Blog

Claude Monet and Giverny

Normandy—and more specifically its sky—has long been a source of inspiration for Claude Monet. Fascinated by the constant variations in light and the shifting colors throughout the day, he developed a new style of painting in which the moment, the atmosphere, and movement took precedence over academic representation. This marked the birth of the Impressionist movement, a true artistic revolution that would spread throughout the world.

While Monet is now known worldwide for his house, garden, and famous *Water Lilies* in Giverny, he also dedicated one of his most iconic series to Notre-Dame Cathedral in Rouen.

Between 1892 and 1894, working from a room on the first floor of the former Hôtel des Finances—which was then occupied by a women’s clothing store—Monet painted the cathedral’s façade at different times of day. His goal was not to depict the monument itself, but to capture the effects of light on the stone, the shadows, the reflections, and the infinite nuances of the Normandy sky. Each canvas thus becomes a unique interpretation of the same subject, in which color and light are the true protagonists.

One can easily imagine that, between painting sessions, the artist would have enjoyed finding refuge in a quiet, welcoming place like the Hôtel Cardinal. Located across from the cathedral and still offering an exceptional view of this masterpiece of Gothic architecture, the hotel seems to fit naturally into Monet’s world. It’s an ideal spot to contemplate the changing light throughout the day, let one’s gaze wander, sketch a few notes, or simply find some peace and quiet before picking up his brushes again.

Energy Report

Like many historic postwar hotels, the Hôtel Cardinal was heated with fuel oil for many years, but it has chosen to embark on a thoughtful and sustainable energy transition.

Rather than replacing one fossil fuel with another, the facility turned to wood pellet heating, a more environmentally friendly solution that is well-suited to older buildings and relies on a renewable, locally sourced energy source.

This decision significantly reduces the hotel’s carbon footprint while maintaining an approach consistent with the values of an independent hotel: authenticity, responsibility, and a strong local presence.

At a time when more and more travelers are seeking accommodations that are actively committed to the environmental transition, this approach reflects a different way of traveling: one that is more sustainable, more people-centered, and more connected to the local community.

And because an independent hotel invests directly in its building, its staff, and its environmental initiatives, booking directly remains the best way to support these efforts.

What People Are Saying About Us

We don’t have the digital reach or visibility of the major hotel chains, but some well-known travel guides know what they’re talking about. Today’s travelers are looking for more authenticity, meaningful encounters, and places run by passionate men and women.

Discover Normandy in a whole new way: a road trip on foot, without your luggage

What if you took the time to travel differently?

We’ll plan a 7- to 10-day walking tour for you through Normandy’s most beautiful landscapes. Each morning, set out on foot along carefully selected routes that take you through charming villages, lush green valleys, historic sites, and cultural treasures.

The benefit? You travel light. While you enjoy your day to the fullest, we’ll arrange for your luggage to be transferred to your next hotel. When you arrive, your room will already be ready for you.

This package is ideal for travelers who want to explore the region at their own pace, without any logistical hassles, while enjoying the comfort of carefully selected boutique hotels.

Whether you're traveling alone, as a couple, or with friends, let us guide you through authentic Normandy, where every stop is a new discovery.

Walk, explore, take it all in… we'll take care of the rest.

Normandy Cuisine

Normandy is certainly one of France’s most renowned regions for its cuisine. While the region is known for its cheeses—Camembert foremost among them—its cream, and its apples, it offers many other flavors as well. Did you know that Normandy is France’s leading region for scallop fishing? It also produces oysters (from Saint-Vaast-la-Hougue, Veules, etc.) and mussels. Among its specialties are salt marsh lamb, raised in the Bay of Mont-Saint-Michel; andouille sausage from Vire; Caen-style tripe; black pudding from Mortagne; and caramel from Isigny.

All of this is best enjoyed with a good glass of cider, poiré, pommeau, or—for something a bit “stronger”—Calvados. In restaurants, you won’t be able to avoid the “trou normand,” a true interlude to aid digestion. A rich gastronomic heritage, filled with AOP (Protected Designation of Origin) and AOC (Controlled Designation of Origin) products, just waiting to be explored. All to be enjoyed in moderation.

Gastronomic Festivals.

With food tastings on the horizon, as well as opportunities to meet chefs and producers, Normandy hosts numerous food festivals. These events feature local specialties such as scallops, apples, cider, and herring.

The History of the New Brasserie Paul

The history of the Hôtel Cardinal began in the 1920s with Messrs. Kohler and Criblez, who opened “La Grande Brasserie Paul” at 77 Rue Grand Pont — a fairly large block (between Rue du Petit Salut and Rue aux Ours).

In May 1944, Rouen endured one of its darkest periods, known as the “Red Week,” marked by Allied bombings targeting the city’s bridges. The cathedral miraculously escaped the flames, but Rue Grand Pont, Rue aux Ours, and Rue Ampère—which would later become Rue du Petit Salut—were completely destroyed, taking with them all the shops and the Grande Brasserie Paul.

Mr. Kohler, who was likely not the owner of the building that once housed the now-destroyed brewery, acquired the assets of the Queneaux partners and their rights to compensation. The following is noted : “ Transfer File – Change of Use – Kohler and Criblez Case, Brasserie Paul – Block 5, reconstructed property, Place de la Cathédrale – 77–79 Rue Grand-Pont and 8, 10, 12 Rue aux Ours – 1947” (hotel-restaurant, retaining the billiard rooms in the basement).

It wasn’t until 1967that the two businesses officially split, giving rise tothe Hôtel Cardinal:a modern establishment for its time, featuring an elevator, central heating, and restrooms. Since then, the hotel has had several owners, all committed to maintaining a level of comfort that harmonizes with the exceptional surroundings of Rouen’s historic center.

Today, the Hôtel Cardinal is managed by Ms. Waroquet, who has owned it for more than 12 years, continuing the tradition of hospitality and quality for which it is renowned.

Rouen: The City

A traditional commercial city and the capital of Normandy, Rouen offers a wide array of impressive sights, including 2,000 (!) half-timbered houses, as well as the culinary charm of Normandy cuisine.

The Gros-Horloge in Rouen

The undisputed star is undoubtedly the Notre-Dame Cathedral in the heart of Rouen, one of the most beautiful churches in France. It was also depicted by the painter Claude Monet in his series of 33 Impressionist paintings. These works were created under a wide variety of influences and lighting perspectives and offer inspiration for today’s art scene. Berlin-based artist Yadegar Asisi created an impressive 360-degree installation at the Leipzig Panorama featuring Monet’s cathedral, covering an area of 3,500 square meters and standing 32 meters tall.

In Rouen’s old town, one of the main attractions is the Gros Horloge, set in a richly gilded frame atop an arcade dating back to 1389—probably the most popular photo spot, rivaling the cathedral. The clock displays not only the time but also the phases of the moon through a porthole above the dial. In the center of the Place du Vieux Marché stands a large cross atop a tall stele. It commemorates Joan of Arc, who died here in the flames of a funeral pyre.

Bistronomic Chronicles

Because the experience of a place isn't limited to just a room, we wanted to share with you a few places that we know and particularly enjoy.

All these restaurants have one thing in common: they are independently owned establishments, run by passionate people who champion authentic, generous, and high-quality cuisine. From the legendary Brasserie Paul at the foot of our hotel to the restaurant D’eux-mêmes on Place du Vieux-Marché, and including La Couronne and Les Maraîchers, each of these restaurants embodies, in its own way, a certain vision of the Rouen way of life.

This selection is by no means a ranking and does not claim to be exhaustive. It simply reflects our personal favorites—places where you’re welcomed with care and where dining remains a truly memorable experience.

We choose a city for its heritage, a hotel for its atmosphere… but often, it’s also the memories of a good meal that make a trip memorable.