Historic Charm in Quartier Saint-Maclou, Rouen

• HelloBonjour
  [bohn-zhoor]
• GoodbyeAu revoir
  [oh rev-wahr]
• YesOui
  [wee]
• NoNon
  [nohn]
• Please/You're welcomeS'il vous plaît / De rien
  [seel voo pleh / deh ryen]
• Thank youMerci
  [mehr-see]
• Excuse me/SorryExcusez-moi / Désolé
  [ehk-skew-zay mwah / day-zoh-lay]
• How are you?Comment ça va?
  [koh-mohn sah vah]
• Fine. And you?Bien. Et vous?
  [byen. ay voo]
• Do you speak English?Parlez-vous anglais?
  [par-lay voo ahn-glay]
• I don't understandJe ne comprends pas
  [zhuh nuh kohm-prahnd pah]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseJe voudrais voir la carte, s'il vous plaît
  [zhuh voo-dray vwahr lah kart, seel voo pleh]
• I don't eat meatJe ne mange pas de viande
  [zhuh nuh mahnj pah duh vyand]
• Cheers!Santé!
  [sahn-tay]
• I would like to pay, pleaseJe voudrais payer, s'il vous plaît
  [zhuh voo-dray pay-ay, seel voo pleh]

• Help!Au secours!
  [oh seh-coor]
• Go away!Allez-vous-en!
  [ah-lay voo-zahn]
• Call the Police!Appelez la police!
  [ah-peh-lay lah poh-lees]
• Call a doctor!Appelez un médecin!
  [ah-peh-lay uh may-deh-sahn]
• I'm lostJe suis perdu
  [zhuh swee pair-doo]
• I'm illJe suis malade
  [zhuh swee mah-lahd]

• I'd like to buy...Je voudrais acheter...
  [zhuh voo-dray ah-shet-ay]
• I'm just lookingJe regarde juste
  [zhuh ruh-gard zhoost]
• How much is it?Combien ça coûte?
  [kohm-byen sah koot]
• That's too expensiveC'est trop cher
  [say troh shair]
• Can you lower the price?Pouvez-vous baisser le prix?
  [poo-vez voo bay-say luh pree]

• What time is it?Quelle heure est-il?
  [kell uh-ruh eh-teel]
• It's one o'clockIl est une heure
  [eel eh oon uh-ruh]
• Half past (10)Dix heures et demie
  [dees uh-ruh eh duh-mee]
• MorningMatin
  [mah-tahn]
• AfternoonAprès-midi
  [ah-pray mee-dee]
• EveningSoir
  [swahr]
• YesterdayHier
  [ee-air]
• TodayAujourd'hui
  [oh-zhoor-dwee]
• TomorrowDemain
  [duh-mahn]
• 1Un
  [uhn]
• 2Deux
  [duh]
• 3Trois
  [twah]
• 4Quatre
  [kat]
• 5Cinq
  [sank]
• 6Six
  [sees]
• 7Sept
  [set]
• 8Huit
  [weet]
• 9Neuf
  [nuff]
• 10Dix
  [dees]

• Where's a/the...?Où est...?
  [oo eh...]
• What's the address?Quelle est l'adresse?
  [kell eh la-dress]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Pouvez-vous me montrer (sur la carte)?
  [poo-vez voo muh mohn-tray (sir lah kart)]
• When's the next (bus)?Quand est le prochain (bus)?
  [kahn eh luh proh-shahn (bus)]
• A ticket (to ....)Un billet (pour ....)
  [uhn bee-yay (poor)]

Quartier Saint-Maclou is named after the Saint-Maclou Church, which dates back to the 13th century. This area was originally part of a larger monastic complex and was known for its religious significance in medieval Rouen. The church, dedicated to Saint Maclou, became a central point for the community, showcasing the blend of religious and everyday life in the neighborhood.

During the Renaissance, Quartier Saint-Maclou flourished architecturally. The construction of the 'Aître Saint-Maclou,' an ossuary dating back to the Black Death, reflects the unique blend of Gothic and Renaissance styles. This site served as a burial ground during the plague and is characterized by its striking wooden structures and intricate carvings, highlighting the community's resilience amid adversity.

In the 18th century, Quartier Saint-Maclou became a vibrant cultural hub. The area attracted intellectuals and artists, contributing to Rouen's reputation as a center for enlightenment thought. The presence of cafés and salons encouraged discussions on philosophy and art, influencing the cultural landscape of the region and promoting a spirit of innovation.

The French Revolution in the late 18th century brought significant changes to Quartier Saint-Maclou. Religious structures, including the Saint-Maclou Church, faced threats of desecration, reflecting the broader national context of anti-clerical sentiment. However, the neighborhood managed to preserve its cultural identity, adapting to the shifting political landscape while retaining its historical significance.

In the late 20th and early 21st centuries, Quartier Saint-Maclou underwent revitalization efforts aimed at preserving its historical architecture and cultural heritage. Initiatives to restore the Aître Saint-Maclou and surrounding buildings have made the area a focal point for tourists, showcasing the rich history of Rouen. Contemporary art galleries and boutiques have emerged, blending the historic ambiance with modern creativity.

Quartier Saint-Maclou is situated in the heart of Rouen and is easily accessible from other neighborhoods. If you're traveling from Rouen-Rive-Droite train station, it's a 15-minute walk to the Quartier. Alternatively, you can take the metro Line 1 to the Palais de Justice stop, followed by a short stroll. Buses also connect various neighborhoods to Quartier Saint-Maclou, with several lines stopping nearby.

Quartier Saint-Maclou is best explored on foot due to its narrow streets and pedestrian-friendly layout. Public transportation options include the metro and bus systems, which are operated by Rouen's public transport authority. Bicycles can be rented from local bike-sharing programs if you prefer a quicker way to navigate the area. Additionally, taxis are available but may not be necessary for short distances.

Quartier Saint-Maclou is generally considered safe for tourists. However, as with any urban area, it's wise to stay vigilant. Avoid poorly lit streets at night and keep personal belongings secure. While the neighborhood has no specific high-crime areas targeting tourists, be cautious in less busy spots. Pickpocketing can occur in crowded areas, so maintain awareness of your surroundings.

In case of an emergency, dial 112 for immediate assistance. This number connects you to police, fire, and medical services. The local hospital, Centre Hospitalier de Rouen, is equipped to handle medical emergencies. For non-emergency issues, visit a local pharmacy, which can provide basic medical supplies and advice. Ensure you have travel insurance that covers emergencies.

Fashion: Do wear comfortable shoes for walking, and consider the local weather. Avoid overly casual attire when dining in upscale restaurants. Religion: Do respect local customs, especially when visiting churches. Cover shoulders and knees if applicable. Public Transport: Do validate your ticket before boarding; don't talk loudly on public transport. Greetings: Do greet locals with a friendly 'Bonjour.' Don’t forget to use 'Merci' when receiving assistance. Eating & Drinking: Do try local dishes like 'Andouillette' or 'Teurgoule.' Don’t eat while walking, as it is considered impolite.

To experience Quartier Saint-Maclou like a local, explore the excellent artisan shops and cafes tucked away in its streets. Try to visit during the week to enjoy a quieter atmosphere. The local markets are a great place to sample traditional foods. Engage with shopkeepers and locals who may share insights about the neighborhood's history. For a unique experience, consider joining a guided walking tour that focuses on the district's rich heritage and architecture.