gilles Tournadre uses good products for a traditional cooking. The cooking is simple but good and served by efficient and welcoming waiters.

In a typical and comfortable setting and historic place, this restaurant welcomes you to a different world. With your family, or friends, or for a business meal, you will appreciate the combination of modern and traditional decor. It serves a tasty and appealing cuisine. The menu comprises a wide range of fresh and seasonal produce, and favours local producers. From April to October, you will be able to sit at the terrace and enjoy the picturesque setting and the hustle and bustle of the Place du Vieux Marché.

This small bar of Rouen serves a good cooking in a friendly and convivial atmosphere.

The oldest inn of France (since the 14th century) and its typical half-timbered front, which resisted to the bombing of 1944 and to a fire in 1988. It was a famous place where kings, queens, heads of states, politics, artists, stars, writers, sportsmen and women have come to have lunch or dinner.

Les Maraîchers... le Bistrot de la Couronne, one of the oldest restaurants of the Place du Vieux Marché. Sacha Cauvin and his staff welcome you in a warm old style setting, with mirrors, old posters, family pictures, the beech parquet, the counter with pitchers. You will savour the real brasserie cooking. Discover the soul, the atmosphere of the place in a unique setting improving through the years. The place is listed among the historical and heritage cafés of Europe.

Hotel in the heart of the historic area of Rouen in front of the former Normandy Parliament.

In the heart of the historic centre of Rouen, a stone's throw away from the famous "Gros Horloge" (Astronomical Clock), we provide you with a luxury flat set within a historic building dating back to the Middle-Ages. A warm hideaway combining luxury and comfort to recharge your batteries in Normandy! If you wish to take in the vibe and character of our charming city of Rouen, the exceptional location of L?Escale du Gros Horloge is sure to delight... In the heart of the city, for a cosy romantic getaway with your loved one, cultural experiences or indulging in fine dining cuisine? Everything is possible! Modernity and charm blend with the historic heritage of Rouen for a memorable stay! The flat, located on the 2nd floor of a historic building, sleeps 2 to 4 guests. It has a stylish and refined interior design with a total surface area of 60 sq m. Overlooking Rue Massacre, one of the most picturesque streets of Rouen thanks to its architecture and its history; a street that has kept its atypical attraction and charm. It opens on a pleasant living room with a 160 cm convertible sofa bed, an armchair, a 65" flat screen TV with Internet connection and Netflix, a dining area for 4 guests. The adjoining separated kitchen is equipped with a dinner table for 4 as well as quality appliances and table and cookware to prepare your meals if you want. The 20 sq m master bedroom has a queen size bed, a chest of drawers and a wardrobe. There is also a flat screen TV. The en suite bathroom has a double washbasin as well as a walk-in shower and a toilet. There is another bathroom with a walk-in shower and a toilet.

Hotel in the historic district of Rouen where you can visit many historic sites such as the cathedral, the Palais de Justice, the Place du Vieux Marché, the musée des Beaux-Arts.

A half-timbered house with a green patio for you, your guests in the heart of Rouen.

Hotel gathering 125 air-conditioned rooms, including 4 suites, with an ideal location to discover the beautiful Middle-Ages sites of Rouen and the Vieux Marché.

In the heart of the pedestrian area, opposite Notre Dame de Rouen Cathedral, the hotel Cardinal welcomes you. Its ideal location will make it easy to walk around and explore the heart of the Old Rouen. You will easily stroll along the narrow little streets and find the nearest cultural things to do: Museum of Fine Arts, Saint Maclou Ossuary, the Law Court, not to forget cinemas, theatres, etc.

The Hôtel de l’Europe welcomes you to the heart of the historic centre of Rouen in Normandy. For more than 25 years, our three-star hotel has evolved and been brought up to date over the years. More than a hotel, it is for many people an unusual place with a personal touch. Located only 10 minutes away on foot from the SNCF train station, close to the metro stop Théâtre des Arts and 50 metres away from the Pucelle car park, the Hôtel de l’Europe is a strategic starting point to go and explore Normandy. The Hôtel de l’Europe has 24 fully equipped and comfortable bedrooms and offers a high quality of service: Wi-Fi in the bedrooms, satellite TV, room service, etc. Our team welcomes you 24/7 and is available to help. There is a bar with a selection of whiskies and Calvados worthy of the best European bars. We work hard to offer affordable prices suited to your needs.

The only one of its kind in Rouen, a subtle blend of history and modernity, the Hôtel de Bourgtheroulde, part of Mariott's Autograph Collection, welcomes you to the heart of the historic city centre. Thus living to the artistic and cultural rhythm of the architecture of its neighbourhoods: the Place du Vieux Marché (Old Market Square), the Gros Horloge Astronomical Clock, the Cathedral, the Museum of Fine-Arts and more... Located in Place de la Pucelle in the city centre, 10 minutes away from the train station, 1 hour away from Paris by train, at the crossroads of major French and European motorways. There is not a moment to lose, whether for a leisure or business trip, since the hotel offers unique facilities on site to work, rest and relax. The hotel has 78 bedrooms, a 700 sq m spa centre with indoor swimming pool (18 m x 9 m) Turkish bath, sauna and fitness room, 5 meeting rooms, a bar, a terrace and a brasserie. We are looking forward to welcoming you to our warm and friendly world dedicated to your comfort and service.

Named in tribute to the famous meeting at the Field of the Cloth of Gold between King Henry VIII of England and King Francis I of France, the "Brasserie des Deux Rois" (Brasserie of the Two Kings) is perfect for a relaxing time in a friendly atmosphere. You will be able to try traditional dishes paired with estate wines. Seven days a week, our Chef suggests his Daily Special and invites you to learn more about the best producers that he revisits in his own style. Sit down under the glass roof and enjoy the decor that combines tradition and modernity.

Located in a pedestrian area of the hyper-Centre of Rouen, this half-timbered apartment on the 1st floor (no lift) was housed in a former mansion very bright and decorated with care. Parking lot of the Town Hall at 2 minutes walk from the cottage: 45€ the week or 13€/day. Open kitchen (plates induction, oven, microwave, washing machine), dining area with living room, sofa bed very good comfort, flat screen TV, DVD player and stereo, 1 bedroom (1 double bed 160x200cm), shower room with wc. All charges included (heating, bed linen, bed linen, household). Tourist tax. Wifi access.