Jardin du Musée Flaubert et d'Histoire de la Médecine

Located in the heart of Rouen, the capital city of Normandy, the small garden of the Flaubert and Medical History Museum is located in the 18th century property where Gustave Flaubert was born and bred. The building used to be the tied accommodation of the writer's father who was a surgeon at the Hotel-Dieu, the house is now a museum displaying collections of medical objects. At the foot of the building, there is small enclosed garden planted with about one hundred medicinal plants whose properties are explained via QR codes.

Here I was, standing on the front steps of the Flaubert family house. On the wall, we can read "Here was born Gustave Flaubert”. I walked through the doors, almost solemnly, and discovered a lovely enclosed garden, both shady and sunny. The house is splendid, even more when you know it is where the young Flaubert grew up. The garden is completely enclosed by walls, dating back to that time, creating a warm and reassuring haven. The rays of sunshine shone through the leaves and I closed my eyes. The atmosphere was very quiet and relaxing. I curiously observed the medicinal plants, some of which I was discovering for the first time. Small labels display the name of the species and a QR code. I immediately took my phone out of my pocket and scanned the code. I told myself amused that it was the only element that brought me back to the 21st century! The QR code displays a web page that gives information about the plant and its uses. What an interesting system! I continued my walk and regularly bent down to have a closer look and smell the plants. This place was ideal to disconnect and I enjoyed being able to recharge my batteries in this romantic garden.

I was really impressed by the idea of following in the footsteps of the young Flaubert. I imagined him wandering in the garden with his younger sister Caroline, watching their father in his office through the windows. There is a splendid statue at the back of the garden. I walked slowly towards it and discovered a representation of Flaubert and his famous heroine Emma Bovary. On the left, a more modern graffiti of the writer made me think that his works have definitely left an impact on our society.

Visiting this medicinal garden made me want to see more. I then headed towards the entrance of the museum, I really wanted to visit Flaubert’s childhood home. Let’s go!