The 12 things to do in Rouen

On holiday in Normandy? Discover the must-see in Rouen

Capital of Normandy, Rouen is a port city to visit. The town with a hundred bells has been marked by history since Roman times. Its architecture is the testimony of its past with its many Gothic churches, paved alleys and medieval houses with doves. Both modern and traditional, the capital of Normandy is full of exceptional sites to be discovered.

Thus, to facilitate your stay, Wanderlix has compiled a list of the must-sees to be made in Rouen.

1. Notre-Dame de Rouen Cathedral

In the heart of the city, Notre-Dame Cathedral reflects Gothic art and its evolution. Built in the 12th century, the monument suffered allied bombing during the Second World War. Since its creation, the building has been continuously transformed.

The cathedral will impress you with its arrow rising to over 150 metres. In addition to owning the highest cast-iron arrow in France, it is one of the only cathedrals to keep an archeiscopal palace and other buildings dating from the Middle Ages.

Today, Notre-Dame de Rouen is the seat of the archdiocese of the city. Come and visit Rouen and its cathedral and you will discover the tombs of the Dukes of Normandy, like Rollon or Richard heart of Lion.

You can also admire a series of 28 paintings painted by Claude Monet who made Notre-Dame de Rouen Cathedral famous throughout the world.

2. Museum of Fine Arts

It is impossible to visit Rouen without discovering the Museum of Fine Arts of the city. Created in 1801 under Napoleon Bonaparte, the Musée des beaux-arts has continuously evolved over the years. Thus, it is now one of the most comprehensive museums in France.

Inside, more than 8,000 works are distributed over 60 rooms. They are also varied in terms of covered periods (from the 16th to the 20th century), as in terms of supports (paintings, sculptures, decorative objects, drawings, etc.). The Museum of Fine Arts brings together the greatest artists of Europe including Caravaggio, Vélasquez, Rubens, Puget, Delacroix, Modigliani, Monet, Renoir, and many others.

Alongside the permanent collections, the Musée des Beaux-Arts de Rouen regularly organizes temporary exhibitions, some of which have international visibility.

3. Historial Jeanne d’Arc

Rouen is sadly famous for being the theatre of the death of Jeanne d’Arc. As such, a columnist Jeanne d’Arc was erected in his honour. Careful, this is not a museum like others. L’historial Jeanne d’Arc presents itself in the form of a show course. The goal is to introduce you to the life of the Orleans poppy, thanks to innovative technologies.

Start your visit in the dark where stone walls begin to live. Projections and 3D mapping take you to the Middle Ages for an unforgettable experience.

In addition to making you discover his epistle in another way, thehistorial highlights the myth of Joan of Arc built and interpreted by the Men.

4. Cruise on the Seine

What to do in Rouen outside of historical monuments? Why not a Seine cruise sharing the two banks of the Norman capital. Thus, the landscapes of the valley offer you between nature, culture and tradition.

During your cruise, discover Rouen and the surrounding municipalities under another day. These navigations along the rivers of Normandy have inspired talented impressionists like Lebourg or Sisley.

In addition to discovering the environment around you, you will spend a very good time thanks to the staff on board. To your little care throughout the journey, they ensure your comfort by providing you with some gastronomic pleasures.

5. Rue du gros Clock

Uncontournable in Rouen, the big clock is among the most emblematic monuments of the city. Indeed, it is a building dating back to the Renaissance that spans the street of the big clock by an arch. A gothic-style belfry is there sheltering the bells, as well as the Rouen clock.

The astronomical clock dating from the 14th century shows the time for the inhabitants of the city thanks to a double dial with a single needle. Similarly, several representations are exhibited. Below the number IV, admire a deity symbolizing the day of the week.

At noon, it is a chariot of triumph that is present. And above the dial, the moon phases are indicated.

6. Saint Maclou Catholic Church

Classified as a Historic Monument, the Saint-Maclou Catholic Church is one of the must-sees to visit in Rouen. Considered as one of the jewels of Gothic art, the building has a five-door portal made of carved wood.

Inside the building, admire the Renaissance furniture; a gothic staircase, an organ buffet, an arch of glory, baroque confessionals.

Above, the lantern tower and the arrow were renovated after suffering damage during the Second World War. Finally, the five bells of the church, Marie, Adrienne, Adèle, Joséphine and Léontine are now sheltered by the lantern tower safely.

7. Abbatiale Saint-Ouen

During the 14th and 16th century, the Abbey of Saint-Ouen was one of the most powerful Benedictine monasteries of Normandy. The abbey has 80 stained glass windows that offer exceptional brightness. In addition, the building is best known for its great organ which was the last construction of Cavaillé-coll. It is also one of the most recorded instruments on the planet.

You will be impressed by the dimensions of the abbey: 137 meters high and 33 meters below the arches. Due to its size, some visitors sometimes confuse it with the cathedral.

Since the French Revolution, the abbey no longer serves as a place of worship. It is more a place of tourism. Aside from this building, is the current city hotel that used to serve as a dorm for monks.

8. Place du Vieux Marché

Come and visit Rouen and its history by going to the square of the old market. It was on this mythical square that Joan of Arc was burned alive on May 30, 1431. At the time, the square was occupied by the church of Saint-Sauveur whose remains disappeared.

It was in this church that Pierre Corneille was baptized. A few meters away is his home, which was transformed into a museum.

Today, the square of the old market is marked by a large cross symbolizing the lumber of the time. All around, bars and restaurants occupy the place to make it a place of life and conviviality.

9. Plant garden

With an area of 85,000 m2, the gardens of plants represent the ideal place for a family walk. A place of relaxation during a visit to Rouen, this park also serves the conservation of plant species. Botanical lovers, you can observe plants from the five continents.

In the centre of the plant garden, a 170-year-old greenhouse dominates space. Within it, a variety of plants from arid environments, Mediterranean utilitarian plants, and even carnivorous plants. Birds are also present in the garden of plants.

The volières are illuminated in a thousand colours with wigs, parrots, Chinese cailles, golden pheasants and many other species.

10. Forest of Roumare

What to do in Rouen to discover the Norman nature? forest of Roumare is the ideal place for a Sunday hike in Normandy.

With over 4,000 hectares, this estate offers many trails. Several amenities are planned if you want to do some exercises or enjoy the quiet of the forest for a family picnic. In addition, the vegetation is luxuriant with resinous, ex-cuts, oaks and beech.

The forest of Roumare also has an animal park for the pleasure of the smallest. Thus, your bambins will be able to admire deer, deer, daim or wild boars.

11. La hill Sainte Catherine

If you want to discover Rouen under another day, you must go to the Sainte-Catherine hill. From Rouen, take the N14 road to Bonsecour to reach the hill.

After climbing the 525 steps, you will see one of the most beautiful panoramas of Normandy and its capital. It is here that the painter Claude Monet realized his work General view of Rouen in 1892. On his canvas you can see Notre-Dame Cathedral and the church of Sainte-Maclou.

To capture this magical moment, don’t forget your camera. And if you have artistic talents, it is the time to imitate the master of impressionism.

12. Taste culinary specialties

Visiting Rouen is also a taste of the region’s culinary specialties. Indeed, Normandy is known for its cider, calvados and camembert. In addition to its unmissable meals, Rouen offers other less famous but equally delicious specialties.

On the salty side, the duck with the wheelenese is drunk thanks to an absolutely exquisite pink cooking. On the sweet side, the douillon of Elbeuf takes over the flagship ingredient of Normandy, the apple.

During your visit to Rouen, don’t hesitate to take the fruit road where small producers offer cherries and plums. In the same spirit, cheese, apple and cider roads will delight your taste buds.

How to get to Rouen?

There are several solutions to get to Rouen:

• The train : the station of Rouen serves the cities of Havre, Marseille, Paris, Amiens, or Lille.
• The car : Rouen is 2 hours from Paris, 7 hours from Lyon and four hours Nantes.

Where to sleep in Rouen?

You don't know where to sleep in Rouen? No panic, the city offers hundreds of accommodations adapted to all budgets; Airbnb, hotel, youth hostel. Thanks to a Compare hotels, you can find the best places to stay in Rouen.

To the west of the city, the peaceful area of Canteleu will satisfy lovers of green spaces and long walks. Culture enthusiasts will take the direction of the Old Marche/Cathedrale district in which culture is honoured. You may find your happiness in Rouen.

Also: Airbnb Rouen: the best Airbnb apartments in Rouen