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11 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Rouen

Written by Lisa Alexander Updated Dec 25, 2023 We may earn a commission from affiliate links ( )

Author Lisa Alexander lived in France for two years and has traveled extensively through the country.

A stroll through the quaint old streets of Rouen, in Upper Normandy , feels like a walk back in time. There are historic places to visit at every turn, from the Middle Ages to the modern era.

For believers, the journey leads a few steps closer to heaven. Rouen has more than 50 religious buildings, and many of the churches are gems of Gothic architecture. You can also retrace the steps of Joan of Arc to see where she went to trial and where she was martyred.

Most of the top tourist attractions and things to do in Rouen lie within the city's pedestrian zone, a charming area of winding medieval lanes and half-timbered houses . Highlights include the magnificent cathedral, the renowned Fine Arts Museum, and the remarkable Gros-Horloge clock tower.

Rouen still reveals the destruction suffered during the Second World War. The exquisite façade of the Palais de Justice has evidence of shell holes from Allied bombings.

Soak up the history and culture in this charming town with our list of the top attractions in Rouen.

See also: Where to Stay in Rouen

1. Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Rouen

2. musée des beaux-arts, 3. abbatiale saint-ouen, 4. aître saint-maclou, 5. palais de justice and monument juif, 6. tour du gros-horloge (big clock tower), 7. eglise saint-maclou, 8. eglise jeanne d'arc, 9. musée le secq des tournelles, 10. musée de la céramique, 11. tour jeanne d'arc, where to stay in rouen for sightseeing, day trips from rouen, route des abbayes, saint martin de boscherville, map of tourist attractions in rouen.

In the heart of the old town, the Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Rouen is a stellar example of Gothic architecture and holds the title of France's tallest cathedral . The monument's main structure was built in the 13th century, but the building was not completed until the 16th century.

The dazzling elaborate façade inspired Impressionist painter Claude Monet. The cathedral's central doorway was the subject of Monet's famous painting series . He painted the scene at different times of day to capture the effects of various lighting.

Above the façade, two towers loom over the town. The tower on the right is called the Tour du Beurre (Butter Tower) because it was paid for by offerings from the faithful, who in return were permitted to eat butter during Lent.

The cathedral also boasts France's highest spire at 151 meters. Despite damage during the Second World War, the cathedral still has some original stained glass windows.

During summer, splashy illuminations and sound effects bring the Rouen Cathedral to life. The Cathedral Light Show delights onlookers with its colorful animations projected onto the monument's façade, along with music, which tells the story of the Viking invasions of the 9th century and heroic saga of Joan of Arc in the 15th century.

The Cathedral Light Show is held at 11pm on weekends in June and every evening from July through mid September (show times are earlier in the late summer).

Address: 3 Rue Saint-Romain, Rouen

The Musée des Beaux-Arts ranks among the most important art museums in France . This exceptional fine arts museum is renowned for its variety and breadth of artistic movements. The collection presents a wide range of paintings, sculptures, drawings, and objets d'art from the 15th century to the 21st century.

The most notable works include the 17th-century masterpieces by Caravaggio, Diego Velázquez, Anthony van Dyck, Nicolas Poussin, and Philippe de Champaigne. 19th-century works include those by Eugène Delacroix, Théodore Géricault, and Paul Delaroche as well as Impressionist works by Claude Monet, Alfred Sisley, Camille Pissarro, and Pierre-Auguste Renoir.

Address: Esplanade Marcel-Duchamp, Rouen

This majestic 14th-century building was created as a church for the powerful Benedictine monastery of Saint-Ouen. A masterpiece of Late Gothic (Rayonnant) architecture, the abbey church is classified as a Historic Monument.

Immense in its proportions (137 meters long by 33 meters high), the vaulted interior offers a peaceful space for spiritual worship. Exquisite 14th-century stained-glass windows allow light to filter into the sanctuary. In the south transept of the abbey is the Portail des Marmousets that depicts events of the Virgin Mary.

Be sure to see the famous Cavaillé-Coll organ , which is often used for musical concerts. Considered one of the most beautiful organs in the world, this particular Cavaillé-Coll organ has 5,000 pipes and four keyboards that produce perfect pitch.

On the same square as the abbey stands the Hôtel de Ville (Town Hall), once used as the dormitory for the monastery's monks. Behind the Hôtel de Ville are the former abbey gardens, now a public park.

Address: Place du Général de Gaulle, Rouen

During the "Black Death" plague of 1348 , around a third of the town's inhabitants perished. The now-pleasant courtyard of the Aître Saint-Maclou stands on a site that was once used for burials, and the buildings surrounding the cemetery served as the ossuary.

Listed as a Historic Monument, the building's galleries feature macabre décor depicting skulls, bones, gravedigger tools , and objects of funeral rites. The skeleton of a cat was discovered in the masonry. During the Middle Ages, cats (especially black cats) were considered to be evil spirits, and the cat would have been enclosed here (while still alive) to protect against bad luck.

The colonnaded galleries of the Aître Saint-Maclou also feature décor on a macabre theme. For instance, one set of intricately carved stone columns depicts "La Danse Macabre" (The Macabre Dance), a motif that was common in Europe in the 15th century, and this particular artistic rendition in sculpture is one of the finest examples found in France.

The recently restored "La Danse Macabre" at the Aître Saint-Maclou is open to the public. Guided tours are available in French. Groups may request guided tours in other languages.

The Aître Saint-Maclou also hosts art exhibitions, lectures, concerts, art workshops, and guided nighttime visits.

Address: 188 Rue Martainville, Rouen

A splendid example of medieval civilian architecture, the Palais de Justice houses the Rouen Law Courts and was the meeting place of the Parliament of Normandy. This Gothic masterpiece was built in the early 16th century, damaged during World War II, and subsequently restored.

The building is not open for tours, but you can see the ornate detailing of the façade and especially the incredible gargoyles. The central wing features a resplendent balustrade, soaring pinnacles, and perforated buttresses. The Palais de Justice was damaged during an Allied bombing in 1944, and the shell holes are still visible in the building's exterior walls.

In 1976, during a renovation of the Palais de Justice, the remains of a beautiful stone building were uncovered beneath the courtyard. The building was determined to be the lower room of an old Yeshiva (rabbinical school) that dates from 1100. Once uncovered, this Monument Juif (Jewish Monument) was immediately protected by an archaeological crypt.

The location was at the center of the old Jewish quarter that flourished during the time of William the Conqueror until the expulsion of the Jews in 1306. Rouen's Monument Juif is the oldest Jewish monument discovered in France .

The Monument Juif site is now called La Maison Sublime . Tourists may visit the site on a guided tour, which must be reserved in advance. The one-hour guided tours are available on Saturdays at 10:30am and 2:30pm.

Address: 36 Rue aux Juifs, Rouen

One of the most emblematic sites in the historic center of Rouen, the Gros-Horloge lies just south of the Palais de Justice.

From the southeast corner of the Place du Vieux Marché (where the Eglise Jeanne d'Arc is located) the Rue de Gros-Horloge leads to the cathedral. Halfway along this charming route of cobblestone streets and half-timbered houses, the Tour du Gros-Horloge adjoins a Renaissance pavilion.

The Gothic belfry tower was built in 1389 for defensive purposes and the decorative clock dates from 1889. The belfry clock still serves its timekeeping functions for the city. Visitors should take a moment to admire the clock's incredible details.

The deity symbolizing the day of the week appears on a triumphal chariot at noon. A globe above the dial shows the phases of the moon, and sheep represent the wool industry. Depicted in the middle of the clock, a Passover lamb represents the arms of the city.

Address: Rue du Gros-Horloge, Rouen

The Eglise Saint-Maclou is just a short walk east of the cathedral. This jewel of Flamboyant Gothic architecture was built in 1437 and dedicated to Saint Malo. A blend of different architectural styles is found throughout the church, from the Gothic staircase to the Baroque confessionals.

The ornate façade features five arched porches, which provide a dramatic entrance to the church. The porches enclose Renaissance-era wooden doors embellished with intricately carved Biblical scenes.

Saint-Maclou Church was severely damaged during WWII and has been well restored. In particular, the belfry was repaired and its five church bells now resound with daily chiming.

Address: Place Barthélémy, Rouen

This surprisingly modern church let's you appreciate the invincible spirit of Joan of Arc, who spent the last days of her life in Rouen. The church was built at the Place du Vieux Marché, the very site where Joan of Arc was martyred (she was burned at the stake in the center of the square).

Designed to commemorate the famous saint, the Eglise Jeanne d'Arc was given a radical design. The shape of the church's roof represent the flames of the stake. Inside the church are spectacular Renaissance stained-glass windows that were taken from the former Church of Saint-Vincent.

This contemporary church provides an inspiring place for spiritual contemplation. The church is open to the public, free of charge, every day year-round (except on December 25th and January 1st).

Every year on or around May 30th, the Jeanne d'Arc Festival is held here to commemorate the French heroine.

Address: Place du Vieux Marché, Rouen

Housed in the former Gothic church of Saint Laurent, this unique museum boasts an exceptional collection of antique wrought-ironwork . The 15th-century church building still has its stunning stained-glass windows, including the remarkable "Tree of Jesus" window.

The largest museum of its kind in the world, it contains 14,000 items that date from the Gallo-Roman era to the 19th century. The collection covers a wide range and variety of ironwork, such as railings, door knockers, locks, scientific instruments, and jewelry.

Address: Rue Jacques-Villon, Rouen

Official site: http://museelesecqdestournelles.fr/en

In the elegant Hôtel d'Hocqueville, the Museum of Ceramics displays a wonderful collection of faience and porcelain. The collection includes earthenware from Rouen, as well as from other cities, such as Delft in Holland.

Exhibits are devoted to delicate 19th- and 20th-century Sèvres porcelain objects, created by the ateliers of France's renowned Manufacture de Sèvres. There are also examples of Rococo chinoiserie, ceremonial dinnerware sets, and lovely faience sculptures.

Address: 1 Rue Faucon, Rouen

When Joan of Arc was brought to trial in 1431, she was taken to the dungeon of this tower to stand before her judges. Here she endured threats of torture by those who accused her of heresy.

Classified as a Historic Monument, the Tour Jeanne d'Arc (also called the " Donjon de Rouen ") is the only remaining part of the château built by Philippe Auguste in 1207. This large and imposing cylindrical tower features three superimposed rooms and an attic.

The Tour Jeanne d'Arc is open to the public free of charge for independent visits on Saturdays and Sundays from 2:30pm until 4pm. Guided tours are available on Saturdays and Sundays at 3pm.

Once a forbidding dungeon, today the Tour Jeanne d'Arc provides a venue for an amusing game. The Hyper Escape Game was created specifically for this heritage site. Combining virtual-reality activities and puzzles, the Hyper Escape Game (in French or English) allows participants to experience the Siege of Rouen that occurred in 1419.

This 60-minute game is available on Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday between 4:30pm and 11:30pm and Sunday between 4:30pm and 10pm. Visitors may schedule game reservations for teams of three to six players.

Address: Rue Bouvreuil / Rue du Donjon, Rouen

The best place to stay in Rouen is the historic city center, with medieval buildings, winding cobblestone streets, and plenty of restaurants and shops. This is also a pedestrian-only zone and home to many of the main attractions. Below are some highly-rated hotels in convenient locations:

Luxury Hotels:

• The Hotel de Bourgtheroulde, Autograph Collection is housed in a modernized 15th-century building just steps from the pedestrian-only historic city center. The hotel has a fine-dining restaurant open for special events, a casual brasserie, and an upscale spa with an indoor swimming pool and sauna.
• In a half-timbered historical structure is the four-star Hôtel Mercure Rouen Centre Cathédrale Hotel , just steps away from the cathedral. Amenities include a breakfast buffet, snack bar, and complimentary newspapers.
• In a prime location near the Place du Vieux Marché is the contemporary-style Best Western Plus Hôtel Littéraire Gustave Flaubert . This four-star hotel offers 24-hour front desk reception, a breakfast buffet, and a fitness center.

Mid-Range Hotels

• The charming three-star Hôtel Mercure Rouen Centre Cathédrale is found on a picturesque pedestrian street, in the heart of Rouen's old town. Occupying a quaint half-timbered building, the hotel features cozy rooms with old-fashioned décor and a lovely garden patio.
• Offering a great value for the price, the ibis budget Rouen Centre Rive Gauche is convenient if you are visiting Rouen with a car. The historic center of Rouen is about a 10-minute drive. This modern two-star hotel offers 24-hour check-in and a breakfast buffet.

Budget Hotels

• Featuring rooms with high ceilings and half-timbered walls, the two-star Hôtel Morand is a good budget option near the train station and the Musée des Beaux-Arts. It's just a short walk from the old town (historic center).
• Another historic half-timbered building, Le Vieux Carré hotel has a beautiful courtyard where breakfast is served on warm days. The hotel is just a 5-minute walk from the cathedral.
• A 10-minute tram ride from the city center is the two-star ibis budget Rouen Petit Quevilly , featuring basic guest rooms and easy access to the motorway.

One of the most enjoyable things to do on a clear, sunny day is to take a scenic drive along the picturesque "Route des Abbayes," which leads between Rouen and Le Havre, running parallel to the Seine River for much of the way.

This well-signposted route offers a delightful scenic drive. The ever-changing landscape and many historic buildings, such as the abbeys of Jumièges and Saint-Wandrille, make this journey worthwhile.

About 12 kilometers from Rouen, the small village of Saint Martin de Boscherville lies in a Regional Natural Park along the Seine River. The 12th-century Abbey of Saint-Georges de Boscherville and the surrounding scenery are the main tourist attractions.

The village is part of the Parc Naturel Régional des Boucles de la Seine Normande , a gorgeous area of Normandy bounded by pristine marshlands of the Seine and the lush Roumare Forest.

More Related Articles on PlanetWare.com

Nearby Attractions in Normandy : After visiting Rouen, most travelers will want to explore the Normandy region . This picturesque region features unspoiled natural scenery, charming old port towns, and the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Mont Saint-Michel (a three-hour drive away). For those interested in World War II history, the D-Day Landing Beaches (about a two-hour drive away) are not to be missed.

Places to Visit in the Brittany Region : Many tourists visit Rouen as a day trip from Paris , which is a two-hour train ride away. However, Rouen is also an excellent base for sightseeing in Brittany . Along the Atlantic coast southwest of Normandy, the distinctive region of Brittany boasts picture-perfect medieval towns with half-timbered houses, alluring fairy-tale castles, ancient megalithic monuments, and quaint fishing villages.

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Normandie Lovers

To awaken your senses in Normandy - Claire et Manu’s Blog

15 best things to do in Rouen (photos + tips)

by Emmanuel ROBINSON , Region Lovers | July 18, 2023 | no intrusive ads, no sponsored content, just some affiliate links - if you use them, we get a small commission (read more)

Planning your next trip to Normandy? For a weekend or even a week, there’s no shortage of things to do in Rouen .

With its rich historical heritage and colorful half-timbered houses , we were charmed by the town. Whether you’re passionate about history , gastronomy or art , the capital of Normandy is sure to surprise you. Cathedrals , churches , museums , restaurants and other good addresses abound!

Seduced by this city, we share with you our selection of 15 must-do activities . In this article, we give you our photo tips for visiting Rouen with complete transparency.

This is a completely independent opinion, based on our own experience . We visited the region anonymously , making our own choices, and paying all our bills in full.

The best things to do in Rouen

Before revealing all our ideas for things to do and see in Rouen, here’s a short video to give you an initial impression.

1. Visit the Big Clock

Why visit the gros horloge .

During our stay in Rouen, we visited the city’s emblematic monument: the Gros-Horloge. Have you ever heard of this historic monument? This 14th-century astronomical clock is located in the heart of Normandy. From the street, the low-angle view of the building is impressive. The richness of the sculpted details on the façade is truly impressive. We’ve written a full article on the subject.

What you will see

As we climbed the stairs to its tower, we were rewarded with a panoramic view of Rouen’s rooftops. The interior of the Gros-Horloge also houses a museum that allowed us to delve into the fascinating history of this incredible timepiece. The visit helped us better appreciate the importance of this symbol of the city and its rich history.

Did you know that this is one of the oldest clock mechanisms in Europe? We highly recommend a visit to the interior of the Gros Horloge. Many tourists only appreciate the building’s exterior, even though there’s so much to discover in its museum!

How much time to allow

You should allow less than 1 hour to visit this building.

More information on the Gros-Horloge

Opening hours:

• every day except Monday,
• April to September: 10am to 1pm (last entry at 12pm) and 2pm to 7pm (last entry at 6pm),
• October to March: 2pm to 6pm (last admission at 5pm).

Ticket price:

• full price: €7.50,
• concessions: €3.80,
• free for children under 6 and people with disabilities.

For those who prefer to be accompanied, there are guided tours of Rouen’s historic center. They obviously include a visit to the Gros Horloge. It’s an interesting way to discover the city, as you’ll have access to juicy anecdotes about the various locations.

Check out our guided tour offers in Rouen here!

2. Contemplating Rouen Cathedral

Why visit rouen cathedral .

A jewel of flamboyant Gothic architecture, Rouen Cathedral is a must-see when visiting the city. Admirers of the Gothic style, we marveled at the church’s façade. The closer we got, the more we could appreciate the extraordinary architectural work carried out on this religious building. Are you also impressed by all these details?

Once inside the cathedral, we discovered a number of historical treasures, including the tomb of Richard the Lionheart . The interior is equally magnificent. The columns and vaulted ceilings bear witness to Gothic architecture. The atmosphere in the church is peaceful. It’s an ideal place to pause for a few moments and appreciate the immensity of the religious building.

To admire the church in detail, while reading the explanatory panels, allow between 1h and 1h30 for the visit.

More information on Rouen Cathedral

• April to October: 7.30am to 7pm on weekdays and 8am to 6pm on Sundays and public holidays,
• November to March: 7.30am to 12pm and 2pm to 6pm on weekdays, and 2pm to 6pm on Sundays and public holidays,
• closed on Monday mornings, January 1, May 1 and November 11.

Please note that the ambulatory closes 30 minutes before the cathedral’s closing time.

Visits to the cathedral are free of charge.

See our article on Rouen Cathedral!

WHERE TO STAY IN Rouen

Option 1: in the old town center

A charming historic heart, museums and attractions around every corner… We recommend..:

• Gustave Flaubert Literary Hotel with lots of quotes – see prices, photos and availability .
• Hôtel de Bourghteroulde set in a 16th-century residence – see prices, photos and availability .

Option 2: near the station

Just a 10-minute walk from the historic center, you’ll find more modern options. We recommend..:

• Blu Radisson Hotel next to the Jeanne d’Arc Tower – see prices, photos and availability .
• Hotel de Dieppe Best Western and its Art-deco ambience – see prices, photos and availability

See all our reviews of the best hotels in Rouen

3. Explore the Museum of Fine Arts

Why visit the musée des beaux-arts de rouen.

Do you enjoy cultural and artistic visits? So don’t hesitate, you must visit this museum! Located in the heart of the city, we were won over by the richness and diversity of its collections. From Rubens to Modigliani to the master of chiaroscuro, Caravaggio, we were impressed from start to finish.

We discovered incredible paintings, sculptures and other objets d’art dating from the 15th century to the present day. The list of great artists exhibited here is considerable. Works by Velázquez, Géricault, Delacroix and others also feature on the museum’s walls.

Did you know that Normandy is the birthplace of Impressionism? At the museum, you can appreciate the work of important figures in this artistic movement. We were captivated by paintings by Auguste Renoir, Camille Pissarro, Alfred Sisley and the undisputed master Claude Monet. If, like us, you’re a fan, we’ve organized a short tour of Normandy in the footsteps of the Impressionist .

In our opinion, you should allow at least 1h30 to visit the museum. As lovers of fine art, we could easily have stayed for half a day. In fact, the museum boasts a wealth of collections and incredible works of art.

More information on the Museum of Fine Arts

• every day from 10am to 6pm, except Tuesdays,
• closed on January 1, May 1, November 1 and 11 and December 25.

The museum is free, as are all the city’s public museums. It also hosts temporary exhibitions for which a charge may be made.

DISCOVER Rouen

• Best things to do in Rouen: 15 ideas
• Where to stay in Rouen: our best hotels
• Where to eat in Rouen: 20 best restaurants
• Rouen’s 10 best museums
• Itineraries in Rouen: 1 day – 2 days
• Rouen Museum of Fine Arts
• Rouen Cathedral
• Rent a car in Rouen

4. Take a tour of the historic center

Why visit rouen’s historic of rouen.

Exploring Rouen’s historic center was an interesting and enjoyable experience. The cobbled streets, half-timbered houses and many emblematic monuments took us back in time. Around every corner, we discovered architectural treasures. We got lost in the picturesque streets of the Gros-Horloge and the Saint-Maclou district. A visit to the Place du Vieux-Marché, where Joan of Arc was burned, is a must! Here you can commemorate the martyrdom of this incredible war heroine.

You’ll discover all the city’s must-see buildings:

• Rouen Cathedral,
• the Big Clock,
• Abbatiale Saint-Ouen,
• Sainte-Jeanne-d’Arc Church,
• Saint-Maclou Church,
• the Palais de Justice.

This list is not exhaustive, as the conurbation is home to a large number of churches and cathedrals.

To be able to discover all these monuments at your leisure, we recommend that you spread your visits over a full day.

Find out more about the historic center

A visit to Old Rouen and its medieval streets will transport you to another era. If you’d like to discover the city from a different angle, we recommend a personalized private tour with a local guide. It’s a fun and rewarding experience. There’s no one better than a local to talk about his town!

Discover our guided tours of Rouen’s historic center!

OUR ADVICE FOR RENTING A CAR IN Normandy

• Compare prices on our preferred platform: DiscoverCars – one of the best rated sites.
• Choose a car that is comfortable enough (distances can be long) but compact (some parking lots and villages are narrow).
• Think of the complete insurance (some roads are tortuous and narrow).
• There is a lot of demand, book it early .

Thanks to the museum’s immersive tour, we immersed ourselves in the history of the famous Pucelle d’Orléans. The museum also deals with the end of the young woman’s life and her passage to posterity. We recommend this educational and entertaining experience.

How can you admire Joan of Arc and not visit the Place du Vieux-Marché? It’s steeped in history, with a memorial church and bustling market. It was there that she was burnt at the stake at the age of 19. We had trouble picturing the scene, so full of life and joy is this square right now.

The exterior of the Église Sainte-Jeanne-d’Arc is original, isn’t it? Its modern architecture, reminiscent of the sea, appealed to us. It’s an emblematic building dedicated to the memory of the illustrious heroine. Its bold design captivated us from the moment we arrived. As we stepped inside, we were impressed by the peaceful atmosphere, creating a space conducive to reflection and contemplation.

If you’d like to explore the city in search of Jeanne, we recommend a minimum of half a day, or even a full day.

More information on Rouen and its favorites

Do you like logic games? The Tour Jeanne d’Arc, the only remaining vestige of the Château de Rouen, is the setting for an escape game. Also known as the Rouen Dungeon, you can take part in a unique interactive experience!

To relive our entire experience at the Joan of Arc Museum, read our article!

6. Discover the Abbatiale Saint-Ouen

Why visit saint-ouen abbey in rouen.

This magnificent Gothic church is renowned for its splendor and grandeur. It’s one of the city’s architectural treasures. It is also famous for its impressive Cavaillé-Coll organ , renowned for its powerful, sonorous sound. Our visit to the abbey was both a spiritual and aesthetic experience, as we admired Rouen’s religious heritage.

The Abbatiale Saint-Ouen is a fascinating architectural marvel. Its imposing Gothic façade and colorful stained glass windows lend it a mystical atmosphere. Stepping inside, we were mesmerized by the height of the vaults and the richness of the carved details. Its harmonious proportions, ornate chapels and religious works of art bear witness to the refinement of Gothic art.

We recommend you allow 30 minutes to visit the abbey.

Further information on Abbatiale Saint-Ouen

• April 1 to October 31, 10am to 12pm and 2pm to 6pm,
• November 1 to March 31, 10am to 12pm and 2pm to 5pm,
• closed Mondays and Fridays, December 25 and January 1.

The religious building is currently in peril. It is the largest restoration project ever undertaken by the City of Rouen. It is scheduled for completion in 2024. We really enjoyed our visit, despite the work in progress. And after all, isn’t it essential to restore this prestigious abbey church?

USE OUR GUIDE TO PLAN A DREAM TRIP TO Normandy

All the information you need for your trip:

• 8 maps that make planning easier
• 160+ pre-selected locations
• Practical advice
• 300+ photos to help you choose

7. Stroll through the Jardin des Plantes

Why visit the botanical gardens of rouen.

The Jardin des Plantes is a magnificent natural area in the heart of Rouen. It’s an oasis of tranquility and unspoilt beauty, ideal for relaxation and rejuvenation. We strolled along the aisles, admiring the carefully landscaped varieties of plants and flowers. It’s also a privileged place for botany enthusiasts, offering the chance to discover a large collection of remarkable plants and trees.

Lawns, ponds and greenhouses added an extra dimension to the experience. The autumn colors added a lot of charm to the place. The reflection of the golden leaves in the water was a superb sight. In the greenhouse, we fell in love with this lighting scheme. The water lilies and other aquatic plants look completely pink! Pretty amazing, isn’t it?

We recommend you allow 1 hour for a complete tour of the garden.

More information on the Jardin des Plantes in Rouen

• November to February, 8am to 5:30pm,
• March to April, 8am to 6:45pm,
• May to August 8am to 8:15pm,
• September to October, 8am to 6:45pm.

Access to the garden is free.

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8. Discover the Musée de la ferronnerie in Rouen

Why visit the musée le secq des tournelles.

Are you curious? If so, you’ll love Rouen’s iron art museum, which hides many strange treasures. Housed in a former Gothic church, the Musée Le Secq des Tournelles is home to the world’s largest collection of antique ironwork. Between signs, tools and scientific instruments, we discovered unique iron objects!

We can assure you that you won’t see work like this anywhere else! The collection spans the Gallo-Roman era to the 20th century. It features pieces from all over Europe. It was Jean-Louis-Henri Le Secq des Tournelles who came up with the idea, realizing the great potential of iron. We highly recommend a visit here. Even though we weren’t particularly interested in ironwork, we fell in love with this museum!

In our opinion, it takes 45 minutes to visit the museum. If you’re particularly interested in ironwork, the tour can last up to 1h30. The museum boasts a rich collection of surprising works.

Further information on the Musée de la ferronnerie in Rouen

• open daily from 2pm to 6pm, except Tuesdays,

The museum is free, as are all the museums of the Réunion des Musées Métropolitains Rouen Normandie.

Read our article on the Musée de la ferronnerie in Rouen!

9. Have a snack at the Salon de Thé Dame Cakes

Why go to dame cakes for tea.

Are you as greedy as we are? If you are, you’ll love the Salon de Thé Dame Cakes. Housed in a former wrought-iron workshop, it is one of our sweet favourites. We tasted delicious home-made pastries made from seasonal produce. We’ve even included it in our selection of the best restaurants to eat at in Rouen .

The retro decor lends the premises a romantic ambience. We could easily have imagined a writer settling here to write a story inspired by Rouen. After this little gourmet break, you’ll have plenty of energy to continue your tour of the city. It hides even more culinary and historical treasures!

Between the cakes, tarts, crumbles, financiers, chocolate cakes and other sweet treats, it was hard to choose! To accompany these sweets, we had a 2nd decision to make about drinks. Tea lovers will love the Mariage-Frères range of teas. But there were also must-tries, such as grandma-style hot chocolate, Norman coffees, Alain Milliat fruit juices and homemade iced teas.

You’ll need to allow for a snack break of between 30 minutes and 1 hour.

More information about Dame Cakes Tea Room

The Salon de Thé is open every day except Sunday from 10am to 7pm.

Our article on the Dame Cakes Tearoom will be available soon!

10. Stroll through the narrow streets of Normandy

Why visit rouen’s narrow streets.

A stroll through the narrow streets of Rouen is like being transported back in time to the city’s historic heritage. We were charmed by the picturesque half-timbered houses lining the narrow streets. The city was punctuated by splashes of color, giving it a warm atmosphere.

Traditional and authentic, we loved exploring the Normandy capital. As we strolled along, we enjoyed the unique architectural details, small artisan stores and local restaurants and cafés. Every street corner revealed a new surprise.

It wasn’t unusual for us to come across a magnificent flamboyant Gothic building on a street corner. In this case, it was the Palais de Justice . It is listed as a historic monument. In addition to its judicial function, the building is also a tourist attraction due to its architectural beauty and history. Its imposing façade and many details make it a must-see on any visit to Rouen.

To take your time and enjoy a leisurely stroll through Rouen, we recommend reserving a half-day. You can also take the opportunity to try out a restaurant or go shopping.

More information on one of the city’s curiosities

Next to Saint-Maclou Church, our attention was drawn to the leaning house. As we approached this iconic building, we were amused by its sloping appearance, which created a surprising illusion. The destruction of the adjoining houses led to this unique architectural feature. If you’re creative, you can take original photos of this unique place!

Book your guided tour of Rouen here!

11. Taste local specialities

Why try regional products.

If you come to Rouen and don’t try the local culinary specialties, you’re really missing out! This town is part of a French region particularly renowned for its local produce. If you have a sweet tooth, you’re in for a treat, but don’t worry about putting on a few pounds!

The star of the Norman table, cheese is a regional speciality you don’t want to miss! With varying degrees of flavour, they come in all shapes and textures. The emblematic cheese of the Seine-Maritime region is Neufchâtel. Have you ever tasted this heart-shaped cheese? Between Livarot, Pont-L’Évêque and the famous Camembert, we had a wonderful time! Visit the official website of the Office Tourisme de Normandie to learn more about Normandy PDO cheeses.

If you’re in a sweeter mood, we recommend a detour to Chocolaterie Auzou in Rouen . A traditional local pastry, “Larmes de Jeanne d’Arc” are small cakes made from almonds, sugar, chocolate and cocoa. Ideal for a gourmet break, they’re a real treat for young and old alike!

Normans love a good, long dinner. If you really want to sample the local cuisine at a restaurant in Rouen, you’ll need to save room for cheeses and desserts. It may take a little longer! You can read our article on the best restaurants to eat in Rouen to discover our selection.

More information on local specialities

Normandy is one of France’s largest cheese-producing regions.

12. Visit the Aître Saint-Maclou

Why visit the aître saint-maclou .

This unique historic site is imbued with a mysterious atmosphere and macabre beauty. An “aître” is a piece of open land and/or a covered passageway used as a cemetery. The half-timbered galleries surrounding the inner courtyard house ossuaries and sculpted tombs. This bears witness to the town’s dark past, when it was struck by the plague. We admired the architectural details representative of the flamboyant Gothic art of the period. What’s more, the area is surrounded by charming cobbled streets and lively cafés, adding a picturesque dimension to your visit. It’s a place steeped in history that we recommend you discover!

This unique site is representative of Norman architecture. A former cemetery surrounded by half-timbered buildings, we loved discovering this place right in the heart of Rouen. Visiting the aître, we were captivated by the Gothic architecture and the sculpted details of the facades. The covered galleries surrounding the inner courtyard added a special dimension to the whole.

We were fascinated by the walls adorned with macabre motifs and the gravedigger’s tools, a reminder of the place’s historic past. The Aître Saint-Maclou is a place steeped in history and well worth a visit on any tour of the city. We also found the building charming and typical!

We recommend you allow 45 minutes to visit this historic monument in Rouen.

More information on Aître Saint-Maclou

The Oyster House is open to the public free of charge every day from 9am to 7pm. You can access the main courtyard via the passageway at 186 rue Martainville.

Find out more about the secret history of the Aître Saint-Maclou!

13. Take an excursion from Rouen

Why take an excursion from rouen.

An excursion from Rouen offers a unique opportunity to explore the emblematic destinations of Normandy. Whether it’s a cultural, historical or artistic visit, you’ll have a day full of discoveries. The Normandy capital is close to 3 must-see tourist attractions: the D-Day landing beaches, Mont-Saint-Michel and Giverny.

A visit to the D-Day landing beaches will allow you to commemorate history and pay tribute to the soldiers of the Second World War. The tour includes a stop at each of these destinations:

• Pointe du Hoc,
• Omaha Beach,
• Arromanches-les-Bains,
• German battery at Longues-Sure-Mer,
• Colleville-sur-Mer American Cemetery.

Read our article on the D-Day landing beaches!

A trip to Mont-Saint-Michel will transport you to a breathtaking medieval setting, with its majestic abbey perched on a rocky islet. Here you can observe:

• the magnificent bay of Mont-Saint-Michel,
• the exceptional abbey,
• unique architecture.

8 reasons why you absolutely must visit Mont-Saint-Michel!

On our way to Giverny, we explored the enchanting gardens that inspired the famous painter Claude Monet, immersing ourselves in the world of Impressionism. You can explore the city and its surroundings:

• Claude Monet’s house and gardens,
• the Musée des Impressionnismes,
• Hotel Baudy,
• the Old Mill in Vernon,
• the Eure Valley tourist railway.

Our article on must-do activities in Giverny!

How to get there:

• Driving time to the landing beaches: 2h,
• Driving time to Mont-Saint-Michel: 2h40min,
• Driving time to Giverny: 1h.

Visiting time on site:

• landing beaches: 4h,
• Mont-Saint-Michel: 3h,
• Giverny: one day.

More information on excursions from Rouen

These destinations offer a cultural and historical diversity that will enrich your Normandy experience.

• Landing beaches: Book your excursion!
• Mont-Saint-Michel: Book your excursion!
• Giverny: Check out our tour offers quickly, places are going fast!

14. Spend the night at the Hôtel Littéraire Gustave Flaubert

Why stay at the hôtel gustave flaubert in rouen.

If you’re looking for a well-located place to discover the city of Rouen, with a little culture thrown in for good measure, we recommend you stay at this establishment . It is one of our favorite hotels . Dedicated to Gustave Flaubert, the famous 19th-century writer from Rouen, the hotel offers an original concept based on literature.

Read our full review of our very positive experience at this establishment!

The rooms are all different, tastefully decorated and inspired by the novels of Gustave Flaubert. In each room, a different quotation from the author will serve as the headboard. We enjoyed the literary winks hidden in every nook and cranny of the hotel, which made our experience a lot of fun. A well-stocked library is available for guests wishing to borrow a book for the duration of their stay.

See more photos of the Hôtel Littéraire Gustave Flaubert in Rouen!

We recommend that you stay at least one night to enjoy this unique experience, which takes you away from the standardized atmosphere of chain hotels. If you have the opportunity to extend your stay in Rouen, we recommend staying longer.

More information about Hôtel Littéraire Gustave Flaubert in Rouen

The hotel opened its doors in 2013, in the courtyard of a historic building dating back to the 17th century. It was conceived and created by Jacques Letertre, president of the Société des Hôtels Littéraires, which launched this original concept of accommodation dedicated to literature in France.

The first literary hotel opened in Paris in 2007, dedicated to Marcel Proust, closely followed by other establishments dedicated to authors such as Oscar Wilde, Jules Verne, George Sand and Arthur Rimbaud.

Book your night at the Hôtel Gustave Flaubert in Rouen!

15. Visit the Musée de la Céramique

Why visit the musée de la céramique in rouen.

This museum is a must for craft enthusiasts. Discover the history of ceramics in Rouen through a variety of collections, from painted earthenware to delicate porcelain. We admired unique pieces and immersed ourselves in the creative world of ceramic artists. The museum also hosts temporary exhibitions featuring contemporary ceramics. An enriching visit for enthusiasts and amateurs alike!

The tour is divided into several phases:

• First floor: early European earthenware, the work of Rouen ceramist Masséot Abaquesne and other works from Normandy,
• 1st and 2nd floors: masterpieces of Rouen earthenware, porcelain and fine earthenware and products from the Manufacture de Sèvres.

We loved visiting this museum, as we were able to admire some original works of art!

We recommend that you allow between 45min and 1h to visit this museum. It also depends on your level of interest in the various collections on display. For ceramics enthusiasts, the visit can easily be extended.

Further information on the Musée de la Céramique

• Open every day except Tuesday, from 2pm to 6pm.
• Closed on January 1, May 1, November 1 and 11, December 25.

Our article on the Musée de la Céramique will be available soon!

Around Rouen: exploring the Normandy coastline

While you’re in Rouen, we strongly recommend that you take the opportunity to discover the Normandy coast. It’s beautiful, with cliffs, beaches and charming coastal villages. Depending on the towns you visit, you’ll discover superb landscapes and typical villages.

Whether you prefer large seaside resorts or small picturesque ports, the coastline is an ideal destination for enjoying the sea and nature.

• Driving time to Deauville-Trouville: 1h30min,
• Driving time to Dieppe: 1h,
• Driving time to Le Havre: 1h25min,
• Driving time to Étretat: 1h25min,
• Driving time to Ouistreham: 1h45min.

See our articles on 25 things to do in Dieppe and 25 things to do in Étretat . We also recommend that you read our article on Le Havre and its places to discover .

Best things to do in Rouen with your children

In Rouen, you’ll find plenty of interesting activities to share with your children. In fact, we’ve listed some of them in our article on the city’s best museums (article to come).

Museum of Natural History

If you’re looking for an educational experience, the Museum of Natural History boasts an impressive collection of fascinating animals and specimens.

Museum of Antiquities

History buffs will prefer to explore the Musée des Antiquités , housed in the former convent of the Visitation Sainte-Marie, and featuring unique antique objects.

Museum of Education

The Museum of Education allows children to learn more about the history of education through interactive exhibits. The building housing the museum is typical of Norman architecture.

Our articles on the Museum of Natural History, the Museum of Antiquities and the Museum of Education will soon be available!

A ride on the Little Train of Rouen

Are you looking for something more fun? We recommend exploring the city on board the Petit Train de Rouen. Thanks to this guided tour, your children will discover the city’s main sights while being entertained! Rouen offers a wide range of activities for children, combining discovery, education and entertainment.

What to visit in Rouen: other churches

Rouen is Victor Hugo’s “city of a hundred steeples chiming in the air”. The Normandy capital’s rich religious heritage explains why there are so many remarkable churches to visit. You can consult the official website of the Observatoire du Patrimoine Religieux, which lists them. In addition to the must-see Notre-Dame de Rouen Cathedral, the Abbatiale Saint-Ouen and the Église Sainte-Jeanne-d’Arc, we discovered other impressive buildings in the city. The Église Saint-Maclou is another Gothic masterpiece, known for its unique architecture and sculpted details.

Each church has its own charm and history, offering an interesting architectural variation across the city. There’s also the Église Saint-Godard, with its magnificent stained-glass windows, and the Église Saint-Laurent, now home to the Musée de la ferronnerie. The architectural and historical diversity of Rouen’s churches makes it a fascinating destination for the art and religious history lovers among you.

PLAN YOUR TRIP TO Normandy

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• Our weekend ideas: best-of , romantic , unusual , seaside , luxury , family
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• Best things to do in Normandy
• Best cities in Normandy
• Most beautiful beaches of Normandy
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• Best castles of Normandy
• Best abbeys of Normandy
• Read our complete guide to visit the Mont-Saint-Michel
• Discover the D-Day sites

• Where to stay in Normandy – best places and hotels
• See our tips for renting a car at CDG airport , Orly airport , Beauvais airport , Caen , Rouen , Bayeux …

What to do near Rouen: outdoor activities

Do you like thrills? Located 40 minutes from Rouen in Romilly-sur-Andelle, you can choose from a wide range of outdoor activities. Rock-climbing enthusiasts can indulge their passion on the rock faces of the Andelle Valley. For those who prefer the water, kayak excursions along the waterway linking the Andelle and Seine rivers are available. We enjoyed this unique way of discovering the surrounding Normandy countryside.

If you’re looking for an even more adventurous experience, caving allows you to explore the Grandes Carrières de Caumont and discover fascinating rock formations. Try not to stain yourself like we do! In short, there’s no shortage of outdoor activities near Rouen. Set off on an adventure to suit your tastes and your level of daring!

Book your outdoor activity now!

Practical tips and map: Rouen, Normandy, France

Where is rouen.

Rouen is located in north-western France, in the Normandy region.

How to get there

We recommend you travel to Rouen by train. The train station offers regular services to Le Havre, Dieppe, Yvetôt, Elbeuf, Caen and Paris. Once you’ve arrived at Rouen station, all you have to do is walk around the city.

See available timetables and book your train and coach tickets now .

You can also drive to Rouen and park in a parking lot. The town is easily accessible from other Normandy towns such as Le Havre, Caen and Deauville via the A13 freeway. From Paris, the journey takes 2 hours. There are regular traffic jams at the Seine crossing.

If you’re traveling from elsewhere in France, you can reach Rouen via the A13 or A28 motorways, or via the national and departmental roads.

Finally, if you’re traveling by car from other European countries, you’ll need to plan your itinerary around your point of departure, using European freeways such as the E44, E46 or E402.

Frequently asked questions

Where to go for a walk in rouen.

If you’ve already visited the Jardin des Plantes, don’t worry, there’s still plenty to discover. We warmly recommend climbing to the top of Côte Sainte-Catherine as the sun begins to decline. Once you’ve reached the top, you can enjoy a magnificent panoramic view of the city and observe the majestic silhouette of Rouen Cathedral.

As the sun set, we were struck by the beauty of the Normandy capital. As the light fades, you’ll be able to watch darkness slowly settle in, creating a landscape worthy of a painting. In fact, Claude Monet painted his painting “Vue générale de Rouen” from this vantage point, which can be seen at the Musée des Beaux-Arts.

If you’re looking for a pleasant urban stroll, we recommend walking along the banks of the Seine. They are quite lively, with cafés, restaurants and boutiques creating a friendly atmosphere. We enjoyed the spectacle of passing barges and the lively atmosphere of the quayside. For admirers of beautiful boats, you’ll be aware that Rouen regularly organizes the Armada . Since the 1st edition in 1989, the town has hosted a gathering of tall ships, each more impressive than the last!

Which location best represents Rouen?

If you were to ask a Norman this question, the answer would undoubtedly be the Gros Horloge. Located in the heart of the city, this remarkable astronomical clock is a gateway to the historic center. However, competition with Rouen Cathedral is fierce. With its impressive Gothic facade and imposing spires, the church is also an essential symbol of the city. Its rich history has been immortalized in Claude Monet’s famous paintings!

Where to go in Rouen when it rains?

As you can see, the Normandy conurbation is rich in culture and history. When the weather turns fickle, you can take refuge in the city’s museums, or in one of its many churches. At the Musée Flaubert et d’histoire de la médecine, we delved into the memories of the Flaubert family. In the 2nd stage, we looked at the history of medicine from the Middle Ages to the early 20th century. Literature fans will also appreciate the Musée Pierre Corneille. We discovered the place where Le Cid was written. It’s also the playwright’s birthplace!

Coming soon: our articles on the Musée Flaubert et d’histoire de la médecine and the Musée Pierre Corneille!

All our tips in this article were put into words with the help of Elisa.

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Home » Travel Guides » France » 15 Best Things to Do in Rouen (France)

15 Best Things to Do in Rouen (France)

Rouen is a Norman city in a prime location between Paris and the port of Le Havre on the banks of the Seine.

In medieval times this made the city a merchant’s paradise, and Rouen grew dramatically in the 14th and 15th centuries when traders settled near the Rive Droite and built themselves handsome timber-framed homes.

Hundreds of these old buildings are still standing along adorable cobblestone streets.

Rouen also serves up world-beating landmarks to steal your heart, whether it’s a working medieval clock, a record-breaking cathedral or sights that recall the final days in the life of Joan of Arc.

Lets explore the best things to do in Rouen :

1. Rouen Cathedral

For four years at the end of the 1870s Rouen Cathedral was the tallest building in the world.

This was after the neo-gothic tower was finished, replacing a renaissance one destroyed by lightning earlier that century.

There are some highly distinguished burials at this breathtaking building: namely Richard the Lionheart, and the early Norman rulers like Rollo and William I. Many of the stained glass windows made in the 1200s survive, and there are some gorgeous ones to see in the south transept that date from the 1500s.

The cathedral’s delicate western facade was the subject of some of Monet’s most famous paintings: He made 30 between 1892 and 1893, capturing it in different weather and at different times of the year.

2. Gros Horloge

One of Rouen’s big medieval landmarks, the Gros Horloge is an astronomical clock with a mechanism from the 1300s mounted above a renaissance arch and passageway.

The structure is a belfry that was erected in the 15th century to replace a wooden one destroyed during the Harelle Revolt in 1382. The clock is believed to be the largest mechanism of this kind still intact, and its face dates to 1529, representing a sun with 24 rays on a blue sky background.

The Rue du Gros Horloge is a one of Rouen’s main shopping streets, where high-street stores are juxtaposed with marvellous half-timbered houses, some of which still show damage from the Second World War.

3. Musée des Beaux-Arts

Rouen’s world-class fine arts museum was inaugurated in 1801 when the precious items seized from churches and stately homes during the Revolution were nationalised.

It ranks as one of the richest provincial museums in the country with art, sculpture and decorative items from the 1500s to the 20th century.

Here are some of the names you may know : Caravaggio, Poussin, van Dyck, Velázquez and Veronese.

The impressionists, very active around Rouen, also feature heavily , with works by Sisley, Renoir, Degas, Monet, Pinchon and Pissaro.

4. Vieux Rouen

When Rouen’s ramparts were destroyed in the 18th century they were replaced by broad boulevards that continue to mark the limits of the medieval old centre.

This part of Rouen has 227 registered historical monuments, which places it sixth for all French cities.

Every few steps there’s yet another reason to get your phone or camera out.

Vieux Rouen contains around 2,000 timber-framed houses, the oldest of which dates back to the 1200s, and the older they get the more charmingly crooked they become.

The oldest can be seen on Rue Étoupée, Rue Saint-Amand, Rue Damiette and Rue Abbé-de-l’Épée, to name just four of many streets.

5. Jardin des Plantes

Just south of the old centre, Rouen’s main park is the site of many a family outing but it also has scientific merit, tending plants from five different continents.

The park is fabulous from April through to November.

In spring the wisteria irises, camellia and rhododendrons produce a riot of colour.

Then in summer the rose gardens are in bloom, and autumn brings those famous reds and oranges.

If you do come in winter, then life continues inside the garden’s greenhouses where tropical species thrive all year round.

6. Ceramics Museum

The palatial 17th-century townhouse, Hôtel  d’Hocqueville was built over a part of Rouen’s former castle and has contained the city’s Ceramic Museum since 1984. The attraction holds the coveted “Musée de France” label and shows off the historic riches of Rouen’s celebrated potteries, with a fine assortment of faïence and porcelain.

There are almost 6,000 items in all, demonstrating the excellence of local craftsmen but also displaying pieces such as a beautiful vase by the art deco designer Jacques-Émile Ruhlmann.

7. Historial Jeanne d’Arc

Joan of Arc was tried right here in Rouen’s Episcopal Palace in 1431, so it’s fitting that there should be a museum dedicated to her life in this historic building.

What you encounter isn’t so much a museum with static displays and artefacts, as a dynamic multimedia journey through her short but eventful life.

The “historial” takes just over an hour to complete and is the kind of immersive light and sound show that French attractions do so well.

You cut straight to the facts of her heresy trial and her violent demise, but also learn about her legacy and how she became a French historical icon.

8. Church of Saint-Maclou

As you’ll often see in the best French gothic churches, the portal of the western facade has carvings on its tympanum (the panel above the entrance). In a typically apocalyptic vision you can identify Jesus in the middle, and on his right hand are the righteous on their way to heaven, while on the left are the damned going to hell.

A brief walk from the church on Rue Martainville is the Ossuary of Saint-Maclou.

After an outbreak of plague in 1348 that killed three quarters of this parish the local cemetery was deemed insufficient and this eerily beautiful ossuary was constructed around a courtyard.

The bones were removed in the 1700s but you can make out carvings of skulls and bones in the buildings’ timbers.

9. Musée Le Secq des Tournelles

This one-of-a-kind museum is inside the former Church of Saint-Laurent, which was completed at the start of the 16th century.

After entering it may take a moment to comprehend what you’re looking at: Hanging in the church’s gothic arches and in glass cabinets is centuries-worth of ironwork collected by Henri Secq Tournelles and bequeathed to the museum in the 1920s.

Going back to the 1500s are tavern signs, chests,  tools, hinges, locks, keys, jewellery and basket hangers.

10. Old Market Square

On the western end of the Rue du Gros-Horloge is the square where Joan of Arc was burnt alive on May 30 1431. Around the square are some lovely half-timbered and corbelled houses, and in the middle is the modern St.

Joan of Arc Church, built in 1979. Before the Second World War Rouen’s stained glass windows were removed from the city’s various churches and placed in storage.

The medieval Church of Saint-Vincent that was at this location was destroyed during the bombing, but its glorious surviving windows now adorn the modern church in its place.

11. Musée Flaubert et d’Histoire de la Médecine

A museum with both a medical and literary vocation, this attraction is found at the birthplace of the 19th-century Gustave Flaubert, in the former Hôtel-Dieu hospital.

The whole place is full of strange curios from the more primitive days of medicine, like an 18th-century mannequin used for childbirth demonstrations, military surgery kits, the mummified heads of two political agitators hanged in the 1700s and a collection of 200 antique medicinal jars.

On the first floor is the room where Gustave Flaubert, author of Madame Bovary was delivered.

12. Palais de Justice

Set in the old Jewish quarter, Rouen has the largest gothic civic building in the country, built to house the Exchequer of Normandy from 1499. The Parliament of Normandy also sat here from the 1500s to the 1700s.

The sandy-coloured building is in the late flamboyant gothic style, with decorative spires, gargoyles and a balustrade tracing the roof.

There’s clear evidence of bomb damage from the liberation of Rouen in the Second World War, kept as a memorial.

These are working courts, but you can see what it’s like on tours every Tuesday and on the last Friday of each month.

13. Panorama XXL

The quays on the Seine have been revitalised in the last few years and one of the new attractions is Panorama XXL. This is pretty much what the name suggests; a massive, 360° panoramic painting that is updated for a new exhibition every few months.

These ultra-realistic panoramas of historical cities are made by the artist Yadegar Asisi and projected onto a huge spherical screen.

In 2015 the subject was ancient Rome, and in 2016 there’s an exhibition of Rouen during gothic times.

It’s a small attraction but you’ll spend a lot of time in awe at the rich detail of the image.

14. Country Walks

Normandy has a reputation for its wooded countryside, with farms bordered by hedges, orchards and rich greenery.

Lucky for you, Rouen is on the edge of a large natural park that continues all the way to the coast: Just west of Rouen the River Seine meanders into the Parc Naturel régional des Boucles de la Seine Normande.

Your best bet for a day in the countryside would be to pick up the GR2 trail, beginning at the peaceful hamlet of Saint-Pierre-de-Manneville and winding along the course of the Seine for 120 kilometres.

Of course, you don’t need to go that far, but the stretch through Saint-Martin-de-Boscherville (15 minutes from Rouen) guides you past a 12th-century abbey.

15. Food and Drink

If you walk the GR2 in the summer you should plan your lunchtime picnic around the delectable fresh fruit (cherries and plums) that is sold on the roadside by local farmers.

Fruit farms surround Rouen, and here the apple is king.

It goes into the city’s souvenir candies like sucre de pomme and cent-clochers (apple infused chocolates), and is distilled to make Calvados apple brandy.

Among the cheeses from the Normandy region are the renowned Pont-l’évêque, neufchâtel, and not to forget camembert.

15 Best Things to Do in Rouen (France):

• Rouen Cathedral
• Gros Horloge
• Musée des Beaux-Arts
• Vieux Rouen
• Jardin des Plantes
• Ceramics Museum
• Historial Jeanne d'Arc
• Church of Saint-Maclou
• Musée Le Secq des Tournelles
• Old Market Square
• Musée Flaubert et d'Histoire de la Médecine
• Palais de Justice
• Panorama XXL
• Country Walks
• Food and Drink

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Updated on 15 January 2024

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Rouen, situated on the banks of the River Seine, is Normandy’s vibrant, historic and cultural capital. Monet’s famous depictions of Rouen Cathedral have made this vast edifice many visitors’ favourite building in the city, but there are also many fine museums to explore, not to mention the Gros Horloge clock tower, France’s oldest inn La Couronne and the beautiful modern church dedicated to Joan of Arc.

Centuries of history

The Seine was key to Rouen’s development over hundreds of years into one of France’s greatest ports. Romans and Vikings both settled in this part of the Seine Valley, and when the Vikings became Normans in the 10th century, Rouen became Normandy’s capital.

English medieval history is closely linked to Rouen . The Anglo-French kings kept a deep affection for the city. William the Conqueror often held court here.  Richard the Lionheart  was crowned Duke of Normandy in the city, and literally left his heart there… as would  Joan of Arc , much against her will, when, in the second half of the Hundred Years’ War, English forces occupied much of northern France, including Normandy and its capital. After Joan had inspired a lightning series of successes against the English army south along the Loire, she was captured by Burgundians and ransomed off at vast price to the English. Joan was tried by French churchmen in English-ruled Rouen in 1431, ending up on the funeral pyre here in 1431. A museum in honour of Joan of Arc d’Arc,  Historial Jeanne d’Arc , housed in the Archbishop’s Palace next to the cathedral. Further well-established, excellent museums cover different periods of the city’s history and focus on its strong artistic and craft traditions.

Discover Rouen’s historic quarters

In medieval times, lords and the prosperous merchants of the city, as well as commissioning fine homes for themselves, supported the building of great religious buildings. Lined up in a row going from east to west through the centre of town is a string of tremendous churches – Saint-Ouen, Saint-Maclou, Notre Dame Cathedral and the modern church dedicated to Joan of Arc. It wasn’t for nothing that  Victor Hugo famously described Rouen as ‘the city of a hundred spires’ . 

In addition, don’t miss the  Gros Horloge  astronomic clock, the splendid gothic architecture of the Palais de Justice and the Aître Saint-Maclou, whose carved skull and crossbones make it one of the most striking medieval cemeteries in Europe.

Rouen’s historic centre is also packed with tempting shops and restaurants, and great weekly markets. This being a university town, there is a thriving nightlife too.

The River Seine and its quaysides

Rouen is now focusing its attention on the River Seine, with increasing initiatives to open up the quaysides to the public. Parks and gardens have recently been built along the left bank, while on the right bank, bars, restaurants and nightclubs line the quayside. The  Rouen Armada  maritime festival provides an excellent opportunity for visitors to enjoy everything that this newly-developed part of Rouen has to offer. The next edition will take place in 2027 (17-27 June).

Kayak Adventure and Riverside Aperitif Along the Seine

Updated on 21 February 2024

A Romantic Break in Rouen, one of France’s top cities!

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Road Trip in Normandy with an electric car

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Ten good reasons to visit Normandy in 2024

Updated on 19 January 2024

Five veggie restaurants to visit in Normandy

Updated on 25 August 2023

Five Normandy exhibitions you should see this year

Updated on 22 September 2022

France’s best bakery

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Gustave Flaubert’s Normandy

Updated on 21 December 2022

Who was Arsène Lupin the gentleman burglar?

Updated on 26 October 2021

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Places to visit in Rouen

Sports and leisure activities in Rouen

Things to see and do in Rouen

Restaurants in Rouen

Hotels in Rouen

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The Best Itinerary for Walking in the Old Town of Rouen

Last Updated:  9 December 2019

On a sunny Summer day I headed to Rouen , the historic capital of Normandy . For many years I have been eager to discover the ‘City of 100 bell towers’ from the words of Victor Hugo. So I booked a train ticket for a day-trip from Paris and explored the historic city. Prior to my visit I had planned walking in the old town of Rouen with not-to-miss landmarks. Here is the itinerary. I hope you’ll find it useful convincing  enough to stop at Rouen too!

Forget the suburbs and reach the old town!

Coming from the direction of Paris or Le Havre, the industrial suburbs of Rouen might not impress you. Don’t worry, for beyond lies the historic city centre , a “must-see” in the region. It would be a shame to miss a stroll through its fascinating heritage that includes Gothic churches and mansions and hundreds of restored half-timbered houses… Since the aftermath of World War Two, the city centre has undergone a costly upmarket restoration of its historical gem, which is largely pedestrianised.

Walking in the Old Town of Rouen

My walk through the main landmarks and monuments of Rouen was 5.5 km long. I made it in one day but to be honest it was quite a race. I stopped too many times to get the photos you’ll see below… and unfortunately had to hurry inside the beautiful churches of the town! If you intent to visit the Clock tower and the Fine Arts museum, I recommend you stay overnight in Rouen.

Where to stay in Rouen?

You can choose from a great range of accommodation in Rouen, from hotels to B&B and campings! My recommendation is to book your accommodation near the city-centre. Although it’s a more pricey option, you’ll save time on transportation and can access most of the landmarks I discovered while walking in the old town of Rouen.

Also, when possible, don’t wait the last minute to book as finding hotel rooms can be a problem, especially on the weekends.

To book your accommodation in Rouen, click on this affiliate link which will redirect you to our partner booking.com… or use the interactive map below:

Alrighty, let’s start walking in the old town of Rouen…

Temple St. Éloi, Place Martin Luther King

The walk starts from the Protestant Temple St. Éloi on Place Martin Luther King (not far from the banks of River Seine).

The 16th century church of Saint Éloi became a Protestant place of worship for the Reformed church in 1803.

Reach the adjacent Place de la Pucelle.

Place de la Pucelle and Hôtel de Bourgtheroulde

The name of the square led many to erroneously believe this was the place where Joan of Arc had been burnt at the stake. Actually the maid was killed on the adjacent square of Place du Vieux-Marché.

The fine Gothic  Bourgtheroulde House (pronounce ‘Bourtroud’) dates from the 16th century. It served as a residence to Guillaume II le Roux, Lord Bourgetheroude and member of the Exchequer of Normandy. Although dominantly Gothic, there are some Renaissance influences visible from the courtyard. After having housed a bank for many years, it became a 5 star hotel in the 2010s.

From there, walk on rue de la Vicomté and turn right on Rue du Gros Horloge towards the Cathedral.

Rue du Gros Horloge

Sometimes called by locals “Rue du Gros”, this 420 metre long street is famous for the astronomical clock (the “ Gros Horloge ”). C harming half-timbered buildings built on waterproof stone bases border the picturesque cobbled street. Some of them feature richly decorated corbelling made of oak. Some experts date a few of the houses along the Rue du Gros Horloge to before the time of Joan of Arc’s death at the stake in 1431.

The astronomical clock known as Le Gros Horloge is the pride of the Rouen people. It dominates a Renaissance arch which has spanned the historic street since 1527. The clock lies roughly equidistant between the Place du Vieux Marché and the cathedral. The Gros Horloge itself dates back to the 16th century and its movement from 1389. A Gothic belfry flanks t he Gros Horloge. It was built between the 14th and the 15th centuries and houses the bells linked to the clock’s movement.

Camille Pissarro  painted the Rue du Gros Horloge in 1885.

Rue du Gros-Horloge became the first pedestrian street in France in 1971. Apart from its historic atmosphere, it owes its popularity to the numerous shops and department stores. The view of the cathedral in the distance towering over the half-timbered façades is pretty amazing.

Walk through the end of the pedestrian street to the Place de la Cathédrale. There, you can find Rouen’s Tourist Office Centre and the stunning western façade of Rouen’s cathedral.

Place de la Cathédrale and Rouen Cathedral

Rouen’s most distinctive landmark, seen from far away, is the lofty and imposing cathedral , whose spire stands 151 metres high. From the Place de la Cathédrale, the church appears in all its glory, with its Tour de Beurre (butter tower) to the right and the Tour Saint Romain to the left.

Facing the cathedral, turn to the right and after a few metres, enter the Bureau des finances (House of the Exchequer) where you will find the Tourist Board of Rouen.

House of the Exchequer

The  Bureau des Finances (House of the Exchequer) houses the Tourist Board of Rouen and faces the cathedral’s façade. Built from 1509 to 1540 for the Exchequer General of Normandy, it represents a fine example of Flamboyant Gothic architecture and also features early Renaissance elements.

Walk across the Place de la Cathédrale towards the Tour Saint Romain, then turn right at Rue Georges Lanfry. Continue straight ahead: the street changes its name to Rue Saint Romain.

Rue Saint-Romain

On your right is the “Cour des Libraires” leading to the North Transept of the Cathedral.

There are many half-timbered houses bordering the north side of the street.

On rue Saint-Romain are the ruins of a former chapel where the trial of  Joan of Arc  ended on the  29th May 1429 . It is there as well that her rehabilitation was proclaimed in  1456 .

Later on, cross the Rue de la République and you will arrive on the little intimate square of Place Barthélémy towered by the impressive church Saint Maclou. The place Barthélémy owes its name from the 19th century architect who built the church spire. In order to install the spire, architects  had  several houses destroyed. To the left of the facade, observe the lovely 16th century fountain.

Saint Maclou Church

The Church of Saint-Maclou  is arguably one of the most striking churches in Rouen. A Flamboyant church dedicated to Saint Malo, it is considered one of the best examples of Gothic architecture in Rouen, alongside with the cathedral and the Church of Saint Ouen. A fine elaborated spire has topped the lantern tower since the 19th century.

Take the rue de Martainville on the right when you exit the church. A few metres beyond the chevet of the church, enter the Aître Saint Maclou on your left.

The rue Martainville is one of my favourite streets when walking in the old town of Rouen. I love its typical half-timbered houses.

The Saint Maclou Ossuary

This is definitely one of the strangest sites of Rouen. The unique ossuary Saint Maclou (in French: Aître de St Maclou ) is a popular landmark to discover. To place the ossuary in context, one must recall the Great Plague of 1348. As in most European cities, many of the townsfolk died during the plague. The cemetery around Saint Maclou became too small to house all the dead and a new cemetery needed to be built. Therefore, victims of the plague were buried on this site in large communal graves.

The decorations reflect their original purpose: skulls, crossbones, gravediggers’ tools and objects… Take a closer look on the columns and you will observe Death leading Life in a “danse macabre”.

From the Aître Saint Maclou, return to Place Barthélémy and turn right on Rue Damiette.

Rue Damiette

Rue Damiette links the squares of Place Barthélémy to Place du Lieutenant Aubert. Restored half-timbered houses border the narrow street. On rue Damiette, the spire of Saint-Maclou seems to respond to the lantern tower of St. Ouen church .

Cross the Rue d’Amiens and walk straight ahead for a few meters. On your left starts the medieval and picturesque Rue Eau de Robec.

Rue Eau-de-Robec

Rue Eau-de-Robec is lined up with half-timbered houses and in its centre is a streamlet crossed by a walkway.

Arriving on the Place du Général de Gaulle, you will see the mighty Saint Ouen Abbey overlooking the greenery of the well-maintained gardens of the Town Hall. On your right, Rue des Faulx, stands an interesting row of half-timbered houses with the spire of Rouen Cathedral in the distance.

Enter the public park of the Jardins de l’Hôtel de Ville.

Saint Ouen Abbey Church

Saint Ouen is an impressive sanctuary and one of the largest churches built in the Rayonnant Gothic style. The abbey church comprises of two spire-towers on the western façade and a majestic 88 metre central tower. The latter rises above the crossing of the transept and is nicknamed the “Crown of Normandy”.

Take the time to stroll in the Gardens of the Town Hall which surround the Abbey with have views of the whole building. To the North stands the classical building of Rouen’s Town Hall.

The City-Hall of Rouen

The classical building which stands close to the Abbey is Rouen’s present day City Hall . It was the monk’s dormitory until the French Revolution. The monks had only just completed the building when they had to give it away to the municipality.

Reach the narrow and picturesque street of rue du petit porche and at the end of the street turn left to the Place de la Rougemare.

Place de la Rougemare  lies outside the limits of the touristy part of Rouen but is worth mentioning for its peaceful character.

Continue on rue du Cordier and cross the Place du Dr A. Cerné to reach the rue du Donjon.

Rouen’s Tower of Joan of Arc

Oddly overlooking a residential area, the medieval tower is all that is left of the once-mighty castle of Rouen. The king of France order its dismantlement in the 16th century. However only the keep still stands to this day. It bears the name of Joan of Arc Tower since the maid entered the castle prior to her imprisonment by the English.

Return to the crossroads and turn right to rue Bouvreuil to the Fine Arts Museum of Rouen.

Square Verdrel and the Fine Arts Museum of Rouen

The public garden of the Square Verdrel  opened in the Second Empire (mid-19th century). It faces the massive building of Rouen’s Fine Arts Museum .

It was Napoleon I was founded the renowned museum. However the present building only dates back to the end of the 19th century. It underwent restauration works in 1994.

Cross the rue Lecanuet and walk through the rue de l’écureuil where you can stop for a good cup of coffee at Citizen Café .

Turn left on the rue Ganterie.

Around the Place des Carmes

The rue de Ganterie is lined up with some interesting half-timbered houses.

Turn right on the rue des Carmes and reach the Place des Carmes. From there, take the rue de la Chaîne which is bordered by a fine half-timbered hôtel particulier.

At the end of the street is the Place Saint Amand.

Café terraces occupy the little Place Saint-Amand  in the Summer. There are some beautiful half-timbered houses to admire.

Follow the narrow street of rue Saint-Amand.

Another picturesque place I discovered while walking in the old town of Rouen – Rue Saint-Amand really gives an idea of what Rouen looked like in the Middle-Ages:

Reach the Place de la Cathédrale by walking through the rue Saint Nicolas and rue de la Croix de Fer. 

From the Cathedral square, take the rue des Carmes on the right and turn left on the rue aux Juifs.

The Parliament of Normandy

Rouen may be famous for its Gothic churches, however these should not over-shadow other civil buildings. One of them is the Gothic building of the Parliament of Normandy . One of the rare civil constructions in Gothic style in the late Middle Ages in France.

Once the Gothic building was the seat of the Parliament of Normandy. The remarkable edifice features typical Gothic decoration: crocheted pinnacles, gargoyles, four centred arches, statues and a Flamboyant balustrade with interlaced rosettes at the base of the roof.

When reaching the end of the building on the rue aux Juifs, turn right on the rue Jeanne d’Arc before taking the rue Guillaume le Conquérant to the left. Walk along the street until you reach the rue Écuyère. Take the street on the right and walk to the next crossroads with rue des Bons Enfants .

Rue des Bons Enfants

Continuing the axis of rue Ganterie previous crossed is Rue des Bons Enfants . Fine half-timbered houses border the street. Observe them closely: one of them seems it will collapse at any time soon!

Walk along the rue des Bons Enfants and turn left on the rue de l’Ancienne Prison to reach the last stage of our walk: the Place du Vieux-Marché.

Place du Vieux-Marché

Place du Vieux Marché is arguably the main square of Rouen’s old town. With its half-timbered houses and restaurant, it is dominated by the modern church of Saint Joan of Arc .

The 1979 modern and wacky and spiky-looking memorial church is at odds with the surrounding fine brown-and-white half timbered houses. Some people see in the shape of the church an upturned boat or the pyre on which the Saint was burnt. The church is surmounted by a trapezoidal slate roof topped the church. The elongated feature forms a walkway across the square. In addition the scaly tiling of the roof matches the fish-shaped windows.

Inside the church

Inside, 13 stained-glass windows from the Renaissance era form a glass wall of 500 square metres. It bathes the interior in exceptional light.

These fine windows date back to the 16th century. They originally decorated another church which was destroyed during the Second World War. However, authorities anticipated war damages and put the windows in safe. They stored them untouched until they found their new home some 40 years later.

The stained-glass windows illustrate Christ’s childhood, Passion, Crucifixion and Resurrection, and life events of Saint Peter, Saint Anne and Saint Anthony of Padua.

Where was Joan of Arc burnt at stake?

A small commemorative plaque and a 20 metre high cross mark the spot on which Joan of Arc was burnt alive on the 30th May 1431. On the adjacent walls, the marks of a former church destroyed in the past are visible.

This walk ends at the Place du Vieux-Marché. For another interesting walk in Rouen why not ascending the Côte Sainte-Catherine for a panoramic view of the whole city of Rouen…

Things to do in Rouen, Normandy

Looking for activities and things to do in Rouen? Check out the offers from our partner Get Your Guide:

Walking in the old town of Rouen: more info

Here’s a few website and blogs about Rouen that you might find useful:

• on the blog: Rouen Old Town
• on the blog: Rouen Cathedral
• Tourist Board of Rouen
• Tourist Board of Normandy
• Wikipedia’s article on Rouen

Inspired by walking in the old town of Rouen? Pin it for later!

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About the author

Pierre is a French/Australian who is passionate about France and its culture. He grew up in France and Germany and has also lived in Australia and England. He has a background teaching French, Economics and Current Affairs, and holds a Master of Translating and Interpreting English-French with the degree of Master of International Relations, and a degree of Economics and Management. Pierre is the author of Discovery Courses and books about France.

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Pierre, I like your instructions and map. I will be doing Rouen in a day trip. I wonder if you can recall how long this walk took? Thanks!

Hello Karen, actually it took me a full day but I did stop at many sites to take photos. Realistically I would say half a day is enough to discover the old town of Rouen (without entering the museums).

Hello, thank you for your response to my question! It’s good to know I can do your path in less than a full day. I’ll re-work the order in which I follow your course, as I’d be starting from the train station. That should work well if I can re-order all the sights, and then I can finish with the museum. I think your online walking tour and commentary is very nice, helpful, and well done! Best, Karen

Thank you Karen! I was hoping to update this page soon as it has been a little while since I published it (3 years ago). Enjoy Rouen! 🙂

Merci, Pierre. I will be in Paris and Rouen and Giverny at the end of April; if you edit or update any info on this page before that, would you let me know!

Best. Karen

Merci, Pierre. This is my 4th attempt to reply to your last message; for some reason, they are not getting through. Anyway, I was saying I will be in Paris, Rouen and Giverny at the end of April, so if you edit or update any info on this page, please let me know! Best, Karen

Hello Karen! Yes, this reply got through!! 🙂 I will let you know when the article is updates, I’ll try my best before your trip 😉 Cheers, Pierre

Dear Pierre,

I am a Kiwi but have lived in England since 1959. Fitted in 5 years in Sydney and 5 years in Mayenne. My daughte has lived in the Deux Sevres for over 20 years and I am a Huguenot descendant. I enjoyed the virtual walk around Rouen which I have managed to bypass for years but never enjoyed.

I am a researcher at the Huguenot Museum Archives in Rochester and work on possible Huguenot inquiries.

I am researching for my own interests a Jean Tirel, a Huguenot pastor who died in prison in Rouen in 1693. In your own research on Rouen have you discovered any images of the Ancient Prison of the 1690s?

Edward Hill

Dear Edward, Thank you for your comment. Unfortunately I didn’t stumble across images of the old prison. According to my research, this pastor from Chefresne et Gavray was imprisoned at the Conciergerie of Rouen’s Palais de Justice… if I’m not mistaken it would be the site of today’s Court of Justice, a beautiful flamboyant monument still standing in the old town.

Thanks for your trouble Pierre.

I thought the prison was different from the Palais de Justice as he describes being allowd outside to exercise on the Ramparts. Aren’t the address of the Court of Justice and Rue de Ancienne Prison different locations?

I will make the effort on one of my next trips through Rouen to follow your tour, as my daughter works in Niort.

Hi Edward. Well in fact rue de l’Ancienne prison was a street located next to the Palais de Justice (source : https://fr.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rue_de_l%27Ancienne-Prison ) so good news it concurs to what your say! 🙂

Thanks again Pierre. Will concentrate on finding an image of the old Concegiere.

Bonjour Pierre,

Thank you so much! Every photo is beautiful. You are so generous sharing your experiences as they happen. You don't wait until you get back home. That takes away sleep time!

Safe and wonderful travels! Bob Rogers

Always a pleasure, merci beaucoup Bob! 🙂

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24 PLACES TO SEE IN FRANCE

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The Best Tours to the Normandy D-Day Beaches from Rouen

Tours to the Normandy D-Day beaches from Rouen, France, offer a poignant and informative journey through one of the most significant chapters in modern history. These excursions provide visitors with the opportunity to pay tribute to the brave soldiers who fought and sacrificed their lives during the Allied invasion of Normandy on June 6, 1944, known as D-Day.

Guided tours typically depart from Rouen and travel to the Normandy coast, where participants visit key sites associated with the D-Day landings. Among the highlights are the beaches of Omaha, Utah, Gold, Juno, and Sword, where Allied forces landed under heavy fire from German defenses. Visitors can walk along the same sands where history was made and gain a deeper appreciation for the challenges faced by the soldiers on that fateful day.

At each beach, knowledgeable guides provide insights into the strategic importance of the landing sites, the tactics employed by Allied forces, and the harrowing experiences of the soldiers who fought there. Visitors may also have the opportunity to explore bunkers, gun emplacements, and other remnants of the German defenses that still dot the coastline.

In addition to the beaches, tours often include visits to key landmarks such as the Normandy American Cemetery and Memorial at Colleville-sur-Mer, where thousands of American soldiers are buried overlooking Omaha Beach. The cemetery serves as a powerful reminder of the human cost of war and offers visitors the chance to pay their respects to the fallen.

Other notable stops may include the Pointe du Hoc, a cliff-top promontory where U.S. Rangers scaled the cliffs to destroy German artillery positions, and the museums and visitor centers that provide further insight into the events of D-Day and the subsequent Battle of Normandy.

Overall, tours to the Normandy D-Day beaches from Rouen offer a profound and moving experience, allowing visitors to connect with the past and gain a deeper understanding of the sacrifices made by those who fought for freedom during World War II.

(Prices are listed in U.S. Dollars.)

Discover the Dday beaches in Normandy.

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In Rouen, Normandy Beaches tours cost on average $954 based on our research of 7 different tours. Many of these tours offer varying activities, add extra services, and last different lengths of time, so it's not always possible to compare every option equally. Also, the highly rated options tend to cost a bit more on average.

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If you're looking for more things to do in Rouen, see also The Best Walking Tours in Rouen .

Rouen Travel Costs Rouen Hotel Prices

If you have a specific amount of time for your trip, see our advice about how much time to spend here: Should I spend 1, 2, or 3 days in Rouen? and Should I spend 3, 4, or 5 days in Rouen? .

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Les meilleurs itinéraires gravel autour de Rouen

Planifiez. Enregistrez. Naviguez. Des aventures de folie vous attendent.

Commencez dès aujourd'hui avec un compte komoot gratuit.

Boucle Rouen – Les Roches d'Orival au départ de Rouen Rive-Droite

Boucle rouen – mare beaumarquet au départ de rouen rive-droite.

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Boucle ballade en quais de seine (rd) – quais de seine à rouen au départ de rouen rive-droite, boucle abbaye de jumièges – abbaye de jumièges au départ de rouen rive-droite, boucle ballade en quais de seine (rd) – la bouille au départ de rouen rive-droite.

Nos recommandations pour chaque circuit s'appuient sur des milliers d'activités réalisées par d'autres utilisateurs sur komoot.

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Découvrir Rouen : découvrir la meilleure activité dans d'autres régions.

• Petit-Couronne
• Le Grand-Quevilly
• Le Mesnil-Esnard
• Saint-Étienne-du-Rouvray
• Saint-Aubin-Celloville
• Val-de-la-Haye
• Forêt de Roumare
• Boucles de la Seine normande
• Forêt Domaniale de Roumare
• Le Petit-Quevilly
• Saint-Martin-de-Boscherville
• La Vaupalière
• Bois-Guillaume
• Déville-lès-Rouen
• Mont-Saint-Aignan
• Saint-Léger-du-Bourg-Denis
• Amfreville-la-Mi-Voie
• Notre-Dame-de-Bondeville
• Sotteville-lès-Rouen
• Bosc-Guérard-Saint-Adrien
• Saint-Martin-du-Vivier
• Houppeville
• Isneauville
• Forêt Domaniale Verte
• Fontaine-sous-Préaux
• Roncherolles-sur-le-Vivier
• Quincampoix
• Saint-Jacques-sur-Darnétal
• Franqueville-Saint-Pierre
• Saint-Aubin-Épinay
• Saint-Jean-du-Cardonnay
• Les Authieux-sur-le-Port-Saint-Ouen
• Tourville-la-Rivière
• Grand-Couronne
• Forêt Domaniale de la Londe-Rouvray
• Saint-Pierre-de-Manneville
• Saint-Aubin-lès-Elbeuf
• Sotteville-sous-le-Val
• Hautot-sur-Seine
• Quévreville-la-Poterie
• Bardouville
• Saint-Pierre-lès-Elbeuf
• La Neuville-Chant-d'Oisel
• Forêt domaniale de Brotonne
• Arelaune-en-Seine
• Vatteville-la-Rue
• Anneville-Ambourville
• Le Mesnil-sous-Jumièges
• Saint-Pierre-de-Varengeville
• Pissy-Pôville
• Berville-sur-Seine

Après Brest et Rouen, La Rochelle, fête à son tour les vieux gréements

La Rochelle tient ce week-end ses premières Fêtes maritimes calquées sur les grands rendez-vous de Brest et de Rouen. Le lobby des éoliennes en mer n’est pas loin, au grand dam des Oléronais.

Près de 150 000 visiteurs espérés, une armada de 150 bateaux et cinq tall ships , ces vieux et immenses gréements à visiter dont le « Français » et le célèbre « Belem »… La Rochelle organise à partir de ce jeudi et jusqu’à dimanche ses toutes premières Fêtes maritimes. « Un bel événement populaire, familial et festif qui va mettre à l’honneur notre exceptionnel patrimoine maritime et notre belle cité », prévient Jean-François Fountaine, le maire et président de l’agglomération rochelaise.

Inspirée des Fêtes maritimes de Brest, qui auront lieu à partir du 12 juillet, et de l’Armada de Rouen, cette manifestation inédite et dotée d’un budget de près de 720 000 euros proposera jusqu’à 60 animations par jour, tout en donnant à voir « l’histoire commune » de la Charente-Maritime, un département largement tourné vers l’océan.

Sur le Vieux-Port seront ainsi célébrés « les joyaux du patrimoine maritime » comme les savoir-faire ancestraux. Un détail, perdu entre les voiles et cordages, retient néanmoins l’attention : la présence, durant ces Fêtes, des principaux acteurs de l’éolien en mer, ce qui fait grincer quelques dents.

Parmi les « partenaires » de l’événement figure en effet l’association Aquitaine Blue Energies (ABE) qui fédère les entreprises du secteur en Nouvelle-Aquitaine. Mais aussi la CINAV, une association au service des industries de la mer, qui présentera aux visiteurs le potentiel des éoliennes « offshore » en matière d’emploi.

Avec le projet de parc éolien d’Oléron à l’horizon…

Candidats conjoints à l’appel d’offres lancé par l’État pour le projet éolien en mer au large de l’Île d’Oléron, les groupes RWE et Valorem partageront un stand. Le consortium Skyborn-Cobra, également en course, avec son projet « Éoléron », aura le sien.

« Ces entreprises ont une telle puissance de feu qu’il est difficile de lutter, réagit Christophe Sueur, le maire de Saint-Pierre-d’Oléron, farouche opposant au futur parc éolien. Mais personne, s’agace-t-il, ne s’étouffe face à la disparition des marins-pêcheurs accentuée par ces projets macro-industriels. »

« Ça laisse entendre que le projet se fera. Mais les industriels mentent sur les créations d’emploi, la faisabilité technique et les problèmes technologiques de ces éoliennes offshore », estime de son côté Dominique Chevillon, le porte-parole du collectif NEMO, pourfendeur du projet.

En Charente-Maritime, l’agglomération rochelaise est la seule collectivité à soutenir ouvertement le parc éolien d’Oléron. « Elle n’y a que des avantages », constate Christophe Sueur. Partenaire majeur des Fêtes maritimes, Port Atlantique-La Rochelle (le port de commerce) espère assembler les futures éoliennes à l’horizon 2030.

Déléguée générale des Fêtes maritimes, Cathy Legoff assume sans détour la présence des représentants de l’éolien en mer et parle même d’une « démarche volontaire ». Les neuf candidats à l’appel d’offres oléronais ont tous été approchés pour « acheter des m2 » afin d’y vanter les mérites de leur projet. Leur contribution au budget, présentée comme « symbolique », se limiterait à la location des stands. Cathy Legoff assimile ce lobbying à « un échange de connaissances » et à la possibilité pour la filière de « s’exprimer » en toute « transparence ». Toutes voiles dehors.

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A Jordan Spieth bathroom emergency led to a PGA Tour rule change on disqualifications

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The PGA Tour is making a rule change regarding scorecard disqualifications.

Tour player Michael Kim posted a tour memo X Tuesday morning that illustrated a new 15-minute window for players to “to correct an error on his scorecard, even if he has left the scoring area.” According to the memo, this means:

-If a scorecard is validated in the scoring system and the player has left the scoring area, he may return to correct an error within 15 minutes of validation.

-If a player has left the scoring area and an error is identified before the scorecard is validated in the scoring system, he may return to correct the error within 15 minutes of the error being identified by the scoring official.

-If a player is in the scoring area when the 15 minutes expires, his scorecard is returned when he leaves the scoring area.

Disqualifications are relatively common for incorrect scoring, happening a handful of times per year, but an incident with Jordan Spieth at the Genesis Invitational this winter may have spurred the rule amendment.

The PGA Tour announced that Spieth had signed for a 3 on Riviera Country Club’s par-3 fourth hole instead of the 4 he actually made, leading to his disqualification. Spieth took full responsibility for the matter and apologized on social media. However, it emerged afterwards that Spieth was sick and was in a rush to reach the bathroom following his round, thus not having time to check his card.

"He was really sick and he had a rough last hole," Xander Schauffele explained. "I can see how it all went down."

The rule change is going into effect immediately on all PGA Tour sanctioned circuits, as well as the DP World Tour.

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Travelers Championship, Round 1: How to watch, featured groups, live scores, tee times, TV times

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Round 1 of the final Signature Event of the 2024 FedExCup Regular Season takes place this week from Cromwell, Connecticut at TPC River Highlands for the Travelers Championship. The field features top-ranked golfers, including world No. 1 Scottie Scheffler, who is already a five-time winner this season, world No. 3 and 2022 Travelers champion Xander Schauffele, as well as defending champion Keegan Bradley.

Here's everything you need to know to follow the action.

HOW TO FOLLOW (all times ET)

Special Programming:

• Saturday: 2:30-3 p.m. on NBC
• Sunday: 2:30-3 p.m. on CBS

Television:

• Thursday-Friday: 3-6 p.m. (Golf Channel)
• Saturday-Sunday: 1-3 p.m. (Golf Channel), 3-6 p.m. (CBS)

PGA TOUR LIVE ON ESPN+

PGA TOUR LIVE is available exclusively on ESPN+

• Main feed: Primary tournament coverage featuring the best action from across the course
• Marquee group: New “marquee group” showcasing every shot from each player in the group
• Featured groups: Traditional PGA TOUR LIVE coverage of two concurrent featured groups
• Featured holes: A combination of par 3s and iconic or pivotal holes

Featured groups

• 10:30 a.m.: Scottie Scheffler, Max Homa

Marquee Groups

• 10:40 a.m.: Jordan Spieth, Wyndham Clark
• 10:50 a.m: Justin Thomas, Shane Lowry

Featured Groups

• 10 a.m.: Jason Day, J.T. Poston
• 10:20 a.m.: Keegan Bradley, Hideki Matsuyama

Featured Holes

• Nos. 5 (par 3), 11 (par 3), 15 (par 4), 16 (par 3)
• 10:20 a.m.: Collin Morikawa, Viktor Hovland
• 10:30 a.m.: Tony Finau, Patrick Cantlay
• 10:40 a.m: Xander Schauffele, Matthieu Pavon
• 9:05 a.m.: Matt Fitzpatrick, Adam Hadwin
• 9:45 a.m.: Ludvig Åberg, Michael Thorbjornsen

Radio on SiriusXM and free at PGATOUR.com/liveaudio :

• Thursday-Friday: noon-6 p.m.
• Saturday-Sunday: 1-6 p.m.

Power Rankings: Travelers Championship

The First Look: Travelers Championship

Purse breakdown: Travelers Championship

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Taylor Swift Sings Diss Track 'I Forgot That You Existed' at Cardiff Tour Stop on Scooter Braun's Birthday

The superstar — who let out a prolonged cackle as she mashed the song with "This Is Why We Can't Have Nice Things" — performed the songs at her concert in Cardiff

Taylor Swift is leaning into her reputation .

On Tuesday, June 18, the pop superstar, 34, delighted Swifties in Cardiff when she mashed up two diss tracks, "I Forgot That You Existed" and "This Is Why We Can't Have Nice Things," during her surprise set.

When the singer reached the lyric, "'Cause forgiveness is a nice thing to do,'" Swift threw both her hands into her hair and burst out into prolonged laughter as the crowd cheered her on.

Fans immediately flooded social media with clips of the moment , pointing out that her longtime nemesis Scooter Braun was celebrating his 43rd birthday on the same day.

"I FORGOT THAT YOU EXISTED X THIS IS WHY WE CANT HAVE NICE THINGS RIGHT AFTER SCOOTER BRAUN ANNOUNCED HIS RETIREMENT, TAYLOR SWIFT WILL NEVER NOT BE FUNNY," wrote one Swiftie.

Xavi Torrent/TAS24/Getty Images for TAS Rights Management 

Swift and Braun have been feuding since the HYBE CEO — who announced his retirement from music management in a lengthy note on June 17 — purchased Big Machine Label Group, which included the master rights of Swift's first six albums, for more than $300 million in 2019. (He has since sold the rights .)

Shortly after news of Braun's deal with her former label head, Scott Borchetta, went public, Swift slammed both men and later announced she would be re-recording her albums. "All I could think about was the incessant, manipulative bullying I've received at his hands for years," wrote Swift in a Tumblr post .

In an open letter to Swift shared on his Instagram account days later, Braun claimed he had "tried repeatedly" to "achieve a solution" with the singer, adding that he was "frustrated" with her "accusations."

When Swift dropped her album Midnights in 2022, several pointed lyrics — including on "Vigilante S---" and "Karma" — were rumored to have been inspired by their ongoing drama.

"I have been blessed to have had a 'Forrest Gump'-like life while witnessing and taking part in the journeys of some of the most extraordinarily talented people the world has ever seen. I'm constantly pinching myself and asking 'how did I get here?' And after 23 years this chapter as a music manager has come to an end," Braun — who has worked with Justin Bieber , Ariana Grande, Tori Kelly and more — shared on his Instagram account earlier this week.

Going forward Braun, who's dad to three kids ( with ex-wife Yael Cohen ), will be a "father first, a CEO second, and a manager no more," he wrote.

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'A microphone and a van.' Route 6A Tours, on Cape Cod, is in its first summer season

Sean Whelahan is back doing what he loves the most: sharing the history, stories and beauty of Cape Cod in a series of intimate tours. The Sandwich resident has taken his 25-year experience with Collette Tours and fashioned his own company called Route 6A Tours and Transport . 

The launch of his business came after losing a job he loved, owning and working in restaurants (which he didn't love) and a fair amount of soul searching. One day he was sitting at the kitchen table with his wife, Tara, when she asked him what he'd do if he could do anything.

"I said, 'If I could do anything, give me a microphone and a van and I’ll drive down 6A and give tours,'" he told her.

John F. Kennedy Memorial to Chatham Light

It took years for that dream to come to fruition. Launched in December, Route 6A Tours and Transport now offers transportation services for travelers, wedding parties, and a variety of small and customized tours.

Visitors can choose from half-day tours, lobster fest and sunset tours, tours with time to kayak, and customized tours. Whelahan will work with customers to give them the type of tour they want.  

“I can show you stuff in four hours that if you’re on your own with kids in the back seat is going to take you four days,” he said. “I know the directions, the traffic, the history. I have itineraries designed for them to get in and out.”  

He’s confident that his signature half-day tours cover many of the Cape’s highlights, from the John F. Kennedy Memorial in Hyannis to the Chatham Light , the Cape Cod Canal to quaint villages that can be found throughout the Cape. Visitors will see the sights that make the Cape world famous: miles of sandy beaches, osprey nests scattered through salt marshes, storied sea captains’ homes, sail boats catching the wind in Cape Cod Bay.   

A mix of standard and customized tours

Whelahan is counting on running a mixture of standard and customized tours and transports in his first season. He offers transportation to and from local airports. On Monday he and another Route 6A Tours driver took a total of 56 guests from Wequassett Inn to a series of locations in Chatham. 

The guests were from Texas, so Whelahan scheduled pick-ups and drop-offs at Chatham Light, an oyster farm for a tour, and a Chatham restaurant for dinner.  

Half-day tours last about 4 1/2 hours and are available seven days a week, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tour guides provide historical, environmental and anecdotal information along the way. The vans are outfitted with comfortable seats, spacious headroom (6’5” worth), cup holders and chargers. The vans have dual control air conditioning in the front and back and riders can wear earpieces with their own volume controls should they desire.  

Snacks and drinks during the tour

Route 6A Tours provides snacks and drinks during the tour.   

Cape Cod Sunset Feast on the Beach tours begin with sightseeing and end with lobster rolls (or other fare) on the beach. Prices are $199 per person, $79 for children under 12, and $100/hour after four hours. 

A Kayak Cape Cod tour mixes sightseeing with a paddle on Scorton Creek in Sandwich. Prices are $189 per person, $129 for children under 12, and $100/hour after four hours.  

Customers can book standard tours easily and online. Whelahan will work directly with customers who want to create customized tours.  

“It’s the private tours that people want,” he said. “That's what I suggest people do. If you want to stop at Truro Vineyards for wine, we’ll do that. If you want to go antiquing, we’ll do it.” 

Whelahan said his tour guides from the Cape and Island Tour Guide Association are experienced in the field.  "There’s so much to learn,” he said. “It’s more than beaches and saltwater taffy.” 

Denise Coffey writes about business, tourism and issues impacting the Cape’s residents and visitors. Contact her at [email protected] .    

Thanks to our subscribers, who help make this coverage possible. If you are not a subscriber, please consider supporting quality local journalism with a Cape Cod Times subscription.  

Philippe Grandrieux tutoie Wagner à l’opéra de Rouen avec un « Tristan et Isolde » radicalement puissant

Dans ce nouvel épisode, marie sorbier nous entraîne à rouen (seine-maritime) pour nous faire assister à la première de l'opéra "tristan et isolde" de richard wagner mis en scène par le réalisateur philippe grandrieux..

Après nous avoir fait visiter la Maison La Roche du Corbusier  dans le 16ᵉ arrondissement de Paris, Marie Sorbier continue son Grand Tour en nous emmenant en Seine-Maritime pour nous faire découvrir la dernière création de l'Opéra de Rouen Normandie : une  nouvelle mise en scène, par le réalisateur de cinéma Philippe Grandrieux du célèbre opéra de Richard Wagner Tristan et Isolde . Il s'agit par ailleurs de la 30ᵉ représentations d'une œuvre de Wagner par l'Opéra de Rouen  qui a une longue tradition avec les opéras du compositeur allemand.

Tristan et Isolde est considéré aujourd'hui comme l'un des plus célèbres opéra du XIXe siècle par la puissance de son thème, par la richesse de sa musique et par sa durée qui s'étale sur près de cinq heures selon les versions. Composé entre 1857 et 1859, cet opéra raconte l'histoire d'amour tragique entre Tristan et Isolde princesse d'Irlande. Rendus fou amoureux l'un de l'autre par un philtre puissant, ils se retrouvent dans l'impossibilité de vivre pleinement leur amour, car Isolde est mariée au roi Marke. Ce dernier les surprenant, blesse Tristan qui finira par mourir aux côtés d'Isolde.

Cet opéra, véritable chef-d'œuvre de l'art lyrique est toujours un moment particulier pour ceux qui l'interprètent et le jouent, comme le raconte Ben Glassberg, le chef d'orchestre de l'Opéra de Rouen : "C'est le projet le plus important de ma vie pour l'instant. En fait, même quand j'étais enfant, je n'ai jamais osé rêver diriger cette œuvre. C'est sans doute le plus grand chef-d'œuvre de toute l'histoire de l'opéra. C'est extraordinaire par sa durée bien sûr, et c'est très dur pour la concentration et pour le corps. Mais il y a aussi une profondeur des émotions, de l'amour, de la mort, de la fidélité. Il y a tout cela et puis il y a aussi cette force dans la musique que je trouve extraordinaire. Ce n'est pas une musique qui est intellectuelle, c'est quelque chose qui touche le corps des spectateurs et des musiciens."

Le réalisateur Philippe Grandrieux, pour sa première mise en scène à l'opéra, signe une interprétation très sensorielle de l'œuvre de Wagner. Sans proposer de sous-titre, en projetant des vidéos sur un grand écran, il se défait d'une lecture intellectuelle pour proposer d'en ressentir pleinement les émotions, la grandeur, le tragique. L'œuvre s'écoute et se regarde, mais surtout se ressent, plongeant le spectateur dans un état onirique proche de l'hypnose ou de l'inconscient : "Il ne s'agissait pas justement d'être dans une illustration musicale, il s'agissait d'arriver à trouver une espèce de battement souterrain qui est la pulsation de la musique et d'essayer d'être à l'intérieur de cette pulsation, de ne pas être dans une sorte de littéralité du tempo, mais d'être dans un processus plus profond. (...) Ce qui m'a intéressé, c'est vraiment d'essayer d'atteindre encore une fois quelque chose de plus souterrain, qui anime les figures de Tristan et Isolde, qui anime leurs inquiétudes. Le travail demande de s'approcher des corps, de leur rythme, de la pulsation de leur mouvement, des intensités affectives, psychiques, des intensités nerveuses, d'essayer de travailler avec cette vibration qui est à la fois la vibration de la musique, mais aussi la vibration des sentiments. Et ça a été à cet endroit que j'ai porté le travail."

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