Excursion S.a.l.t. canard à la rouennaise : a culinary spectacle tour at Rouen

In Rouen, there is no recipe more local than the Canard à la Rouennaise (Rouen-Style Duck). Historically called “Caneton à la Duclair” (Duclair-style duckling), is dating back to the XIX century, created by Henri Denise, owner of an hôtel restaurant in the small village of Duclair, located 30 minutes away from Rouen, along the Seine River.

From the origin of the duck to the cooking, the entire process is so specific and traditional that in 1986, the Canardiers Order was created to ensure the preservation of this typical culinary art and the respect this local savoir-faire's core principles.

La Couronne

On this tour, you will be driven in the heart of Rouen’s old town, to the oldest inn in France : La Couronne.

After a brief presentation of the institution, you will be taken to a private lounge for an uncommon but memorable culinary experience.

Maitre Canardier

Before lunch, you will make the acquaintance of a “Maitre Canardier” belonging to the Canardiers Order. He will introduce you to its traditional outfit and his medal of the Order and explain to you the establishment of this tradition and how they foster its transmission. Different variant of the receipt exists nowadays but the Order makes sure that specific basic rules are respected.

Norman Gourmet Lunch

Your lunch will start with an Apéro Normand (Norman aperitif) with a traditional Norman cocktail and some appetizers.

Your main course of the day, the Canard à la Rouennaise will be prepared right in front of your eyes, like if you were in a private and intimate show-cooking. You will assist to what makes the preparation of this recipe so particular and famous. You will witness the Maitre Canardier exert a flambé, the carving of the breasts before putting the carcasse of the duck in the dedicated press to extract the blood, that is then used to thicken the final sauce.

End your lunch with another culinary specialty of Normandy: the Soufflé Normand (Norman Soufflé) a dessert between a soufflé and an apple Charlotte flavored with the famous Norman alcohol, the Calvados.

Points of interests

Points of interest seen on this excursion include: La Couronne, Maitre Canardier, Norman Gourmet Lunch

Note

Please note: This tour requires a moderate amount of walking, with cobblestone streets in Rouen, and a few steps to negotiate to get on/off the coach. This tour is not suitable for guests with limited mobility and guests who utilise a wheelchair. Lightweight, comfortable clothing, flat, closed-toe walking shoes and sun protection are recommended.