Oh… my…. God, could there BE a better Friends-themed city break?
The French city of Rouen was previously most famous for being the site of Joan of Arc’s execution – she was put on trial and burned at the stake here in 1431 – making it a tourist destination for history buffs.
But now it has become an unlikely destination for Friends fans after two spots dedicated to the beloved US TV series opened in the centre of the Normandy capital – despite the fact it was set 3,557 miles across the Atlantic in New York.
Thanks to rental accommodation kitted out exactly like Monica Geller’s iconic Manhattan apartment and a replica of Rachel Green’s workplace, Central Perk, fans of the show can have a Friends-themed hen party without travelling all the way to New York.
The owners of Rouen’s New York-style coffee shop Social Perk opened their business nine years ago, and tell MailOnline Travel it was ‘100 per cent inspired by Central Perk’.
The reason for opening, they explan, is that France has a deep affection for Friends, with 1.4 million viewers tuning in weekly at its peak in 1997.
While the cafe has been operating for almost a decade, in 2023 a local concierge business decided to play on the Friends theme, and decorated a cosy apartment exactly like Monica’s iconic dwellings in central Rouen, close to the place du Vieux-Marché.
The walls are coated in an instantly-recognisable shade of lilac, adorned with a gold-framed peephole on the front door, and a replica of her Aux Buttes Chaumont Jouets poster, a vintage French design by artist Jules Cheret in 1885.
The French city of Rouen has become an unlikely destination for Friends fans after two spots dedicated to the beloved US TV series opened in the centre, including a rental accommodation kitted out like Monica Geller’s (pictured)
The walls are coated in an instantly-recognisable shade of lilac, adorned with a gold-framed peephole on the front door, and a replica of her Aux Buttes Chaumont Jouets poster, a vintage French design by artist Jules Cheret in 1885
Up to four guests at a time can stay and visitors have praised the attention to detail and ‘perfect authenticity’ to the series in online reviews
Up to four guests at a time can stay, and serve up their own version of Rachel’s beef trifle or a traditional Thanksgiving feast in Monica’s kitchen, underneath her vintage French posters, advertising a clairvoyant called Maina.
Visitors have praised the attention to detail and ‘perfect authenticity’ to the series in online reviews – and some have really got into the spirit during their stays.
One guest, @justinepatisserie on TikTok, remade the episode titled The One With Phoebe’s Cookies by baking Lisa Kudrow’s character’s grandmother’s ‘secret’ recipe for ‘Nestle Toulouse’ cookies.
Another pair, @carlotte_et_loulou, reassured the owners they did not pinch all the amenities provided, unlike Ross Geller (played by David Schwimmer) who convinces Chandler Bing (Matthew Perry) that they are entitled to take anything from a hotel that does not amount to stealing.
‘We didn’t leave with the remote control batteries, light bulbs and toilet paper,’ quipped the Friends fans.
Poignantly, the living room features a framed photograph of Matthew in tribute to him, after he died in October 2023 after taking ketamine in a hot tub.
Meanwhile, owners have installed a TV with access to Netflix so fans can watch their favourite episodes while immersed in the iconic decor, and tell guests: ‘From the colourful kitchen and cult objects to the quotes and accessories inspired by your favourite characters, you’ll feel right at home.
‘Could we BE any more excited to welcome you?’
Nearby, on the Rue de la Tour de Beurre, Social Perk pays just as much attention to detail, with diners watching an endless stream of episodes from a comfy orange sofa
The owners of Rouen’s New York-style coffee shop Social Perk opened their business nine years ago, and tell MailOnline Travel it was ‘100 per cent inspired by Central Perk’
Just a few steps away from the gothic Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Rouen, a favourite of the artist Claude Monet, the deli serves up American-inspired food in keeping with its theme
Nearby, on the Rue de la Tour de Beurre, Social Perk pays just as much attention to detail, with diners watching an endless stream of episodes from a comfy orange sofa.
Just a few steps away from the gothic Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Rouen, a favourite of the artist Claude Monet, the deli serves up American-inspired food in keeping with its theme.
The menu includes £6 Texan or Yankee bagels that Joey Tribbiani (Matt Le Blanc) would refuse to share – as he stipulates in the series – and a £3 New York-style cheesecake like the one he eats straight from the floor.
Owner Akila says: ‘Social Perk has been around for nine years now. We decided to take it over because we liked the unique concept of this typically New York café, 100% inspired by Central Perk, and it appeals to the French a lot.
‘Friends parties are often held at Social Perk, for birthdays or hen parties.
‘They have a great time there. We’ve had people come from London! It’s incredible.’
It’s not surprising the establishments are popular with hen parties, as there were plenty of weddings on the series – Ross alone wed three times.
Though Brits may struggle to recreate Phoebe Buffay’s memorable bachelorette party, as actor Danny DeVito may not be available for hire as a stripper, it may be possible to hire a Holiday Armadillo costume ahead of the city break.
There are no direct flights to Rouen from the UK, but it’s easily accessible by train, taking just over two hours from Paris
Group selfies captioned ‘We were on a break’ are, of course, obligatory.
The two businesses are independent from each other, but recommend each other to the Friends fans who visit.
‘We are independent, but we don’t hesitate to send our clients and tourists to the Friends apartment in Rouen to spend a night and feel like they’re in Monica and her friends’ apartment,’ continues Akila.
While Rouen itself has no connection to the series, it sits just 70 miles from Paris, where Rachel was set to take up a role at Louis Vuitton’s headquarters, before she famously ‘didn’t get on the plane’ in the final series to be with boyfriend Ross.
But if Brits do want to get on the plane – or train, or other mode of transport – to reach the Friends-themed city, they’ll have to first get to Paris, as there are no direct flights to Rouen.
From the French capital, it’s easily accessible by train, taking just over two hours.
The immersive Friends Apartment is available to be booked from £140-per-night via Booking.com or Airbnb, and Social Perk is open all week, Mon-Fri 10:30am-7pm, 10:30am-8pm on Saturdays and 11am-7pm on Sundays.
