The Timeless Charm of Vieux Rouen

• HelloBonjour
  [bohn-zhoor]
• GoodbyeAu revoir
  [oh ruh-vwahr]
• YesOui
  [wee]
• NoNon
  [nohn]
• Please/You're welcomeS'il vous plaît/De rien
  [seel voo pleh/dee ryen]
• Thank youMerci
  [mehr-see]
• Excuse me/SorryExcusez-moi/Désolé
  [ehk-skew-zay mwa/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 le menu, s'il vous plaît
  [zhuh voo-dray vwar luh muh-noo, 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 suh-koor]
• Go away!Allez-vous en!
  [ah-lay voo zahn]
• Call the Police!Appelez la Police!
  [ah-puh-lay lah poh-lees]
• Call a doctor!Appelez un médecin!
  [ah-puh-lay uh mayd-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 zah-shtay...]
• I'm just lookingJe regarde juste
  [zhuh ruh-gahrd zhoost]
• How much is it?Combien ça coûte?
  [kohm-byen sah koot]
• That's too expensiveC'est trop cher
  [say troh shay]
• Can you lower the price?Pouvez-vous baisser le prix?
  [poo-vay voo bay-say luh pree]

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

• Where's a/the...?Où est un/le...?
  [oo eh uh/luh]
• 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-vay voo muh mohn-tray (surr 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)]

Vieux Rouen's history can be traced back to the Roman era when it was known as Rotomagus. Archaeological discoveries, including remnants of Roman roads and buildings, indicate that this area was a bustling hub of trade and administration. The strategic location along the Seine River facilitated commerce, and the remnants of Roman architecture continue to be a point of fascination for historians and visitors alike.

During the 10th century, Rouen became the capital of the Duchy of Normandy. Vieux Rouen flourished under the rule of the Dukes, who transformed the city into a political and cultural center. The construction of grand cathedrals and fortifications during this period laid the groundwork for the neighborhood's medieval character, evident in its narrow cobblestone streets and half-timbered houses.

One of the most significant historical events in Vieux Rouen is the trial and execution of Joan of Arc in 1431. Captured by the Burgundians, she was handed over to the English and tried for heresy. The site of her burning at the stake is marked by a modern church, Sainte-Jeanne-d'Arc, which stands as a poignant reminder of her legacy and the turbulent times of the Hundred Years' War.

The 16th century brought a wave of Renaissance influence to Vieux Rouen. Wealthy merchants and artisans constructed impressive townhouses, showcasing intricate facades and ornate carvings. This period of prosperity is reflected in the architecture of the neighborhood, particularly in the Rue Saint-Romain and Rue des Carmes, where many buildings still retain their historical charm.

Vieux Rouen faced significant destruction during World War II, as the city was heavily bombed due to its strategic importance. Post-war, the neighborhood underwent extensive reconstruction, with efforts to preserve its historical character while introducing modern amenities. Today, Vieux Rouen stands as a testament to resilience, blending its rich history with contemporary life.

Vieux Rouen is easily accessible from other neighborhoods in Rouen. The Rouen-Rive-Droite train station is the main hub, providing connections to regional and national destinations. From the station, you can reach Vieux Rouen by taking the metro Line 1 to Palais de Justice station, followed by a short walk. Alternatively, local buses connect various parts of the city to Vieux Rouen, with several lines stopping at the historic quarter.

Vieux Rouen is a pedestrian-friendly neighborhood, making it easy to explore on foot. Many major attractions are within walking distance. For those looking to cover more ground, the city offers a bike-sharing program called 'Rouen Cycles,' allowing you to rent bicycles at various stations. Public transport, including buses and trams, is also available, with routes that connect to other parts of Rouen.

Vieux Rouen is generally safe for tourists, but standard precautions should be taken. Avoid poorly lit areas at night and be cautious of pickpockets in crowded places, especially around tourist attractions. While specific high-crime areas targeting tourists are not prevalent, it’s advisable to stay vigilant, particularly in less crowded streets.

In case of emergency, dial 112 for immediate assistance. The local police station is located in the city center, and hospitals are available in Rouen. It is recommended to have travel insurance that covers emergencies. Pharmacies are also widely available for minor health issues, and many offer over-the-counter medications.

Fashion: Do wear comfortable shoes for walking, as cobblestone streets can be uneven. Don't dress too casually, especially when visiting religious sites. Religion: Do respect local customs and dress modestly when entering churches. Public Transport: Do be polite and offer your seat to those in need. Don't use your phone loudly in public transportation. Greetings: Do greet locals with a friendly 'Bonjour' and maintain eye contact. Eating & Drinking: Do try local specialties like 'teurgoule' (rice pudding) and enjoy outdoor cafes. Don't eat while walking in the streets, as it is considered impolite.

To experience Vieux Rouen like a local, visit the open-air markets, especially the ones held on weekends, where you can find fresh produce and local delicacies. Engage with shopkeepers and locals, as they are often eager to share stories about their city. Don't miss exploring lesser-known historical sites, such as the Rue des Bons Enfants, and consider taking a guided walking tour to learn more about the rich history of the area.