Rouen, Normandy’s principal city, has been named ‘UNESCO City of Gastronomy’.
It is the first city in France to be recognised for its creativity in the field of gastronomy. Alongside 48 other cities around the world, in November 2021, Rouen was awarded for its outstanding gastronomy as well as creativity and progress in sustainable urban development.
With its historic old town, museums and glorious cathedral which Claude Monet revered, capturing its beauty on canvas over and over, Rouen has long attracted tourists. But it’s also famous for its culinary heritage, great chefs, Michelin starred restaurants, culinary specialities such as Rouen-style duck. It was in Rouen at La Couronne, the oldest Inn in France that the great American cook Julia Child had her first French dish and fell head over heels for French cuisine. There’s even a shop dedicated entirely to raclette. And of course, Normandy is world famous for its cheeses and cider, Calvados and seafood, dairy and apple tart. The UNESCO award also recognises the city’s efforts to educate the benefits of healthy eating, plus support for gender equality amongst other qualities.
‘Thanks to this distinction, the creativity of the city of Rouen will now be recognised internationally,’ says Nicolas Mayer-Rossignol, Mayor of Rouen. ‘… Rouen’s new status as a UNESCO City of Gastronomy represents an opportunity for the city’s economic, tourist and international attractiveness… and showcases the excellence of Normandy cuisine.’
Visit Rouen’s dedicated Creative City webpage rouen.fr/ville-creative-unesco
Discover all about Normandy’s cuisine: https://normandyfoodie.wordpress.com/
