PRESS KIT 2014 - DE Mediade.media.france.fr/sites/default/files/document... · Victor Hugo as the "finest ruin in France", is a sight nobody must miss along the meanders of the Seine

PRESS KIT2014

press contactKillian Penven Tél. +33 (0)2 32 08 36 51 - +33 (0)6 03 34 41 [email protected]

@rouentourismewww.rouentourisme.com

Rouen Seine ValleyNormandy

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Press contact: Mr Killian PENVEN Tel. +33 (0)2 32 08 36 51 – +33 (0)6 03 34 41 45 @rouentourisme [email protected] www.rouentourisme.com

CONTENTS

EDITORIAL PAGE 3

2014 EVENTS PAGE 4

ROUEN CAPITAL OF NORMANDY PAGE 6

THE ABBEYS ROAD OF THE SEINE VALLEY PAGE 8

LOOPS OF THE SEINE PAGE 9

THE HISTORICAL FIGURES OF ROUEN AND THE SEINE VALLEY PAGE 10

MUSEUMS IN ROUEN AND THE SEINE VALLEY PAGE 12

ROUEN AND THE SEINE VALLEY FOR GOURMETS PAGE 17

3000 STORES FOR A SPOT OF SHOPPING PAGE 18

CULTURE AND SPORT PAGE 19

SEA AND RIVER CRUISES PAGE 20

CONGRES AND CONVENTIONS CENTER PAGE 21

PRACTICAL INFORMATION PAGE 23

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EDITORIAL In the heart of Normandy, Rouen and the Seine valley boast an exceptional heritage of monuments and landscapes. The region combines greatness and simplicity in the expression of its history of thousands of years. This home of Impressionism, recognized by famous writers and thinkers, has a living culture and an international influence that are a joy to discover. The art of good living and traditional farming values are charmingly combined here with the highest standards of French modernity. The conviviality of the people, the professional tourist industry and peerless infrastructure will not fail to enchant the visitor. Unique walks, circuits and emotions await you, whether you have a few hours or a weekend, or the time to enjoy them longer. A painting of emotions, an impressive region and a variation of lights and colors: Rouen and the Seine valley is a destination that offers a living and breathing impressionist palette!

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2014 EVENTS

The 900 years of Saint-Georges

Along the valley of the River Seine, the abbey of Saint-Georges at Boscherville has been standing majestically above its

Romanesque church since 1114. On the occasion of its 900th

anniversary, a programme of entertainments will be offered

throughout the year.

The highlight from April to October 2014 will be a programme of concerts and exhibitions in the abbey-church and in the abbey's restored gardens. In June, the high point of the events programme, there will be a series of conferences, light shows

and a medieval festival to celebrate the 900th anniversary. Cathedrals 1789-1914, a modern myth

The Musée des Beaux-Arts will be exploring the myth of the Cathedral through Franco-German relations, from 12 April to 31 August 2014.

Under the sponsorship of the French and German

Ministries of Foreign Affairs and approved by the

Centennial mission 1914-2014, the exhibition will bring

together 180 painted art objects to illustrate the convergence of both artists and works - Goethe, Friedrich, Hugo, Constable, Turner, Corot, Sisley, Pissarro, Monet, Rodin, Redon, Moreau, Marquet, Delaunay, Kupka, Beckmann ... What place does the Cathedral occupyin the artistic imagination? This is the question that the Franco-German collaboration of the Rouen and Cologne Museums will answer through these collections, by tracing an unexpected journey through two centuries of artistic adventures.

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Cathedral of Light

A prestigious monument in French history, Rouen Cathedral

will offer an exceptional "sound and light" show from 13

June to 21 September, 2014. This innovative spectacle will light up the facade of the cathedral. The theme of the first creation, "Première impression" (First impression), will be impressionism, while the second - "Jeanne(s)" - will explore the character, history and myths of Joan of Arc. The show will be free, open to all, and use an exceptional style to light up this gothic art temple for five years.

The Asisi Panorama: exclusively French In Autumn 2014, Rouen will have a new tourist attraction: the Asisi Panorama. The German artist commissioned to carry out the work, Yadegar Asisi, has already produced spectacular panoramas in Dresden, Berlin and Leipzig in Germany. The site will be made up of a giant painting exhibited in a rotunda. The works comprise large-scale circular views of towns or natural landscapes.

The building will be 26 metres high, 120 metres long and

30 metres in diameter. It will be built on the right bank of

the Seine in Rouen. While the city awaits the arrival of its panorama of Rouen during the time of Joan of Arc in 2015, the public will be able to discover two alternating panoramas already produced by. Asisi: Amazonia and the Reconstruction of Rome under Constantine in 312.

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ROUEN CAPITAL OF NORMANDY The city centre of Rouen offers its visitors thousand years of history, anecdotes and colorful figures. The development of the city was marked by different styles and periods, yet continues to be naturally and genuinely consistent. The city has a very important historical centre, made up of a 'magic' square demarcated by rue Jeanne d'Arc, rue Ganterie, rue de la République and rue du Gros Horloge. The development of pedestrian streets adds to the charm of the very fine civilian or religious monuments of Rouen.

Notre-Dame Cathedral dominates the city in all its splendor. Its architecture is a perfect combination between Romanesque art and French Gothic art. Additions made over the centuries mean it has unique decorative elements, which have been conserved through time since the 12th century. The Archbishop's palace is attached to the Cathedral and is probably the last one to be occupied. Its 151-metre high spire is the tallest in France. Inside are the recumbent effigies of the Dukes of Normandy, and the atmosphere is made peaceful by the many stained glass windows of the nave.

Figure and symbol of the refinement of the Renaissance, the

Gros Horloge has been a source of pride for the people of Rouen since the 16th century. While the belfry was built between 1389 and 1398 under the authority of the bailiff Jean de Bayeux, the pavilion and its arch were built between 1527 and 1529. Overlooking the first pedestrian street in France (1971), the double dial is a marvel with its fine gilded decoration and its mythological references. The sculptures on the vault refer to the wool industry and the Easter lamb with the dozens of sheep around the good shepherd. Now transformed into a museum, the Gros Horloge shows visitors the whole scale of the know-how of the Governors, who were civilian officers responsible for maintaining the mechanism till it was powered by electricity. The top of the belfry offers a unique panoramic view of the city centre, the Seine and Notre-Dame Cathedral.

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Today, the Court can claim to be housed in one of the finest buildings of gothic architecture. Originally the Exchequer of

Normandy, the Parliament of Normandy transformed under Francis I was the venue of royal justice since 1515. The best orators and writers of the kingdom pleaded their cases there. Pierre Corneille used to work here as a lawyer. In the Exchequer room, his pleading table is kept for posterity.

Dating from approximately 1100, the Jewish Monument was originally half underground. Its higher parts were probably razed when the Parliament of Normandy was built. The edifice is located at the centre of the old Jewish quarter of Rouen. It is marked "Sublime House" in Hebrew, confirming its relation with the Jewish community of the city. It is the oldest Jewish monument in Western Europe, and was discovered in 1976. Today, we still do not know for sure whether this was a synagogue, the house of a prosperous merchant or a Jewish university.

Opposite the Cathedral, the Finance Office built at the start of the 16th century has all the features of a civilian monument of the first Renaissance. Its well stated horizontal and vertical lines, its decorations imported from Quattrocento Italy, with its medallions and putti (naked fat angels), were designed by the architect of the portal of the Cathedral, Roulland Le Roux. The Cathedral series was created by the Impressionist painter Claude Monet in the 1890 from the first storey of this building.

Probably one of the most incredible sites in Europe, the Aître

Saint-Maclou invites you to take a walk and meditate death. Former ossuary of the city of Rouen, it was built to handle the disastrous plague epidemics of the 14th century. It is the only one of its kind, with the danse macabre sculptures of the funerary atrium.

A stone's throw from the old graveyard, Church of Saint-

Maclou is a masterpiece of flamboyant gothic art in Rouen. Built from the 15th century in Seine valley stone, its five porches are decorated with true stone lacework, which livens up the front. Its many sculptures and decorations are reminders of the golden age of the stone masons of Rouen from the late Middle-Ages to the Renaissance. An invitation to discover the "dentelle de pierre" (stone filigree) whose restoration has just been concluded.

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THE ABBEYS ROAD OF THE SEINE VALLEY There are three Norman abbeys in our region, bearing testament to the spiritual heritage of the middle ages in Normandy. A circuit with these buildings can be found along the meanders of the Seine, starting in the city of Rouen.

Abbey of Saint-Ouen in Rouen

The Abbey of Saint-Ouen, which was the wealthiest monastery of the Dukedom of Normandy, housed the relics of Dadon, Bishop of Rouen. It reached its zenith in the 14th century, when building work on a magnificent gothic church began. Since 1800, the Town Hall of Rouen is located in the monastery buildings, but the church continues to be consecrated and is the venue for cultural events and exhibitions round the year.

Abbey of Saint George in Boscherville Made up of a church built from 1113 on the initiative of Benedictine monks, the Abbey of Saint George has the particularity of containing a chapter house built in the late 12th century. The two buildings are perfect illustrations of the Romanesque style in Normandy. In 1690, Maurist monks built new buildings in the classical style, and laid out gardens, which were changed into a farm under the French Revolution. Today, the conservatory garden gives you an opportunity to rediscover the inspiration of monastic life in the Middle-Ages.

Abbey of Saint Peter in Jumièges

This Romanesque abbey founded in 654 and mentioned by Victor Hugo as the "finest ruin in France", is a sight nobody must miss along the meanders of the Seine. Its history is marked by many ravages, particularly due to invasions by Vikings, religious wars and the French Revolution. Today, Jumièges 3D offers visitors a chance to discover a reconstitution of the buildings thanks to augmented reality.

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LOOPS OF THE SEINE Illustrated by Turner, the Loops of the Seine are recognized for their diversity. The protection of natural areas is part of the conservation of an exceptional heritage made up of meadows, tow paths, bocages and orchards. Woods, which cover a third of the area, are the subject of an environmentally responsible policy, particularly with the setting up of several Forest Houses devoted to schools and the general public. With that rich heritage, Rouen and the Seine valley invite you to come closer to nature through dozens of rambling paths like the Trame Verte in the heart of the public forest of La Londe-Rouvray.

The Fruit Path, which stretches between the Seine and orchards, brings together the apple, emblematic fruit of Normandy, and the jewels of the Regional Park of Boucles de la Seine Normande. The river, which has always been a key feature, has helped transforming the landscapes and generated the development of

manmade constructions like many tow paths that can be found

in the area. The use of the river led to the creation of ferries that carry thousands of vehicles and people every year from one bank to the other, as in Duclair or Dieppedalle. Some sites have been frequented by illustrious personalities such as Gustave Flaubert, Hector Malot, Alfred Sisley etc. .. Even today, visitors can give in to the surprises of the sculpted

landscapes as they walk on rambling paths or ride bicycles through picturesque sites such as La Bouille, Sahurs, Saint-Martin de Boscherville, Jumièges, Elbeuf and many others. The

development of cycling paths is a key focus for green tourism.

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THE HISTORICAL FIGURES OF ROUEN AND THE SEINE VALLEY

Rouen is the capital of Normandy, and the city and the Seine valley have seen the greatest historical figures of France and Europe, like Richard the Lionhearted, Joan of Arc, Pierre Corneille or Claude Monet, and Duchamp-Villon closer to our times. While many of them were born in Rouen or lived there, that artistic and literary vibrancy made the region more appealing.

Joan of Arc

During the Hundred Years' War, this young woman deeply marked the History of France. From Domrémy to Orléans, her path was made of many successes, till her fall in Rouen in 1431. From the Tour de la Pucelle, and to the Place du Vieux Marché and the Cathedral, a circuit tells the story of Joan though the streets of the city. A historical museum will be devoted to her in the coming years at the Archbishop's palace, venue of two trials, one when she was sentenced, and the other when her name was cleared.

A Historical Memory will be devoted to Joan in 2015 in the

Archdiocese, the site of her trial, sentencing and

rehabilitation. The scenography, orchestrated by the

Clemence Farell agency, will be a journey through the

faces and stories of "Joan". This unique place in France

will be a match for the character of Joan and will be marked

by architecture with a strong medieval identity.

Pierre Corneille

French theatre owes its vibrancy during the 17th century to playwrights like Pierre Corneille. Born in Rouen, the writer was first a lawyer at the Parliament of Normandy, before Richelieu supported his plays. He was successful in his time, and his play "Le Cid" marked the peak of his career.

François-Adrien Boieldieu

François-Adrien Boieldieu was a famous artist of the first half of the 19th century, and is known to posterity for his opera La dame blanche (1825). He frequented the courts in Paris and Saint Petersburg, added a number of operas to the French repertoire and influenced his contemporaries. Wagner recognized in him the "vivaciousness and natural grace of French spirit".

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Gustave Flaubert

Literature lovers are not insensitive to the work of Gustave Flaubert. He was originally from Rouen and is known throughout the world for his novel Madame Bovary, which illustrates his complex relationship with his native city. Through his works, the many changes and the world of the 19th century in Rouen can be rediscovered. Unusual places and sites, such as the monumental cemetery, bear witness today to the attachment of the region to the writer.

Hector Malot Hector Malot, famous writer of the novel Sans Famille, hailed from La Bouille. This little village on the shores of the Seine, which was made famous by Impressionist masters, was the pride of the novelist in his works. He refers to La Bouille in 1878 in Sans Famille, where "[...] the view reconciled him with water, and he understood that it could be pleasing to glide on this quiet river, among these cool meadows [...]".

Marcel Duchamp

Marcel Duchamp was arguably one of the most influential artists of the 20th century, making his mark on time and space. He created ready-made art, and his work is made up of a whole palette of concepts relating to movement, reality and the virtual. Several generations of artistic movements has been inspired by his family, included his brother called Duchamp-Villon.

Jacques Anquetil

Sports lovers have no doubt that Jacques Anquetil sets the standards for French cycling. He was the first cyclist to win the Tour de France five times, and his exceptional destiny makes Rouen and the Seine valley proud. Different places and sites pay vibrant homage to him.

Today, many artists and sportspeople who were born or worked in the region pay tribute to Normandy through their work. To name but a few of them, there is the actress Karine Viard, the director Claude Duty, the writer Philippe Delerm, the basketball player Tony Parker and so many others…

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MUSEUMS IN ROUEN AND THE SEINE VALLEY

Fine Arts Museum of Rouen

The Museum of Fine Arts boasts one of the most prestigious collections in France. Paintings, sculptures, drawings and objects of art produced by all schools, ranging from 15th century to the present are on display in a chronological order: Perugino, Veronese, Rubens, Caravaggio, Velázquez, Ribera and Poussin. The 19th century is the other key period of the collection of the museum, due to the abundance and scope of the artistic movements represented by the number of defining works of the greatest painters: Ingres, Géricault, Delacroix and others. In 1909, the Depeaux donation made the Fine Arts Museum the second largest Impressionist collection in France, with painting by great masters such as Monet, Sisley, Caillebotte, Pissarro, Degas and Renoir.

Ceramics Museum (Rouen)

The collection of 6000 ceramics pieces, two thirds of them from Rouen, is displayed in a 1657 town house. The museum is chiefly devoted to the famous Rouen pottery from the 16th to the 18th century. Rouen pottery is as fine as the one of Delft and Nevers, some pieces of which can be seen among the local collections. The exhibition rooms have been extensively refurbished, as have the gardens, and two new rooms dedicated to Sèvres porcelain from the 19th and 20th centuries were opened.

Le Secq des Tournelles - Ironwork Museum (Rouen)

This collection of wrought iron objects, left by Henri le Secq de Tournelles, is the largest public ironwork collection, from the Gallo-Roman period up to the 20th century. Presented in an old church dating from the 15th and 16th centuries, this collection is unique.

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h2o – Science Centre (Rouen)

This discovery centre for the young people (7 years and above) and old alike houses exhibitions, events and manipulations relating to sciences and the environment. H2o is located on the banks of the Seine, and offers high-quality programs for a very wide public. The 200-seat auditorium on the first floor is the venue for talks, film screenings, debates and exchanges... Its originality lies in the fact that it is located in a former port shed on the North bank of the Seine, called hangar 2, to which it owes its name.

Flaubert and History of Medicine Museum (Rouen)

With a dual focus, literary and scientific, the museum evokes both the youth of Gustave Flaubert and the history of medicine from the 12th century to the early 20th century. This museum presents collections that tell the history of the Hôtel-Dieu, chemistry and delivery and the care of young children: the circuit ends with a visit to a medicinal plant garden, as a learning extension of the museum.

Natural History Museum (Rouen)

Second most important museum after Paris, this establishment is unique in the diversity and wealth of its collections, with close to 800,000 objects, half of which are on display. The Natural History Museum of Rouen is also a remarkable tool for the discovery of the environment and biodiversity, as well as a cultural center for the popularization of scientific research.

Departmental Antiquities Museum (Rouen)

The museum is based in the former monastery of the Visitation Sainte-Marie, and was founded to conserve the archaeological discoveries of the department and the region. Additionally, it presents foreign antiquities (Greek, Roman, Egyptian, and Oriental), elements of architecture and town planning, religious and decorative arts, military collections and coins.

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National Education Museum (Rouen)

Over 900,000 pieces (200 on display) relating to the history of education in France from the 16th century onward are conserved in a remarkable half-timbered house of the late 15th century: the Maison des Quatre Fils Aymon (name taken from one of the most famous tales of chivalry of the late Middle Ages). The museum is also a resource and research centre.

Pierre Corneille museum (Rouen)

A short distance from the Place du Vieux Marché, this half-timbered house reconstructs the study of Pierre Corneille. Corneille was born in Rouen on 6 June 1606, and later moved to Paris; a valuable library composed of the first editions of his works can be seen here.

Dungeon of the Tour Jeanne d’Arc (Rouen)

This dungeon was part of the castle built in 1204 by Philip Augustus of France. This is the castle where Joan of Arc was held prisoner and where her trial took place. The heroine was threatened with torture in the presence of her judges on the ground floor of the dungeon. The permanent exhibition presents the history of the castle of Rouen and the figures that marked its history.

Vallois Rope Making Museum (Notre-Dame-De-Bondeville)

In the valley of Le Cailly, called the 'little Norman Manchester' because of its important textile-making history, this former textile mill (1825), which became a rope making works in 1885, has one of the last water wheels that continue to be in working condition. Over two levels, all the machines for making ropes are driven by the wheel, and are as they were in the 19th century.

Maritime, Inland Waterways and Port Museum (Rouen)

The history of the port of Rouen, port trades, great sailing ships, the merchant marine, river traffic, shipbuilding, whale-hunting, the polar expeditions of Charcot, lighthouses and beacons... over 2000 objects from the 18th century to modern times can be seen in this museum. Outside, sequanian boats and the barge the 'Pompon Rouge' complete the visit.

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Country house of Pierre Corneille (Petit-Couronne)

Bought in 1608 by Pierre Corneille (the older), this house was the family's 'holiday home'. The author of Le Cid would come here to enjoy the peace and quiet of the banks of the Seine. It houses a museum dedicated to the poet and a 17th century kitchen garden.

Pavillon Flaubert (Croisset-Canteleu)

Gustave Flaubert wrote his most important works in Croisset, on the banks of the Seine. His friends and fellow writers would be invited to stay there. The house was however destroyed shortly after the death of the novelist. Only the pavilion on the water's edge still stands. The personal items of the author include the stuffed parrot of Un coeur simple.

La Fabrique des savoirs (Elbeuf)

The cultural centre is home to the new museum of Elbeuf, rich of collections made up in 1884, the heritage archives of the Elbeuf region and the centre for the interpretation of architecture and heritage (CIAP). It is a place for exchange, the transmission of knowledge, relaxation and leisure, fostering the mixing of backgrounds and adding to the appeal of the region. It is part of the large-scale reconversion of the industrial heritage of the area of Elbeuf. A contemporary part, the prism, made of opalescent glass, is the link between the past and the future.

Fonds Régional d’Art Contemporain (FRAC) of Upper

Normandy (Sotteville-lès-Rouen)

Trafic is the name of the home of the FRAC, in an old industrial premise, opposite the Botanical Garden of Rouen. It displays monographic or themed exhibitions of the works of contemporary artists of all types. In-depth teaching efforts intended for all publics are also carried out by FRAC. Exhibitions outside its premises also enable FRAC to spread contemporary creation over the entire territory of Upper Normandy.

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Contemporary Art Centre (Saint-Pierre de Varengeville) This castle was built in the 19th century and now belongs to the Matmut, a mutual society from Rouen. It provides a space of 400 square meters devoted to the exhibition of works by contemporary artists. A six-hectare park is entirely dedicated to the display of sculptures and plants.

Expotec 103 - Science and Techniques Centre (Rouen)

At the gates of Rouen, on the mill road, in the valleys of the Robec and the Aubette, this museum set up by a voluntary association presents a variety of steam machines, engines and forges, which show the great economic and social wealth of Rouen.

Château du Taillis – Museum August 44 (Duclair)

To the west of Rouen, the Château du Taillis (built around 1530) was enlarged in the XVII and XVIII centuries. 300 Years of architecture have produced an exceptionally harmonious site with its grounds and gardens classified as "Arbre Remarquable de France" and a Historical Monument. The area will host the August 44 Museum which recounts the end of the battle of Normandy on the banks of the River Seine in August 1944.

Highlights in 2014: the site will host the commemorations

around 8 May and the "light show visits" (early July and

early August) for several days.

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ROUEN AND THE SEINE VALLEY FOR GOURMETS Rouen and the Seine valley are synonymous with conviviality and relaxation for gastronomy lovers. The restaurants, brasseries, bars and tea rooms offer fine products that are made in line with traditional regional values.

Culinary flavors and colors tickle the senses with the diversity of menus on offer. Between land and sea, the Norman cuisine is incomparable and unique. With over 135 restaurants in the region, Rouen and the Seine valley propose a number of culinary experiences, from the boldest to the most respectful of traditions.

Alongside Norman cheeses, Calvados, cider and pommeau,

crème fraîche and scallops, the chefs of Rouen know how to give Norman flavours exotic or impressionist touches from a wider horizon, that of world cuisine. The master cooks of Rouen and the Seine valley bring out the extraordinary wealth of the Norman countryside and seashores. The most authentic recipe is certainly the one created by

Michel Guéret in 1933 when he was a young steward on board

the cruise ship Félix-Faure. Inspired by the Rouen duckling of

Louis Convert, chef of the S.M. Edouard VII, the recipe soon became part and parcel of the Norman heritage. In order to protect and perpetuate the tradition, in 1986, Michel Guéret

founded the Ordre des Canardiers.

Between gourmet pleasure and traditions, Rouen and the Seine valley have preserved their local specialities and developed them for the pleasure of gourmets. The apple, fruit and symbol

of Normandy, is distinguished in the Douillon d’Elbeuf

surrounded by fine flaky pastry, whereas the Sucre de Pomme, made in an artisan way, is the sweet treat of Rouen par excellence. Chocolate is also made here, in the form of Paillardises and Larmes de Jeanne d’Arc. The gastronomy of Rouen and the Seine valley is an invitation to share and discover thousands of tastes.

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3000 STORES FOR A SPOT OF SHOPPING

Rouen and the Seine valley is an ideal shopping destination,

with over 3000 stores. The different styles seen in the display windows cater for all tastes. With its historic centre, Rouen, where the Rue du Gros Horloge is the first pedestrian street in France, offers a wide range of products for all ages. Luxury brands, franchises and independent stores provide you a varied shopping experience. Many antiques shops are present here for those who are

looking for handmade and traditional items. The famous

pottery of Rouen can be found in the picturesque streets of the city, full of history and the charm of the past. The many artistic and craft trades located in the area preserve the traditional values of each of them, whether it is metalwork, interior architecture or food and hospitality. These values conserve all the ancestral skills handed down over the generations and offer a unique know-how to discover.

Haute orfèvrerie (silversmithery) can be found at Christofle, the last great house of France since the 19th century, in the Yainville factory that has never ceased to innovate and give each time a new art of living.

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CULTURE AND SPORT With an exceptional heritage, unique gastronomy and at the leading edge of current trends, many qualities come together in the top-quality amenities of Rouen and the Seine valley.

With its Zénith concert venue, Rouen hosts the gigs of the greatest French and international artistes. Many auditoriums

and theatres offer programs of very high quality. Le 106 has become the place for artistes and groups involved in contemporary music. The place has its own reinterpretation of the shores of the Seine in Rouen, and is integrated into the plan redesigning the embankments of the city.

The Opera and theatres of the Seine valley also propose rich and varied programs of circus arts, music, and singing, with a very large number of local creations. Play activities are accessible to all with leisure and water sports facilities spread over the 70 municipalities of the Rouen and the Seine valley area. Nature lovers and those who enjoy simple pleasures could not ask for more. Top-level competition has found a new international centre

with the recent completion of Kindarena designed by Dominique Perrault. This high-quality sports stadium is environmentally friendly and hosts major sporting events for up to 6000 spectators. The closeness to Paris, the vibrancy of the region and university life contributes to the creation of several events opened to all, all seasons long. Exhibitions, festivals and other functions liven up Rouen and the Seine valley for every taste and desire.

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SEA AND RIVER CRUISES

A major hub in Europe, the Sea Port of Rouen is ideally located between the two world capitals that are Paris and London. Rouen can receive the largest sea-going cruise ships

and river boats, and is one of the prime cruise destinations of the Channel and the Atlantic. Rouen and the Seine valley offer a cultural and major port of call, making it possible to discover Paris, the Normandy landing beaches and the Mont Saint Michel in a few hours.

The wharves have been designed to appeal many globally reputed companies that offer river cruises on the Seine from Paris to Honfleur, allowing visitors to see the natural landscapes that inspired Impressionist painters and stay a short walking distance from the cathedral.

This personalised and unforgettable port of call combines a very high service quality (luxury boutiques, VIP facilities etc.)

with the charm of the picturesque streets of Rouen: maritime

and river facilities offer a new experience in a favored location between Paris and the Channel, in the heart of Normandy.

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CONGRES AND CONVENTIONS CENTER

Rouen and the Seine valley representing the largest

conurbation in France, is the third largest French region in terms of organization of events, after Île de France and Provence, Alpes and Côte d'Azur regions.

Regional capital, Rouen and the Seine valley form a vibrant social and economic environment that has been selected by many renowned companies, such as leading universities and research institutions, has seen the emergency of new technological areas such as cutting-edge industry, fine chemicals or aerospace. Rouen and the Seine valley combine escape and closeness

thanks to their ideal location (less than 300 kilometers away

from three European capitals: Paris, London and Brussels), and are easily accessible. The main assets of Rouen and the Seine valley destination

are its tourist appeal and facilities. Country of Impressionism, land of events, over three million tourists walk the cobbled streets of Rouen every year, admiring its remarkable architectural heritage, the 100 km of shores of the Seine and the 500 km of hiking paths and enjoy the 21,000 hectares of forest.

A diversified range of hotel accommodation is distributed over the entire territory, a lush and architecturally rich setting. In the city centre, close to accesses or on the periphery, international groups (Accor, Best Western, SLIH, Louvre-Hôtels etc.) have hotels that reinforce the quality of the amenities.

The Congress and Convention Center of the Tourist and Conference Office of Rouen Seine valley is the place where service providers and project owners can meet up. Its knowledge of availability in the region and its competencies are made for the success of conferences, seminars, fairs, workshops and meetings in Rouen and the Seine valley.

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With new facilities (h2o, Pathé Docks 76, Kindarena, Vue

sur Seine etc.), the area can receive 1 to 6000 people.

The professionals of business tourism and the Congress

and Convention Center set up a Quality and Commitment Charter, which ensures that the services provided match the required quality standards to the satisfaction of organizers.

In 2016, a new Conference Centre with an amphitheatre of 800 seats and a number of working rooms large enough for large-scale events will be inaugurated.

The "Rouen Meeting Guide" brings all of these events

together and has been produced in 2014 to accompany

each project. "Rouen-convention-bureau.com" is your

internet reference site for taking advantage of all the strengths of business tourism in Rouen and the Seine valley.

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PRACTICAL INFORMATION

Getting here All roads drive to Rouen. Whatever your transport type, the capital of Normandy is only a few hours away from its European counterparts. By car: 1 1/2 hours from Paris 3 hours from Lille 5 1/2 hours from Lyon By rail: Rouen Rive-Droite station is connected to major French and European destinations Rouen – Paris: 1 1/4 hours Rouen – Lille: 3 1/2 hours via Paris or Amiens Rouen – Lyon: 3 3/4 hours, with a direct route every day Rouen – Brussels: 5 hours via Paris and Lille Rouen – Marseille: 5 1/2 hours By air: Rouen is close to three airports offering connections with major European cities. Rouen and the Seine valley have their own airport, 10 km away from the city centre of Rouen in Boos, specialized in business tourism. A regular seasonal route operates in spring and summer to Figari South Corsica, with the tour operator Corsicatours. Charles de Gaulle airport, located 1 hour and 45 minutes away from Rouen, is connected to destinations across the world. Beauvais-Tillé airport is a budget airport that is ideally located 1 hour and 30 minutes away from Rouen, and is connected to European capitals and North Africa.

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About us

The Tourist and Conference Office of Rouen and the Seine valley has got the purpose to promote the region. It receives tourists from across the world and gives them information and guidance for their stays in Normandy.

Tourist and Conference Office of Rouen and the Seine

Valley on the web:

www.rouenvalleedeseine.com

www.rouenvalleedeseine.mobi

This document is published by the Tourist and Conference Office of Rouen and the Seine Valley -

Photographs J.F. Lange / Asisi Gmbh / Markowicz

Tourist and Conference Office

of Rouen and the Seine valley 25, Place de la Cathédrale CS 30666, 76008 Rouen cedex 1 02.32.08.32.40

Tourist Information Office 227, Avenue du Président Coty 76480 Duclair 02.35.37.38.29

Tourist Information Office La Fabrique des savoirs 7 cours Gambetta 76500 Elbeuf 02.32.96.30.40

Tourist Information Office Rue Guillaume le Conquérant 76480 Jumièges 02.35.37.28.97

http://www.rouenvalleedeseine.com/

http://www.rouenvalleedeseine.mobi/

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