Madame Capitaine is now available to rent!
Our Rouen pied à terre is now available on Airbnb - a fully-renovated 150-year-old duplex apartment in the historic capital of Normandy. Find all the products from our partners in this newsletter!
A quick, no pressure reminder…If you’d like to gain FULL ACCESS to my archive of wardrobe, homeware and travel edits, including my Little Black Book of Paris addresses, a subscription works out at just €5 a month (instead of 6€) if you sign up to the yearly membership (that’s only 1.16€ a week — less than a croissant!)
If you’ve been reading my newsletter for a while or following me over on Instagram, you’ll know that in 2023 Victor and I purchased a 39m2 apartment in the centre of Rouen and fully-renovated it over the past couple of years. It is finally available to rent and I couldn’t be happier that I now get to share this labour of love with you! You can find it on Airbnb and Instagram.
For those of you who don’t know Rouen, it was the birthplace of the Impressionism movement - Monet painted the cathedral more than 30 times. And incidentally the cathedral, thanks to its beautiful cast iron spire (151m high), built by architect Antoine Alavoine in the early 19th century, was the tallest building in the world for four years between 1876-1880. Today, it is still the highest church in France.
Steeped in history, the city has a rich and eventful past, marked by the influence of the Vikings. Founded during the Roman era by Rotomagus, it became an important commercial and maritime centre thanks to its strategic position on the river Seine. In the 9th century, the Vikings, led by Rollo, seized Rouen and made it the capital of the Duchy of Normandy after the Treaty of Saint-Clair-sur-Epte in 911. Under their watch, the city flourished and became a major economic hub. During the Middle Ages, Rouen established itself as one of the largest cities in the Kingdom of France and played a central role in the Hundred Years’ War, notably with the trial and execution of Joan of Arc in 1431. Its exceptional architectural heritage, from the Notre-Dame Cathedral to its timbered houses, reflects its rich history. Today, Rouen continues to captivate visitors with its fascinating past and unique blend of tradition and modernity.
Madame Capitaine is ideally located just steps from the train station and the historic center of Rouen. I designed it to resemble an urban cottage inspired by Rouen’s history. This cosy retreat features exposed beams and timber frames, a marble fireplace, high ceilings, vintage furniture, accessories and art, a queen-size bed, and a spacious shower. It is fully-equipped to offer you a unique experience in the heart of Normandy’s capital.
The apartment is also conceived as a livable showroom, meaning you have the opportunity to see and try products from our partners during your stay, which I’m sharing in today’s newsletter!
LIVING SPACE
Sofa - Palm Linen Sofa bed by Kipli
Rug - Loops in yellow by Nordic Knots
Paint - School House White by Farrow & Ball
Quilt - Kite patchwork quilt by Toast
Curtains - Bouclé in Ivory by Gotain
KITCHEN
Cupboard facades - in Ivoire from Plum Living
Floor tiles - cement tiles in beige and neige by Carodeco from Étoffe
Tap - Margot
Plugs & light switches (throughout the apartment) - Garby Colonial by Fontini
BEDROOM
Paint - Lulworth Blue by Farrow & Ball
Mattress - Queen-size ‘Ultime’ by Kipli
Bedside tables - beige travertine 50cm columns from Talka Decor
Rug - Garden Maze in blue by Nordic Knots
Blanket - Melin Tregwynt Welsh Blanket in rust/topaz by Toast
BATHROOM
Paint - Calamine by Farrow & Ball
Sink tap - tap and tap handles by Margot
Shower Column - Margot
Door hooks - Mews bronze hooks by Corston
Floor tiles - cement tiles in Neige, Ardoise by Carodeco from Étoffe
Thanks for reading, and I hope to see you soon in Rouen! If you’re interested in my interior design services, you can find more info on my Instagram, or email me at: marissa@ruerodier.com
A bientôt, Marissa xx
Read more on Rue Rodier:
Practising Parisienne with Fanny Morel, Communications Director for Oh My Cream
Books! Just a few! They make a room! Otherwise lovely.
The blue bedroom 🥹 dream! Love what you’ve done so much!