A stunning Gothic cathedral, a Renaissance clock, majestic churches, world-class museums, parks and gardens – Rouen is steeped in fascinating history and heritage. There is so much to see and do in Normandy’s capital city!
Amazing heritage
01
Notre-Dame Cathedral
This exceptional cathedral, the tallest in France, is renowned for its elaborate gothic architecture. Its stunning façade was painted over thirty times by the artist Claude Monet, who depicted its glory in different lights. Inside are artistic and religious relics, including the heart of Richard the Lionheart, buried in a tomb here. Miraculously the cathedral has survived the Wars of Religion, the French Revolution and more recently the Second World War, and is a must-see when in Rouen. During the summer, an evening light show brings the facade of the cathedral to life!
02
The Gros Horloge
This large clock tower straddling Rouen’s main shopping street is one of the most photographed landmarks in Rouen, and is open to the public. Journey back to the Renaissance period, enjoy panoramic views of Rouen’s medieval centre from the top of the tower, then sip a coffee on a terrace nearby looking up at the beautiful astronomical clock.
03
Historial Jeanne d’Arc
This state-of-the-art museum is dedicated to Joan of Arc, and takes visitors on an interactive journey through her triumphs, trials and tragic martyrdom. The setting is appropriate given the Salle de l’Officialité in the museum was where Joan was tried and condemned to death in 1431. This same chamber witnessed the Maid of Orléans’ posthumous rehabilitation trial in 1456, held once the French were back in control of Normandy.
04
Musée des Beaux-Arts (Fine Arts Museum)
This major fine arts museum is one of the finest in France. Particular highlights include works by the Impressionists Monet, Renoir, Sisley and Degas, ground-breaking French artists Poussin, David, Delacroix, Géricault and Corot, and artists from further afield: Veronese, Velasquez, Caravaggio and Rubens.
05
Aître Saint-Maclou
A parish cemetery was created here during the Black Plague in 1348, but later, buildings went up around it to serve as ossuaries for the large number of bones from the cemetery. Half-timbering is carved with skulls and cross-bones and grave-diggers’ implements, clearly indicating the former purpose of these buildings. It now houses a new centre dedicated to local arts and crafts.
06
A stroll along the River Seine
The quays along the Seine are popular with the people of Rouen, whether for a jog, a drink/lunch on the terrace or a shopping break. New buildings with contemporary architecture stand next to buildings with industrial architecture. The famous Rouen Armada is held here every 4 years. On the south bank, don’t miss the newly-opened immersive Viking Museum.
07
The Quartier Libre
If you’re in Rouen for the weekend, this is one of the trendy places to check out. The Quartier Libre often hosts concerts and DJ sets. There are also a number of shops where you can eat and enjoy local produce.
08
Panorama Sainte-Catherine
The Sainte-Catherine hill offers one of the best views of Rouen, the cathedral and the Seine. The sunsets here are glorious. It was on this hill that Claude Monet set up his easel to paint ‘Vue générale de Rouen’, a painting now in the city’s Musée des Beaux-Arts.
As well as:
- Tour Jeanne d’Arc (Joan of Arc Tower): This imposing tower is all that remains of the mighty castle French king Philippe Auguste had built in Rouen after he had booted Plantagenet King John of England out of France at the start of the 13th century. When English forces were back in control of Normandy in the second half of the Hundred Years’ War, Joan of Arc was held in this fortress and threatened with torture. The tower is now home to an exciting escape game experience.
- Eglise Sainte Jeanne d’Arc: Completed in 1979, this striking modern church rises over the Place du Vieux Marché, where Joan of Arc was burnt at the stake. Although the architecture is bold and contemporary, it also features beautiful stained glass windows from the 16th century, salvaged from other Rouen churches.
- Eglise Saint-Maclou: This gem of flamboyant gothic architecture can be found just behind the cathedral in one of the most beautiful historic quarters of Rouen, characterised by magnificent half-timbered houses.
- Palais de justice: This ornate gothic building, the former parliament of Normandy, is arguably one of the finest examples of medieval civic architecture in France.
- Maison Sublime: Excavations at the Palais de Justice in the 1970s revealed the medieval remnants of the oldest Jewish building known in France, and the only example of a medieval rabbinic school remaining in Europe. The name derives from an inscription found declaring ‘Let this abode be sublime.’
- Musée Le Secq des Tournelles: Housed in the beautiful deconsecrated church of Saint-Laurent, this eclectic collection comprises 12, 000 wrought-iron items ranging from signs, keys and tools to surgical instruments and jewellery.
- The Jardin des plantes: a beautiful botanical garden on the South bank.
- Musée de la Céramique: This museum explores Rouen’s rich history over the centuries as producer of some of the finest ceramics in France, exhibiting traditional plates and bowls, pottery shoes and even a ceramic violin.
- For thrill-seekers, don’t miss the Foire Saint Romain, France’s second largest funfair after the Foire du Trône, held annually in October.
Treat yourself to a Michelin-starred meal
Rouen is famous for its fine restaurants, including La Couronne, France’s oldest inn, but one in particular stands out with a Michelin star.
L’Odas is located in the heart of Rouen’s historic centre. Through a bay window you can see the team hard at work in the kitchen. We love the resolutely contemporary décor and the charming terrace.
Things to see and do near Rouen
- La Bouille, a quaint artists’ village by the River Seine
- The Abbey Route: 3 famous abbeys are located in the Rouen area, starting with Saint Ouen Abbey. Jumièges Abbey, ‘the most beautiful ruin in France’ according to Victor Hugo, and Saint-Martin-de-Boscherville Abbey are other gems not to be missed..
- The château Robert le Diable
- Elbeuf, a small town by the River Seine with a rich industrial past
How do I get to Rouen by public transport?
- By train: Rouen Rive Droite station is around 1 hour 30 minutes from Paris Saint-Lazare station. The city centre can be reached on foot in 10 minutes.
- By coach: Long-distance coaches run between Rouen and several major French cities (including Paris).
Rouen by bike
Cycling along the Seine à Vélo route through Rouen is a very pleasant experience. The route links Paris with Le Havre and Deauville.
Market days in Rouen
At weekends, head to the Place Saint-Marc and the Place du Vieux Marché to enjoy the two most emblematic markets in Rouen. We also recommend the ‘Marché des Saveurs’ on Saturday mornings in rue Eugène Boudin.
A different way to discover Normandy
Our selection of Normandy Experiences near Rouen
Normandy Experiences are local gems that add meaning to your trip. You’ll meet Normandy people who are truly passionate about what they do.
