Overview

One of Normandy’s capitals, Rouen is a lively city known for its beautiful architecture, fantastic culture and fascinating history. Whether you’re visiting one of its famed monuments, retracing its fascinating history or getting lost in its beautiful ambiance, it is a city that is sure to charm.

Rouen is widely known for its half-timbered houses, as well as its many beautiful churches, which gives it the name “city of a hundred steeples.” The famous cathedral of Rouen is one of the highest in the world, known in the arts as the subject of a series of more than 30 paintings by the brilliant artist Claude Monet. The city is also known for its ties to Joan d’Arc, who was executed here.

The city of Rouen is a great base for taking on the Normandy and Brittany areas at any time of the year. Its famous monuments and attractions draw travelers from all over to take in the fabulous natural scenery.

Things to see and do

Wandering through the charming old streets of Rouen feels like you traveled back in time. History is everywhere, from the Middle ages to the modern era. We recommend heading straight to the tourist information center to grab a map. There is a 2-hour walking route available which will take visitors through the historic and modern sights, as well as all the highlights of Rouen.

Visit the impressive Roman Catholic Cathedral, Rouen’s biggest and most famous attraction located in the heart of the old town. This cathedral dates back to the 12th century and boasts beautiful and impressive architecture. It contains the tomb of an English King, Richard the Lionheart. Located in the center of Rouen, the Cathédrale Notre-Dame is one of the most visited monuments. At night, incredible light shows lit up the cathedral.

Just a short walk from the cathedral, visit The Gothic Church (Church Of Saint-Maclou), a beautiful medieval building. It used to be a plague ground embellished with ‘Dance of Death’ statues and grim death carvings. As you walk around, you’ll notice grim details such as the cult objects, skulls, and bones that bring the mind of visitors to its burial history. Today, the church houses the regional school of fine arts.

The Gros Horloge is an ancient giant clock that sits proudly on the archway that crosses Ru de Gros Horloge in the center of the city, and one of the most emblematic sites, also known as the Great Clock Tower. The entire area includes the Gothic belfry, a Renaissance dial, a fountain, and an arcade area. The clock still serves its timekeeping functions for the city. Climb to the top of the tower for a fantastic view of the town.

The Museum of Arts (Musée des Beaux-Arts) ranks among the most important art museums in France. This impressive fine arts museum is renowned for its variety and breadth of artistic movements. The collection offers numerous paintings, sculptures, drawings, and objects of art from the 15th century to the 21st century. The most notable works include the 17th-century masterpieces by Caravaggio, Diego Velázquez, Anton van Dyck, Nicolas Poussin, and Philippe de Champaigne, as well as the 19th-century works of Eugène Delacroix; Théodore Géricault; Paul Delaroche; and Impressionists Claude Monet, Alfred Sisley, Camille Pissarro, and Pierre-Auguste Renoir.

Rouen witnessed the tragic end of Saint Joan of Arc’s life, a legacy that continues to leave its mark in the city. Follow in her footsteps beginning with a visit to the Historial Jeanne d’Arc, her trial site turned museum that provides visitors with an interactive visit, walking them through the history of Joan of Arc and the legend that surrounds her. A short walk away from the museum is the Joan of Arc Tower, the former dungeon where the Saint was locked up during her trial. Then, the Église Sainte-Jeanne-d’Arc de Rouen, the church was built at the Place du Vieux Marche, the very site where Joan of Arc was executed (she was burned at the stake in the center of the square). A boat shaped monument was built in her honor. The shape of this modern church’s roof represents the flames of the stake. Inside the church are fabulous Renaissance stained-glass windows that were taken from the former Church of Saint-Vincent.

Also worth a visit is the Museum of Ceramics (Musée de la Ceramique) that offers a fabulous collection of artworks and utensils made from ceramic. It houses more than 5,000 works from ancient times through today. The museum’s building has neoclassical interiors, which were made in the 1600s. If you are an art enthusiast, you should stop by to see some of the magnificent works from French artists.

As you wander around Rouen, enjoy the beautiful gardens of Rouen. There are a few beautiful gardens that you will stumble upon as you simply stroll about. Jardin des Plantes de Rouen is a great one to visit with plants from 5 continents, and a boating lake.

Food

Normandy food is very seafood oriented, as expected, given that the region runs along the Northern coast of France. Rouen offers many little cafes and bistros. Specialties here include a lot of seafood, fish, lobster, moule frittes, and cheese. There is a very popular cheese spot named Fromagerie du vieux march that sits close to the market square. Most of the tourist restaurants are located near the Eglise Sainte Jenne D'Arc. They are likely to be open Sunday when most other restaurants are closed. There are also shops, markets, and patisseries in that square and scattered throughout Rouen to purchase food. Many are open Sunday as well.

The Old Market Square is one of the main squares of Rouen, brimming with life from the terraces of colourful buildings that line its perimeter. This is a great spot to take a coffee break here and watch the daily life of the Rouennais pass you by or enjoy a night on the town at one of the nearby restaurants. One of the timber houses that line the square is La Couronne, the oldest auberge in France and where Julia Child ate her first meal in the country.

For something sweet try the Gros Horloge chocolate clock faces, Pavé du Vieux Marché pralines, Cent Clochers apple-flavoured chocolates, Sucre de Pomme apple sweets and shortbread biscuits which are all specialities of Normandy.

When in France you should always aim to eat around 12-2. This is because it’s the best value. In Rouen you can get a 3 course meal with a drink for around an average of 15 euro around this time. If you don’t want the set menu, expect to pay around 14 euro for a main course.

The set menus usually give you different options, and are always the best value choice. Make lunchtime your big meal, like the French do!

If you don’t want to dine like the French, then you’ve got your typical fast food outlets available including Subway and Burger King.

Shopping

Rouen is great for strolling through the markets where you’ll find exquisite scents of the fresh and local products of Normandy. Check out Place Saint Marc on Saturdays and Sundays, offering up fresh produce, beautiful flowers, local items and antiques.

As you stroll the streets of the city center, you will find many shops, as well as hip stores, along with several restaurants and cafes here and stalls selling local produce and souvenirs. Shopping centers and department stores are also available in Rouen and the surrounding area.

Craftsmanship is present in Rouen and the Seine Valley, particularly in the antiques dealer neighborhood, known for its second-hand shops, its craftspeople, its artisan boutiques and art galleries. Rue Damiette is great for collector items and bargain hunting.

Countryside

Outside the city limits of Rouen you’ll find beautiful countryside scenes and inspiring villages. The town of Jumièges is 17 miles west of Rouen and is known for its ruins of a former Roman Catholic abbey. Approximately 25 miles east of the city is Lyons-la-Forêt, named one of the most beautiful villages in France. Northwest of Rouen, the Château de Bois-Guilbert is a 17 acre square park boasting a fabulous garden landscaped by Normandy native Jean-Marc de Pas adorned with sculptures. Those looking to get a bit active can explore the countryside by bike or foot and discover the paths neighboring the natural park, des Boucles de la Seine.