It’s no secret that brunching has become a popular event on weekend mornings around the world. Rouen, Normandy’s largest city, is not exempt from the trend and now has a long list of great places to brunch, whether by the river or amidst its historic streets. Check out our top five brunch spots in Rouen…
The biggest: La Fabrik
Let La Fabrik pamper you with a brunch fit for a king! Offering a wide selection of food and beverages, this extensive buffet offering has something for everyone! A vast choice of classic French and continental dishes, complete with healthy options, will please both savoury and sweet taste buds. When the weather is fair, La Fabrik’s terrace affords beautiful views of the River Seine, making it the perfect spot to relax and unwind.
Every Sunday from 11:30am | Hangar 1/A quai de Boisguilbert
The poshest: L’Odas
What’s better than brunch at a Michelin-starred restaurant? Just a few steps from Rouen Cathedral, L’Odas welcomes foodies every Sunday for a brunch with a gastronomic touch. Not only are guests invited to tuck into traditional French morning delicacies such as vienoisseries and fresh baguettes, but they also have the chance to savour foie gras, lobster, caviar and other premium products! All cakes, jams and chocolate spreads are homemade, and champagne can be ordered for that extra sparkle.
Every Sunday from 10:30am | Passage Maurice Lenfant
The cosiest: La Parenthèse
Tucked away in the city centre, La Parenthèse was one of the first places in Rouen to serve brunch, well before eggs Benedict became a weekend way of life. If you’re feeling particularly hungry, choose from two of the café’s buffet options to go with your freshly-squeezed orange juice, eggs and pancakes, and top it all off with fresh fruit and homemade cakes. Lots of choice, reasonable prices, cosy surroundings, lovely courtyard views and comfortable seating make for a classic brunching experience.
Every Sunday from 11am | 7 rue de la Poterne
The sportiest: Ströke
Don’t be put off by the name of this place; if you’re searching for the most popular brunch in town, look no further. As well as providing impressive views of the River Seine and Hangar 108 (a modern building whose glass panels form a pixelated Monet painting), riverside restaurant Ströke boasts a wide selection of viennoiseries, bread, cheese, charcuterie, salads, pasta, egg dishes, smoked salmon and desserts. It’s actually part of a squash complex, hence the name Ströke (a stroke is when a point is awarded to a player whose shot is obstructed). Don’t forget to book!
Every Sunday from midday | 5 quai de Boisguilbert
The trendiest: Ginette
In the heart of Saint-Maclou, the coolest neighbourhood in Rouen where all the action happens, Ginette is the new place to see and be seen. The café hosts a warm and stylish interior which matches the trendy dishes and cocktails served. No buffet, but various à la carte dishes along the lines of acai bowls and avocado toast. As you would expect, the atmosphere is young, lively and hip. Leave the café satisfied then enjoy a scenic stroll down rue Eau-de-Robec, one of Rouen’s prettiest streets.
Every Sunday from 10am | 25-27 place du Lieutenant Aubert
For more information on food and drink in Normandy, please visit the Normandy Tourist Board website.
Cover photo © La Fabrik Rouen | Text: Ben Collier
