Rouen

A good night’s sleep by all was rewarded with freshly cooked croissants and hot chocolates. Travel sickness pills administered and packed lunches made (approximately taking 4 hours – not really!) and our adventurers were ready to explore the cultural hotspot that is Rouen. With BBC weather forecasting 25c fine weather (and rarely correct), caution was taken and raincoats requested which seemed well judged as the rain began to fall as we journeyed there. As ever, there’s always one who doesn’t listen, dressed in a T-shirt and shorts and nothing more! Luckily, he fashioned a waterproof hat as back up.

Every step in Rouen brings awe and wonder: magnificent architecture, mouth-watering patisseries and beautiful parks. Out first step was the city cathedral; built over 400 years starting in the 1100s, the building has stories to tell: painted by Monet, survived World War bombing and hosting an 850 tonne iron spire. Whilst historic, the cathedral is still very much a place of importance today; as we entered, French school children took communion in the morning service.

As ever, lunch was well received. A packed lunch – made by the children – sat by the city’s abbey.

Further exploration of the city took us to an ossuary, where the bones of plague victims were placed, and to the spot where Joan of Arc was burnt at the stake. A church now sits there, built in a nautical style, which celebrates her heroism.

Despite this historical feast, it was the shopping time that was most anticipated. A great opportunity to practise some French – the sun shone as ice creams and various other treats were purchased.