Rouen Cathedral Light Show

Every summer, the magnificent cathedral in Rouen comes to life at nightfall with a breathtaking light show projected upon its façade.

An unmissable free event, this show has become a cherished tradition in the city of a hundred spires, gathering thousands of visitors and locals on the cathedral square after sunset to admire the spectacle.

An unmissable show on France’s tallest cathedral

With time, this entertaining free show has become a loved ritual in the city of a hundred spires. As soon as the summer kicks in, thousands of visitors and locals gather on the cathedral square after sunset to marvel at the ‘Cathedral of Light’. Although there are now many similar light shows taking place across France, Rouen’s was one of the first! As Rouen Cathedral is the tallest in France, the show is all the more magical and grandiose, and seeing its Gothic façade light up in the darkness is both a magical moment and a sight for sore eyes.

The technical equipment used for the show has been upgraded in recent years. The number of projectors has been increased from 10 to 17, giving better legibility and a finer line for optimum visual quality. All the more reason to come and enjoy!

2026 shows – Between Impressionism and contemporary creation

For its 2026 edition, the Cathedral of Light celebrates Impressionism as a highlight of the Normandy Impressionist Festival, paying tribute to Normandy’s rich artistic heritage and to Claude Monet’s iconic series inspired by the cathedral.

Two shows are projected consecutively:

Floraison Sauvage – Mika Ninagawa

Created by Japanese artist Mika Ninagawa, this new immersive work transforms the cathedral into a vibrant, colourful canvas of flowers and light.
Blending Japanese artistic influences with contemporary pop aesthetics, the projection creates a striking dialogue between tradition and modernity.

Première Impression

This immersive creation invites visitors into the world of Impressionism, with scenes inspired by water lilies, the Giverny bridge, river landscapes and Normandy’s cliffs.
The cathedral shifts constantly between shadow and light, offering a poetic and ever-changing visual experience.