Do you know the “City of a hundred steeples”? Capital of Normandy, Rouen seduced us with its rich heritage, interactive museums and green spaces. This Normandy town has something for everyone! Discover our selection of 10 kid-friendly activities to explore Rouen with your children and share moments you won’t forget.
This guide is completely independent, based on our experiences. We visited the region anonymously, making our own choices and paying our bills in full.
Visiting Rouen with children: a good idea?
Yes, we think Rouen is a great destination for families in Normandy. Between the Gros-Horloge, interactive museums such as the Historial Jeanne d’Arc and activities such as the Petit Train touristique or a ride on the Seine, your children will have fun while discovering the history and culture of this fascinating city.
1. Going back in time at the Gros Horloge
Why visit with children?
A must-see in Rouen, the Gros-Horloge must be on your list! We loved discovering its ancient mechanism and climbing to the top of the tower for a panoramic view of the city. Your children can follow the tour with the help of an educational booklet and an audioguide on the theme of Alice in Wonderland. It’s a truly interactive and educational experience!
See more photos in our dedicated article
Practical advice
- Located in Rouen’s historic district
- Duration: approx. 1 hour
- Difficulties: many steps to climb to reach the top of the tower, narrow spiral staircases (risk of claustrophobia for some visitors), no PRM access, Braille booklet available on request, binoculars available on request.
- Access: difficult to park in this district, prefer one of the 3 nearby parking lots (La Pucelle, Les Carmes, Bouvreuil), nearest metro stop “Palais de Justice”, bus stops “Cathédrale” and “Théâtre des Arts” (TEOR lines 1, 2 and 3 / lines 11, F2, F7), self-service bike hire available – find out more on the official transport network website here.
- Price: full adult price €7.50; reduced price €3.80 (children aged 6 to 18, students, jobseekers, large families…), free for disabled people and children under 6.
- Opening hours: open Tuesday to Sunday, April to September, 10am to 1pm and 2pm to 7pm; October to March, 2pm to 6pm; closed Mondays, January 1st, May 1st, November 1st and December 25th (see official website for updates ).
- If you would like to see all of Rouen’s must-see sights in one visit, you can opt for a tour with a local guide.
2. Push open the doors of Notre-Dame de Rouen Cathedral
Why visit with children?
This majestic cathedral impressed us with its size and colorful stained glass windows. Young and old alike will be fascinated by the details of the sculptures and the story of Joan of Arc, an emblematic figure in the history of the Hundred Years War. Did you know that the famous Impressionist painter Claude Monet depicted the cathedral in several of his paintings? This is what has made this superb building so famous!
Find out more about the cathedral
Practical advice
- Located in Rouen’s historic district, just a 5-minute walk from the Gros Horloge.
- Duration: 1h to 1h30min visit
- Challenges: PRM access with level forecourt, smooth cathedral floor, elevator and ramp inside, no PRM access to towers, guide dogs allowed in building
- Access: difficult to park in this district, prefer one of the 3 nearby parking lots (La Pucelle, Les Carmes, Bouvreuil), nearest metro stop “Palais de Justice”, bus stops “Cathédrale” and “Théâtre des Arts” (TEOR lines 1, 2 and 3 / lines 11, F2, F7), self-service bike hire available – find out more on the official transport network website here.
- Price: free visit
- Opening hours: open from April to October from 7:30am to 7pm on weekdays, and from 8am to 6pm on Sundays and public holidays; from November to March from 7:30am to 12pm and 2pm to 6pm on weekdays, and from 2pm to 6pm on Sundays and public holidays – (see official website for updates ).
- Want to discover the secrets of Normandy’s capital, including the beautiful cathedral? Book your family visit!
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
3. Stroll through the historic center
Why visit with children?
Rouen’s historic center is the ideal place for a family outing. The cobbled streets, half-timbered houses and many emblematic monuments will take you back in time. We discovered architectural treasures around every corner, from the Gros-Horloge to the Saint-Maclou district. A visit to the Place du Vieux-Marché, where war heroine Joan of Arc was burned, is a must. Your children will love the drakkar-like church, a famous Viking ship, as well as the charming half-timbered houses and gargoyles of the Palais de Justice.
Practical advice
- Located in the historic district
- Duration: 1h to 1 day depending on your time and interest
- Difficulty: picturesque, narrow cobbled streets
- Access: difficult to park in this district, prefer one of the 3 nearby parking lots (La Pucelle, Les Carmes, Bouvreuil), nearest metro stop “Palais de Justice”, bus stops “Cathédrale” and “Théâtre des Arts” (TEOR lines 1, 2 and 3 / lines 11, F2, F7), self-service bike hire available – find out more on the official transport network website here.
- 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.
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
4. Explore the Historial Jeanne d’Arc
Why visit with children?
In Rouen, you can follow in the footsteps of Joan of Arc, the Hundred Years’ War heroine who left her mark on French history. One of the best places to visit, in our opinion, is the Musée de L’Historial. We enjoyed an immersive experience, with holographic projections and the “Mythothèque”, where we explored the legends surrounding this historic figure. Your children are sure to be captivated by this interactive tour, so don’t forget to ask for the free game booklet at reception! A course for children aged 3 to 6 has also been designed with a mediator.
Discover our experience in this unique museum
Practical advice
- Located in Rouen’s historic district
- Duration: 2 hours
- Challenges: spectacular staging for people with hypersensitivity, no particular difficulties with the flat floor, steep ascent to the Watchtower inaccessible to PRM, wheelchair available from reception on request, multimedia facilities for the visually impaired and hearing impaired.
- Access: difficult to park, use one of the 4 downtown parking lots (Cathédrale, Hôtel de Vile, Opéra, Palais de Justice), Théâtre des arts metro stop, TEOR buses: 1, 2, 3 Cathédrale stop, Fast buses: F2, F7 Beaux-Arts stop, bus 11: République stop, self-service bike hire available – find out more on the official transport network website here.
- Price: full adult ticket €11, reduced ticket €8 (children aged 6 to 18, students, jobseekers…), tribe ticket €32 for 4 people (2 adult tickets + 2 tickets for under-18s), free for under-6s, for children’s workshops see here.
- Opening hours: open Tuesday to Sunday, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. (last multimedia tour departs at 5:15 p.m.), closed Mondays, January 1, May 1 and December 25 – (see official website for updates ).
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 thecomplete insurance (some roads are tortuous and narrow).
- There is a lot of demand, book it early.
5. Introduction to Impressionism at the Musée des Beaux-Arts
Why visit with children?
The Musée des Beaux-Arts de Rouen houses one of France’s most prestigious public collections, including works by Claude Monet and Auguste Renoir. There’s something for young and old alike, including a quest for famous paintings such as Claude Monet’s Cathédrale de Rouen and Marc Chagall’s Vierge, lune et colombe au coucher de soleil. We also enjoyed immersing ourselves in the life of Joan of Arc through art: numerous paintings and sculptures tell the story of her extraordinary destiny. The Impressionist gallery, which reveals Normandy and its lights, is also well worth a visit. Finally, the museum organizes workshops to introduce children to art in a fun way, and provides educational booklets. A great discovery for curious little ones!
See more photos in our dedicated article
Practical advice
- Located in the city center
- Duration: 1h30min to 2h depending on your level of interest and that of your children.
- Difficulties: stairs but PRM access with elevator in the museum
- Access: difficult to park in this district, prefer one of the 4 downtown parking lots (Cathédrale, Hôtel de Vile, Opéra, Palais de Justice), Square Verdrel or Beaux-Arts bus stops, Gare SNCF or Palais de Justice metro bus stops, self-service bike hire available – find out more on the official transport network website here.
- Price: free admission to permanent exhibitions as a national public museum (temporary exhibitions may be subject to a charge), pay-what-you-can guided tour “A Sunday with the family” to be booked here
- Opening hours: open daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., closed on Tuesdays, January 1, May 1, November 1 and 11 and December 25 – (see official website for updates ).
6. Discover craftsmanship at the Musée Le Secq des Tournelles
Why visit with children?
Looking for a visit that’s both surprising and fun? Visit the Musée de la Ferronnerie (or Le Secq des Tournelles), housed in a former Gothic church! Over 15,000 pieces of wrought iron, from signs to antique locks, are on display. Even though we weren’t particularly interested in ironwork, we fell in love with this museum! Your children will love searching for the most unusual items in the collection, from tools to scientific instruments. An astonishing moment guaranteed!
See more photos in our article
Practical advice
- Located in Rouen’s historic district
- Duration: 45min to 1h visit
- Difficulties: no PRM access, many stairs, avoid strollers and use baby carriers with small children, church first floor made of cobblestones, large, airy space.
- Access: no dedicated parking lot (prefer downtown parking lots, see above), accessible by metro (Palais de Justice stop), TEOR bus 4 (Gare – Rue Verte stop), Fast bus F2, F7 (Beaux-Arts stop), other bus lines 11, 15, 22 (Beaux-Arts stop), self-service bike hire available – find out more on the official transport network website here.
- Price: free admission as a national public museum
- Opening hours: open daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., closed on Tuesdays, January 1, May 1, November 1 and 11 and December 25 – (see official website for updates ).
7. Stroll through the Jardin des Plantes
Why visit with children?
Reconnect with nature in the city at Rouen’s Jardin des Plantes. It’s an ideal place to relax if your toddlers enjoy play areas or gardening and discovery workshops. We loved the huge lawns, greenhouses and ponds that added a bucolic touch to the park. We also had a lot of fun with the lighting effects. 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? Head to this beautiful botanical garden for a peaceful, educational stroll to awaken children’s curiosity!
Practical advice
- Located on the South Bank across the Seine, a 10-minute drive from the cathedral (or a 40-minute walk).
- Duration: approx. 1 hour
- Difficulties: PRM access, on-site toilets, picnic tables, ping-pong tables, bowling green.
- Access: parking available nearby, accessible by Fast F1, F9 bus (Jardin des Plantes stop), self-service bike hire available – find out more on the official transport network website here
- Price: free admission – see the family workshop program here
- Opening hours: open daily from November to February from 8am to 5:30pm, from March to April from 8am to 6:45pm, from May to August from 8am to 8:15pm, from September to October from 8am to 6:45pm – (see official website for updates here)
Subscribe to our Newsletter
- Get away from it all with Region Lovers’ beautiful destinations!
- Once a month
- Advertising-free
8. Learn to model at the Musée de la Céramique
Why visit with children?
This museum is a must for craft enthusiasts. We found the visit enriching and original for both enthusiasts and amateurs like us! To discover the art of ceramics and learn more about its history in Rouen, your children can take part in creative workshops. Handling clay and creating your own works can be quite an artistic experience, especially for little ones!
Practical advice
- Located in the historic center of Rouen, 5 minutes’ walk from the Donjon de Rouen
- Duration: 45min to 1h
- Difficulties: PRM-accessible, no particular difficulties, smooth floor (parquet)
- Access: no dedicated parking lot (prefer downtown parking lots see above), by bus F2, F9, 11, 22 stop Square Verdrel, by metrobus station Gare – Rue Verte, self-service bike hire available – find out more on the official transport network website here
- Price: free admission to permanent exhibitions as a national public museum (temporary exhibitions may be subject to a fee)
- Opening hours: open daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., closed on Tuesdays, January 1, May 1, November 1 and 11 and December 25 – (see official website for updates ).
9. Marvel at the Natural History Museum
Why visit with children?
Housed in a former 19th-century convent, Rouen’s Natural History Museum (also known as the Musée Beauvoisine, due for renovation in 2024 and 2025) is home to a fascinating collection of naturalized animals and minerals. Do you know how many objects are kept there? Nearly 800,000! Yes, you read that right! A visit at children’s level, as well as a storytelling tour especially for families and workshops, are still available despite the renovation. Making this magnificent collection accessible to all ages! And don’t forget to ask about the educational workshops organized by the museum, which has also been awarded the Môm’Art Muséum Joyeux label.
Practical advice
- Located in the historic center, 15 minutes’ walk from Place du Vieux-Marché
- Duration: 1 to 2 hours, depending on your preferences
- Difficulties: PRM-accessible (dedicated parking spaces), baby changing area, picnic area not covered, Tourism and Disability Label (disabled access, motor and mental label).
- Access: difficult parking (prefer downtown parking lots, see above), access by metro to Beauvoisine station, access by buses F1, T4 and 20 to Beauvoisine stop.
- Price: free admission to permanent exhibitions as a national public museum (temporary exhibitions may be subject to a fee)
- Opening hours: open Tuesday to Saturday from 1:30 to 5:30 pm and Sunday from 2 to 6 pm, closed on Mondays and on January 1, May 1, November 1 and 11 and December 25 – (museum partially closed for renovation until 2028 – see official website for updates )
10. Take a ride on the Little Train of Rouen
Why visit with children?
The Petit Train touristique offers a guided tour of Rouen’s historic streets. We enjoyed this fun and relaxing way of exploring the city. 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.
Practical advice
- Departure from 25, Place de la Cathédrale in Rouen (historic district), a 5-minute walk from the Gros-Horloge.
- Duration: approx. 45 minutes on board the train
- Difficulties: covered electric train, limited seating capacity of 60, PRM access, tour with commentary in 5 languages.
- Access: difficult to park in this district, prefer one of the 3 nearby parking lots (La Pucelle, Les Carmes, Bouvreuil), nearest metro stop “Palais de Justice”, bus stops “Cathédrale” and “Théâtre des Arts” (TEOR lines 1, 2 and 3 / lines 11, F2, F7), self-service bike hire available – find out more on the official transport network website here.
- Price: adult 8€, child under 12 5€, family (2 adults and 2 children) 20€.
- Opening hours: open from April 15 to June 30, departures at 10am, 11am, 12pm, 2pm, 3pm, 4pm, 5pm; from July 1 to September 1, departures at 10am, 11am, 12pm, 3pm, 4pm, 5pm, 6pm, 8pm; from September 2 to November 3, departures at 10am, 11am, 12pm, 2pm, 3pm, 4pm, 5pm; closed on Sunday mornings – (see official website for updates here).
DISCOVER Rouen
- Best things to do in Rouen: 15 ideas
- Rouen’s tourist calendar: our selection of events
- 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
Other zoos, theme parks, leisure activities
Other museums to see with children
- Musée maritime, fluvial et portuaire de Rouen (Rouen Maritime, River and Port Museum): follow in the footsteps of the city’s past and the Seine (find out more here).
- Musée national de l’Éducation: interactive tour of a former Norman architectural house (find out more here).
- Musée des Antiquités: housed in the former convent of the Visitation Sainte-Marie, with unique antique exhibits (only partially open due to ongoing renovation – find out more here).
Other castles and abbeys to see with children
- Château de Martainville: symmetrical castle built between the 15th and 16th centuries with 4 towers at each corner, interior transformed into a museum to learn more about life in the region (25min drive from Rouen – see here)
- Château de Vascœuil: works of art are placed all around the park, blending in with nature. You’ll also find a small river and a waterfall built near the café (30min drive from Rouen – see here).
- Mortemer Abbey: medieval jewel founded in the 12th century in the heart of the Forêt de Lyons (50min drive from Rouen)
Other theme parks in Rouen
- Arkose Rouen: family-friendly canteen and climbing gym (see details here)
- Jardin Agapanthe with hundreds of flowers of the same name in Grigneuseville, a 40-minute drive away (see details here).
- 26-hectare Roumare wildlife park with forest animal observation (official website here)
- Parc de Clères: animal and botanical park in the grounds of a Renaissance-style château, 30min drive away (official website here).
Other beaches near Rouen
- Dieppe beach (1h drive)
- Deauville beach (1h15min drive)
- Honfleur beach (1h15min drive)
- Cabourg beach (1h15min drive)
- Étretat beach (1h15min drive)
- Le Havre beach (1h15min drive)
- D-Day landing beaches: Sword Beach, Juno Beach, Gold Beach, Omaha Beach, Utah Beach (between 1h30min and 2h30min drive)
Other forests near Rouen
- Forêt Domaniale Verte (20min drive)
- Bois du Roule forest (20min drive)
- Forêt du Madrillet (35min drive)
- Forêt de la Londe-Rouvray (35min drive)
- Forêt de Lyons (50min drive)
Vacations in Rouen: other places
Here are a few other places you might like to visit, depending on your children’s interests:
- Théâtre des Arts at the Opéra de Rouen (see the program on the official website here)
- Boat trip on the Seine (find out more on the Tourist Office website here)
- Cycling around the Seine: in and around Rouen, all the Seine à vélo routes here
- Village of Lyons-la-Forêt: typical architecture with half-timbered and red-brick houses, surrounded by a magnificent forest.
- Chapelle Saint-Adrien de Belbeuf 20min drive away
- Discover the most beautiful villages in Normandy, including some around Rouen
- Excursions from Rouen: Mont-Saint-Michel, Giverny Gardens, D-Day Beaches
See our article on our favorite activities in and around Rouen.
Things to do when it rains
- Rouen’s best museums
- the cathedral
- the Big Clock
- the theater of the city
- the Little Tourist Train (covered)
Practical advice
Getting around Rouen with children
- Located in the north-west of France in Normandy, in the Seine Maritime department
- Easy access to the city by train
- From Le Havre to Rouen = 1h15min drive
- Caen to Rouen = 1h30min drive
- Paris to Rouen = 1h30min drive
- Here is a map to help you find your way:
Where to stay in Rouen with children?
If you’re wondering, yes, it’s worth spending a night in Rouen. In the footsteps of the famous Joan of Arc or the city’s famous “hundred steeples”, it has a lot to offer. Many visitors fall under the spell of this capital of Normandy, through which the Seine flows.
You are welcome to stay:
- in the old town among half-timbered houses
- near the station
- on the South Bank near the Jardin des Plantes
Discover our best places to stay in Rouen!
Where to eat in Rouen with children
The Normandy capital has a wide and varied choice of restaurants, with something for every taste and price. Our land-and-sea cuisine brings out the best in local Normandy produce! Here are our suggestions for family meals:
- Restaurant La Cantine Arkose: regional classics revisited with recipes from around the world in the industrial decor of this committed bistro.
- Restaurant La Crêperie rouennaise: home-made crêpes and galettes for all tastes in a warm and friendly atmosphere in the heart of the old town
- Restaurant Prélude: reduced menu and short distribution channels for guaranteed fresh produce
- Salon de thé Dame Cakes: a true place of delicacies and relaxation in the heart of Rouen, a refined tea room with lunch facilities.
Discover our selection of places to eat in Rouen here
PLAN YOUR TRIP TO Normandy
Inspiration destinations
- Deciding where to go in Normandy – the best destinations
- Our weekend ideas: best-of, romantic, unusual, seaside, luxury, family
- 16 seaside hotels in Normandy
- The most beautiful charming hotels in Normandy
Best of
Practice
- 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…
SHE MADE THE TRIP Claire
