If you want to sampleRouen’s specialties, La Couronne remains a must-visit spot. Considered the oldest inn in France, it embodies Rouen’s more gourmet cuisine.
But there’s another spot worth visiting:Brasserie Paul, the oldest brewery in Rouen still in operation. Its history dates back to 1898. Before World War II, it was located on another block in the neighborhood, near the Bureau des Finances, a building that long housed the Tourist Office.
During the "Red Week," from May 30 to June 5, 1944, Allied bombing raids destroyed much of downtown Rouen. The Brasserie Paul was destroyed along with the rest of its neighborhood before being rebuilt after the war at its current location on Place de la Cathédrale.
Today, it offers hearty French brasserie cuisine that highlights ingredients from Normandy. Highlights include the Camembert and apple turnover and the “Assiette Paul,” inspired by Simone de Beauvoir’s culinary habits.
Brasserie Paul offers a welcoming introduction to Rouen’s culinary scene, just a short walk from the Hôtel Cardinal. But to truly understand the origins of the ingredients served in the restaurants, you also need to browse the market stalls and meet the people who bring Normandy’s local flavors to life. So let’s continue our stroll through Rouen’s markets.
In an upcoming miniseries, we’ll take you on a journey through the history of this institution, from the original brewery to the establishment we know today.
