Best Travel Guide Rouen | ArrivalGuides.com

RouenGuide was updated: 2024-09-17

If you like food, art, and architecture you will feel right at home in Rouen. You can find this historical capital right in the heart of Upper Normandy. Being located on the banks of the beautiful Seine River, Rouen is an easy launchpad for exploring the French countryside, and picturesque areas like Connelles and Val-de-Reuil can be found just around the corner. Walking through Rouen is like walking through history. This is a city with an abundance of historic buildings, markets, and shops.

Do & See

French food will keep your stomach full and the beautiful scenery will please beyond any doubt, but you will also have your hands full when it comes to activities in and around Rouen. The area is not only full of historical sites, but also very popular for outdoor activities like hiking, cycling and other sports. The Notre Dame Cathedral is a must-see, not to be confused with its namesake cathedral in Paris. This was the cathedral that inspired Monet to paint his cathedral series. Wandering the streets of Rouen you will also come across The Gros Horloge, a beautiful clock right above a pedestrian street and one of its most recognisable sights.

Cathedrale Notre-Dame de Rouen

With its striking Gothic architecture and beautiful stained glass, this historic cathedral is Rouen's primary attraction. Inside the cathedral you can find the tomb of Richard the Lionheart. Notable trivia: the cathedral was struck by lightning several times over the centuries, resulting in various degrees of damage.

Do & SeeRead more →

Beaux-Arts Museum of Rouen

Founded by Napoleon I, the Beaux-Arts Museum of Rouen contains an extensive collections dating back to the 15th century, with its collection of paintings constituting particular interest. Some of the biggest names whose work adorns museum walls include celebrated masters such as Rubens, Van Dyck, Caravaggio, Diego Velázquez, David, Renoir, and, of course, Monet, who lived and worked in a village not too far from here.

Do & SeeRead more →

L'Armada de la Liberté

Every four to five years tall ships come down the banks of the Seine to celebrate L'Armada de la Liberté in Rouen. The gathering of all these ships is a huge festival featuring numerous events, and it goes on for about ten days.

Do & SeeRead more →

Gros Horloge

When walking down the Rue du Gros Horloge you will, soon enough, come across the splendid “Gros Horloge” itself. This beautiful clock is one of the most famous landmarks of Rouen, and likely the oldest mechanism of its intricate kind still in existence. You can go up the belfry and enjoy a cup of coffee in a café below right after.

Do & SeeRead more →

Courthouse of Rouen

With a mix of architectural styles (with a heavy Gothic influence), this beautiful building is a must-see when in Rouen. Palais de Justice was restored after World War II, but is today just as glorious as it was in the 16th century. Entry isn't open to the public, but do pay a visit to the courtyard area.

Do & SeeRead more →

Place du Vieux-Marche

Rouen's principle square is the Place du Vieux-Marche. This is a great place to go for dinner since there are many restaurants and cafés located in the area. Here you can also find the modern Church of Saint Joan of Arc - an incredibly unique architectural creation, as well as a small covered market selling delightful French cheeses and deli. There is an oyster bar with fresh offerings at the market's heart.

Do & SeeRead more →

View all Do & See →

Population:	Rouen: 111,000 Urban area: approximately 500,000
Currency:	Euro (EUR) €1 = 100 cents
Emergency Numbers:	Police: 17 Ambulance: 15/112 Fire Brigade: 18
Newspapers:	Paris Normandie L'Express Ouest France
Opening Hours:	Shops are generally open all day from Monday to Saturday between 8/9am-6.30/7.30pm. Smaller shops are open from Tuesday to Saturday and close for lunch between 12.30pm-2pm.
Tourist Information:	Tourist Information 25 place de la Cathédrale, Rouen Open May-September: Mon-Sat 9am-7pm. Sundays and public holidays 9.30am-12.30pm and 2pm-6pm. October-April: Mon-Sat 9.30am-12.30pm and 1.30pm-6pm. Closed on Sundays and public holidays +33 232 08 32 40 accueil@rouentourisme.com

France

Rouen

Do & See

Cathedrale Notre-Dame de Rouen

Beaux-Arts Museum of Rouen

L'Armada de la Liberté

Gros Horloge

Courthouse of Rouen

Place du Vieux-Marche