RobynFrance

Greetings,

We are in the process of planning our 2005 trip. We will be spending a week in a tiny village between Montreuil and Hesdin in Picardie at the home of a couple to whom I teach French--a very thoughtful Christmas gift to us, following a few days in Amsterdam. We have spent some time in Normandy in the past, having visited the battlefields near Bayeux, Deauville, Trouville and Honfleur, as well as Giverny several times. We are considering a day trip, with a possible overnight if warranted to Le Havre--the first spot in France I ever saw, lo those 40 years ago when I arrived for my junior year abroad. Of particular interest is the Musee Andre Malraux, which indicates quite a collection. We are considering a stop there, then on to Rouen. I would really welcome some advice as to whether a round trip day would work for this (ViaMichelin indicates the Le Havre drive to be about 2 hours--and Rouen would be somewhat on the way back). Would it be better to do Rouen for a full day by itself? How about Amiens? Although we have been to France many times, we have not visited either of those locations before nor have we spent time in Picardie. I welcome other suggestions for our week in Picardie. We will spend one day on a visit to Bruges. While we enjoy lovely scenery and history, art is always tops on the list for us.

Thank you in advance Fodorites for your suggestions. Just a note to say we will finish our trip in Paris for several days before heading home.

Take care,
Robyn France

Underhill

the malraux museum was a disappointment for us, especially in terms of the small number of dufys on exhibit when we were there. much of the city is post-WWII; not too much of intrerest. i think you could use the time better in rouen.

mvor

We went to Amiens for their Christmas Market in November which was nice but unremarkable. However, the Cathedral was amazing and I wish we had been more informed before our visit. I'm sure there are other treasures in the town that we didn't find since our focus was on the market. From our brief day, the town itself seemed modern and industrial. The people were lovely, of course.

Enjoy your generous gift!

LarryJ

I really love Rouen. I go there two or three times every year as a day trip from Paris. I think the cathedral there is one of the most beautiful in all Europe. It's no wonder Monet painted it over and over again. Also there is a very nice old town area with many authentic half-timbered houses and of course the site of St.Joan of Arc's burning at the stake. Nice park area along the Seine also.

Larry J

RobynFrance

Wow--thanks to all of you--that is just what I needed to know--so I think we will not take on the Le Havre component in view of the museum being the main attraction--particularly since we saw the huge Dufy exhibit at the Maillol Museum 2 years ago which I believe was furnished with many paintings from the Le Havre. Any more on Rouen and Amiens sites which have particularly delighted you would be most welcome.

ashandsarah

Hi there

We've just returned from a wonderful break in the Somme, which included several trips to Amiens. Amiens is a lovely city to explore with a wonderful cathedral and some nice riverside cafes, a superb indoor food market, and plenty of shopping. The region itself is great for quaint little villages and lots of WW1 memorials, all of which are beautifully kept and quite peaceful and moving. However what totally blew us away about our stay was the hotel mentioned in the above post- Le Macassar. Le Macassar is actually a large art deco house immaculately kept by two of the most gracious hosts you'll ever be lucky enough to encounter. The entire premises is a stunning collection of wood-panelled walls, gorgeous art deco furnishings, a baby grand piano, and a beguiling atmosphere of luxury and relaxation. The room we stayed in was very roomy with a large sleigh-style bed, (again) wonderful art deco pieces, and a jacuzzi. Each evening you'll be invited to join your hosts for aperitifs in the lovely courtyard, weather permitting. For less than £100 per night it really is something else. We haven't stopped talking about the place since we've been back- it surely must be one of the most unknown- and hugely underrated- places to stay in the region. Take our advice: book now while you can, before it's booked up forever

Travelnut

INFO ON ROUEN:

Author: Travelnut
Date: 03/14/2005, 03:18 pm
A 'walking tour':
http://www.findarticles.com/p/articl...176/ai_4151612

Rouen official tourism website:
http://www.rouentourisme.com/default.asp?file=pg0-0_en

Printable brochure - Rouen:
http://www.rouentourisme.com/item_im...CAPPEL-GB1.pdf

Printable brochure - Rouen and Normandie
http://www.rouentourisme.com/item_im...upe_2004-1.pdf

Printable brochure - Rouen museums, tours, etc
http://www.rouentourisme.com/item_im..._couv-2005.pdf

Civil Monuments:
http://www.rouentourisme.com/default...ile=pg64-11_en

Religious Monuments:
http://www.rouentourisme.com/default...ile=pg64-12_en

Museums:
http://www.rouentourisme.com/default...ile=pg64-13_en

PDF file - map - you'll want to enlarge and use "print screen" or you'll never be able to read tiny print.
http://www.stm.unipi.it/programmasoc...news2/plan.pdf

PalQ

Le Havre, completely blitzed in WWII because of its strategic port is one of the ugliest cities in Europe. Amiens and Rouen, though all in all not the best of French towns have vest-pocket areas that are nicely restored. Amiens and Rouen have stupendous cathedrals.