Rouen’s compact old town is easy to explore on foot and one of its highlights is the charming Rue Eau de Robec. This picturesque street is known for its charming, old-world atmosphere, which it gains from its tall, timber-framed Norman buildings. Wander along the pedestrianized section of the road to enjoy a quiet stroll through the historic heart of the city, where there has been minimal tourism development. The street has a museum, a children’s carousel and several restaurants.
The history of Rue Eau de Robec is tied to the dyeing industry, with some of the buildings on the street dating back to the 15th century. Head to the corner of Rue Lamauve to see the master cloth-dyer’s house, which was built in 1735.
Find the start of the street and wander along the narrow, pedestrianized stretch. Bridges and archways cross the small stream. Bring your camera for photos of this scenic path, which bends beneath the half-timbered façades of historic houses.
Stop by the National Museum of Education, which is hosted in the 15th-century Maison des Quatre Fils Aymon, one of the oldest buildings on the street. The exhibits in the museum trace the history of education from the Renaissance to the modern day.
Choose the Rue Eau de Robec for your evening meal or a midday snack. Cafés and restaurants now occupy the ground floors of the attractive town houses. Sit down outdoors for a traditional French meal the local crêpes are particularly popular.
Rue Eau de Robec is part of the pedestrianized centre of Rouen and as such, is best explored on foot. The Cathedral of Notre Dame de Rouen is about 15 minutes away, as is the Musée des Beaux Arts. Parking is available on nearby roads. The street is open to the public at all times year round.
