While priding itself on 2,000 years of history, Rouen today is a thriving port, distribution and administrative centre with traditional industries - textiles, chemicals, metal works and paper - flourishing in the suburbs. Covering 1½ mls by 1¾ mls, it was extensively rebuilt after major damage during World War II whilst the historical centre largely survived and Old Rouen still seems to be bathed in the same hazy light captured by the Impressionist painter Monet, who lived here from 1872. A warren of cobbled, pedestrianised streets contains a higgledy-piggledy collection of some 700 half-timbered houses dating from the end of the 18th century back to the Middle Ages. The heart of the town is dominated by a 13th-century Gothic cathedral while to the W of the old town - and of touching interest - is a simple, thyme-covered mound where, in 1431, Joan of Arc was burnt at the stake; beside it stands a striking modern church dedicated to the saint.

An interesting stopover for a night or two, suited to middlemarket tourists.

Conventional 2- and 3-star hotels, mostly on the cathedral side of the river.

Branches of the usual French department stores and franchise boutiques. Regular flea markets.

Daytime: strolls or minitrain tour through the old town; wide range of well-endowed museums, including fine arts, ceramics and archaeology, plus the Joan of Arc Museum; numerous Gothic churches, including the cathedral, offering fine examples of stained glass; monuments including the Gros-Horloge belfry, arch and clocks, Joan of Arc tower and 11th-century Jewish Monument; swimming pools; ice-skating rink; bowling. Nightlife: variety of bars, including piano and music bars, mainly around the port and the old town; a few nightclubs; theatres including Theatre des Arts for opera, ballet and concerts; cinemas.

Wide choice serving mainly rich Norman cuisine - with cream, butter and Calvados sauces - at reasonable prices. Abundant fresh fish. Handful of international eateries, including Italian; boat restaurant. Patisseries and cafes plus a couple of self-service dining options. Local specialities include Rouen pressed duck (involves strangulation to prevent blood-letting, then blood is extracted from the partially cooked bird and used for the sauce); tripe cooked with ox feet, onions, carrots, herbs and cider; Rouen sheep's foot; cheeses; chocolates. Also all manner of apple concoctions from tarts, souffles, jelly, sugar and pastries to cider and Calvados - a tiny glass of which is traditionally taken between courses to aid digestion (called "Trou Normand").

A good bus service. A single-line underground called Metrobus, which is a chunky, 2-carriage vehicle on rails that runs underground or on the surface, at the mercy of traffic lights. Plentiful taxis.

Half day: visit to the port via boat; walking tours of outlying areas (Promenade du Vallon and Route des Moulins); local villages and towns including Bonsecourt (with a basilica and Joan of Arc monument) and 12th-century churches of Mont St Aignan; tours of surrounding countryside with churches, abbeys and castles. Full day: seaside resorts such as Deauville, Honfleur and Trouville; historical town of Bayeaux to view the famous tapestry; World War II Normandy beaches including war museums.

In Normandy in NW France, 35 mls inland from the English Channel. 130 mls S of Calais. 85 mls NW of Paris and its international airports.

On a loop of the navigable River Seine, with surrounding indented hills.

Post Code: 76000
Website: www.mairie-rouen.fr/gb/tourism

Airport : Rouen /Boos Airport
Airport Code: URO
Flight time from ther U.K.: 1 hr