The Rouen Armada is the largest gathering of tall ships in the world. For around ten days, millions of visitors flock to the quays of Rouen to admire the most prestigious ships and greet their crews. See you there from Thursday 17th to Sunday 27th June 2027.
Giants of the seas
The Rouen Armada is one of France’s unmissable events. Some fifty giants of the sea line of quaysides of Normandy’s capital city. Thousands of sailors of all nationalities also discover Rouen, its half-timbered houses and cobbled streets. This is your chance to touch their lucky tassel! The event is free of charge, with free access to the site and free boat rides during the day.
The First Ships Announced for Armada 2027
For sailing enthusiasts, the Armada team has already revealed the names of the first ten vessels confirmed for the event: Belem, Eendracht, Le Français, Gulden Leeuw, Santa Maria Manuela, Statsraad Lehmkuhl, Thalassa, Vera Cruz, Étoile du Roy, and La Recouvrance. In total, around forty ships are expected to take part in Armada 2027.
A Spectacular Gathering of Viking Ships
As part of Millenium 2027, the European Year of the Normans, Armada will host an exceptional gathering of historic vessels on the left bank of the Seine. Longships and other Scandinavian-inspired ships from across Europe will sail along the Normandy coast, from the Dives estuary to the Seine estuary, before making their way up the river to Rouen, where they are expected to arrive from 19 June 2027 onwards. This unique flotilla will pay tribute to Normandy’s rich history and evoke the enduring legacy and imagination of the Viking raids that helped shape the region’s identity.
A jam-packed programme with free concerts and firework displays
The Rouen Armada also stands out for the quality of its musical programme. Every year, the region’s free concerts are a feast for the eyes and ears. International stars have performed on the Armada stage and will be back again in 2027!
There’s also plenty of entertainment, starting with the inevitable boat rides and firework displays over the River Seine. The parade of crews is another event not to be missed. One of the most original events is the ‘Grande Pagaille’. What’s it all about? Enthusiasts build a makeshift boat and throw themselves into the water. Good times guaranteed!
Grand Parade along the River Seine
The Grand Parade is one of the most exciting experiences of the Rouen Armada. As a way of ‘shutting up shop’, these fine ships head downstream towards the Seine estuary between Honfleur and Le Havre. On the last Sunday of the event, from 10am onwards, visitors are invited to come salute the sailors for the last time. One good spot to see them leave is from the Pont Flaubert in Rouen. Other spectacular viewpoints include the villages of La Bouille, Sahurs, Duclair and Jumièges. Alternatively, watch upstream from the Normandy Bridge at Berville-sur-Mer, or in Honfleur where there’s a spot almost at the foot of the Normandy Bridge from which to see them sail under the vaulting bridge deck! There are so many amazing moments, such as when the crew mount the rigging to release the sails or stand along the yardarms – an occasion for much applause and flag-waving! Bring your friends and family, and a picnic!
Mini-cruises to make the most of the event
Tickets are available to experience the Armada in a different way: day and evening cruises aboard launches, cruises with food and drink on board, and sailing aboard the finest sailing ships.
Other gems to discover nearby
- Veules-les-Roses, one of France’s most beautiful villages
- The Alabaster Coast
- The UNESCO-listed city of Le Havre
- La Bouille, by the River Seine
- Dieppe and its famous Saturday-morning market