More about Rouen
Why Cruise to Rouen?
Rouen is one of the world's ancient cities and has lots of historic buildings, points of interest and ruins
Sales tax is nearly 20 percent here and is automatically tacked on to most purchases
Though you might be tempted to head straight to Paris from Rouen, it's a cool city in and of itself
Rouen Cruise Port Facilities?
A good first stop if you're staying in Rouen is its tourist office (25, place de la Cathedrale; +33 (0)2 32 08 32 40), open May - September: Monday - Saturday, 9 a. m. - 7 p.m., and Sunday, 9:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. & 2 p.m. - 6 p.m.; October - April: Monday - Saturday, 9 a.m. - 6 p.m., and Sunday, 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.). Inside, you'll find lots of guide books and you can sign up for a two-hour guided city tour every day at 2:30 p.m. There's an additional tour at 5 p.m. on Saturday that covers the Jewish quarter.
Good to Know?
Cars here mostly use diesel, not unleaded gas. We're sorry to say rental agencies don't point this out, so check. A mistake will cost you lost time and almost $300 in repairs.
Getting Around?
The Metrobus system winds through the city of Rouen via buses and light rails. There are always plenty of taxis. Bicycles can be borrowed through the city-wide shared cycle service of 14 stations and 175 bikes, Cy'clic.
Paris from Rouen: It is 84 miles/135km (about 1 1/4 hours) via train Paris. Trains to and from Paris/Rouen run frequently and reservations aren't required. The first train from Rive Droite Station on rue Jeanne-d'Arc to St. Lazare in Paris is usually just before 6 a.m. The last train out of Paris is close to 9 p.m.
For exploring Normandy beyond Rouen, it is best that you rent a car. A good bet is a local company, Argus Rentals, located both in town and at the airport. (00 1 (213) 210 2427) Count on approximately $70 (58 euros) for a one-day economy-car rental. Major brands such as Hertz and Avis are in Rouen, but can cost twice as much as Argus.
There are buses to and from Rouen to other towns like Honfleur and Deauville.
The Boos Airport offers connections within France and other European destinations (and the States) via Le Havre or Lyon airports with Air France and various charter companies. The airport is located about 5.5 miles/9km from the center of the city and easily accessible from in and out of the town's center and port by shuttle buses (to and from the SNCF station) or by taxi.
Currency & Best Way to Get Money?
The national currency in France is the Euro. Currency exchange can be made in most banks, post offices and train stations. For the best exchange rate, use ATMs found almost everywhere.
In France, a 19.6 percent sales tax (VAT) is tacked on to many purchases -- however, if you spend $175 (145 euros) or more at any one participating store, you can get the VAT refunded (with some exceptions). .
Language?
French, though English is understood here and there. It's not uncommon to find that more than most waiters, shopkeepers and taxi drivers don't speak English. And to complicate things for those already fluency-challenged -- there's a dialect in Normandy that can be difficult to decipher, even when you consider yourself moderately fluent in French.
It's considered impolite by the French to assume everyone speaks English -- so it's best to begin by first asking if English is understood. The gesture is appreciated. Monsieur, madame or mademoiselle (for young girls) should follow bonjour. Merci should always precede a departure from any shop, whether you were helped or not. Besides, it's so much fun to say.
Where You're Docked?
Port Rouen. There's plenty to see and do if you want to spend the day in the area and everything you need is close at hand. The terminal offers telephones, a small coffee shop and currency exchange. Taxis are readily available outside the entrance to take you to the city's center (a ten-minute ride or 25-minute walk).
