Rouen is much more than just a stopover in Normandy: it’s an ideal starting point for exploring one of France’s richest regions. Memory beaches, Impressionist villages, medieval abbeys, wild coastline… Normandy can be discovered on excursions, and we loved testing out the best of them from the Normandy capital.
We’re sharing our selection of the 10 best excursions from Rouen, with our practical tips for organizing your day, our photos and our honest reviews to help you choose.
This guide is completely independent, based on our experiences. We visited the region anonymously, making our own choices and paying our bills in full.
Our 3 favorite excursions from Rouen
Before discovering our detailed opinions on each of the selected excursions, here are our 3 favorites:
- The D-Day landing beaches for an unforgettable day in the footsteps of D-Day with a private guide – see prices and availability
- Giverny and the gardens of Claude Monet, at the heart of Impressionism – see prices and availability
- Mont-Saint-Michel, France’s most emblematic monument after the Eiffel Tower – reserve the abbey
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
1. Visit the Landing Beaches, in the footsteps of D-Day
Why do we recommend this tour?
Of all the excursions available from Rouen, the one to the D-Day landing beaches is undoubtedly the most emotionally powerful. We didn’t expect to feel such intensity standing in front of the 9,387 perfectly aligned crosses of the Colleville-sur-Mer American Cemetery. Today, the beaches are bathed in sunshine and visited by bathers in summer, but the memorials, bunkers and museums are a powerful reminder of what happened there on June 6, 1944. For us, this excursion is a top priority for any stay in Normandy. From Rouen, it’s a 2-hour drive to Omaha Beach. You can plan your day by car, or join a guided tour to combine with other D-Day Beaches.
What you will see
The 5 D-Day beaches cover more than 80km of Normandy coastline. Omaha Beach is the largest and best-known: 2,400 American soldiers lost their lives here on D-Day. Its sculpture, Les Braves, stands facing the sea, and the Colleville-sur-Mer American Cemetery overlooks the 70-hectare beach. Utah Beach, further west, is the most entertaining, with its open-air museum and reconstructed barges.
- Gold Beach caught our eye with the remains of the Mulberry artificial harbour visible at low tide.
- Juno Beach is dedicated to Canadian soldiers, and the Bény-sur-Mer Cemetery and British Memorial are well worth a visit.
- Sword Beach to the strategist with the Grand Bunker d’Ouistreham
- Pointe du Hoc with its intact shell craters and views of the cliffs
- The Overlord Museum, featuring more than 10,000 World War II artifacts and immersive reconstructions
- And plenty of other D-Day sites and museums to see!
How much time should I allow?
From Rouen: 2h to Omaha Beach. On site: allow a full day. It can be a long day if you’ve been to one beach after another, but it’s also a very emotional one. For families, museums such as the Airborne Museum in Sainte-Mère-Église offer educational trails for children.
Choosing a guided tour remains the best option for a day trip! Don’t wait any longer and book your private tour of the Normandy beaches from Rouen – see program & book
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.
2. Stroll through Giverny, the Painters’ Village
Why do we recommend this tour?
Giverny is an extraordinary village. Nicknamed the Village of Painters, it owes its worldwide renown to Claude Monet, founder of Impressionism, who lived here with his family for over 43 years. As soon as we entered the House and Gardens, we were struck by the rare feeling of entering the studio of a living artist: furniture, carpets, a collection of Japanese prints, a kitchen covered in blue and white Rouen earthenware – everything has been preserved. The gardens themselves, which inspired the Water Lilies, are a work of art in their own right, with 64 species of flowers cultivated throughout the year. Please note: Giverny welcomes some 630,000 visitors a year. Book your tickets early, especially between June and September.
What you will see
- Monet’s house, with its adjoining rooms and vivid colors, deserves as much attention as the gardens.
- The gardens, home to 64 varieties of flowers and dozens of trees and plants, form this beautiful botanical ensemble.
- The Bassin aux Nymphéas, in the Water Garden, is the most photographed spot: the famous green Japanese bridge is reflected in the water among the water lilies.
- Sainte-Radegonde church and cemetery, where Claude Monet, his family and 7 British airmen died during the 1944 D-Day landings.
- The Musée des Impressionnismes, opposite the property, celebrates the movement of which Monet was one of the masters, with works by Mary Cassatt, Auguste Renoir and Henri Martin.
- His garden, whose field of poppies inspired the painting Champs de coquelicots à Giverny exhibited at the Musée des Beaux-Arts in Rouen, is open to the public.
- The former Hôtel Baudy, a Belle Époque artists’ haunt with its authentic 1887 studio, is an unmissable lunchtime address.
- The medieval town of Vernon, 10 minutes away by car
How much time should I allow?
From Rouen: 1h drive. On site: allow at least a full day to visit Claude Monet’s House and Gardens and the Musée des Impressionnismes. It’s worth noting that Claude Monet designed his garden by planting a wide variety of species, so that it would be in bloom all year round. In May, you’ll be lucky enough to see more flowers. The House and Gardens are open from April 1 to November 1, closed the rest of the year.
Book a guided tour of Giverny and discover the beauty and mystery of the Village des Peintres – see details and book now
3. Marvel at Mont-Saint-Michel
Why do we recommend this tour?
Each time we visit, we are overwhelmed by what has been built on Mont-Saint-Michel. France’s cathedrals are already impressive, but here the abbey is perched atop a sheer rocky islet 900m in circumference, surrounded by a bay whose tides can reach 15m in amplitude. After the Eiffel Tower, it’s the most visited place in France. TheAbbey of Mont-Saint-Michel, nicknamed “La Merveille”, is a remarkable example of medieval religious architecture. Founded in the 8th century, rebuilt and enlarged over the centuries, it stands 156m high, with the statue of the Archangel Saint-Michel at its summit. Impressive, isn’t it?
What you will see
- Sublime views of the bay from the parking lots if you walk there (40-50 min across the bay), with occasional sheep in the salt meadows.
- The ramparts, from where you can admire the village, its rooftops and the bay.
- The abbey is a must-see: its 13th-century cloister suspended between sea and sky, the Knights’ Hall, the refectory and the Gros Piliers crypt are all among our favorites.
- The village lanes, Saint-Pierre church and hidden gardens complete the tour.
For a unique experience, spending a night on the intramural mountain allows you to explore the empty alleyways in the evening in a radically different atmosphere. Discover our suggestions in our dedicated article.
How much time should I allow?
Journey time from Rouen: 2h40. On site: allow at least half a day, a full day is preferable. Entrance to the village is free; only the abbey is chargeable. The shuttle from the parking lots is included in the parking lot price. Visit the official website for more info here.
A organized excursion from Rouen to make the most of your day!
- Book your entrance to the abbey – choose here
- Private guided walking tour of the mountain – see program and availability
- Pass 4 museums in the village – buy a combined ticket
- Guided walking tour of the bay – see reviews and book
- Private excursion from Rouen to the Mont-Saint-Michel – France see options
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. Immerse yourself in nature at Étretat and its Cliffs
Why do we recommend this tour?
Étretat is one of our favorite places in Normandy. As Normans, we grew up with the stories of Arsène Lupin, Maurice Leblanc’s fictional character whose treasure is said to be hidden in the Aiguille Creuse, which rises up against the sea. But beyond this literary heritage, Étretat’s white cliffs are strikingly beautiful: the natural arches and views from the hiking trails inspired Claude Monet and many Impressionist artists. We spent a lot of time on them, and we weren’t disappointed.
What you will see
- The Falaise d’Aval, to the south, is the most famous: the Aiguille Creuse (55m high) and the Porte d’Aval arch offer spectacular views from the hiking trail.
- Continuing towards Manneporte, the view of the main arch and the needle is, in our opinion, the most beautiful of the site.
- La Falaise d’Amont, to the north, is dominated by the Chapelle Notre-Dame-de-la-Garde, dedicated to sailors.
- Les Jardins d’Étretat, a blend of contemporary art and nature, where you can admire Samuel Salcedo’s “Raindrops” sculptures .
- Le Clos Arsène Lupin, Maurice Leblanc’s house transformed into an immersive journey, is a family favourite.
How much time should I allow?
From Rouen: 1h10 drive. On site: a day or two to explore both sides of the cliffs. Note that the climb up the cliffs is steep, so wear good shoes. The basic trails are only accessible at low tide. Check the tide tables before you leave here.
- Your entry to the Jardins d’Étretat – Book here
- Why not opt for a tailor-made tour? Make your choice here
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5. Sailing to Honfleur on the Côte Fleurie
Why do we recommend this tour?
Honfleur is one of the most emblematic places in Normandy. Its historic center is fascinating, with tall, narrow buildings squeezed around the Old Basin, half-timbered houses and a harbor atmosphere painted and repainted by generations of artists. The region inspired Eugène Boudin, precursor of Impressionism, and later Claude Monet and many others. We loved strolling through its cobbled streets, which exude an authenticity hard to find elsewhere on the Normandy coast.
What you will see
- The Vieux-Bassin, with its tall, narrow slate houses, is Honfleur’s best-known postcard.
- The Musée Eugène Boudin houses a large collection of works by the painter, born here in 1824.
- Sainte-Catherine Church, built entirely of wood by naval carpenters after the Hundred Years’ War, is an architectural curiosity unique in France.
- The many art galleries lining the alleyways bear witness to the enduring inspiration this place exerts on today’s artists.
- For your lunch break, there’s an excellent choice of restaurants: see our selection of the best restaurants in Honfleur.
How much time should I allow?
Journey time from Rouen: approx. 1h. On site: half a day to a full day. Honfleur combines very well with Deauville, a 30-minute drive away. Remember to wear comfortable shoes, as there are many cobblestones in the town center.
Find out more about our Honfleur guided tour options here!
HAVE FUN WITH THESE activities in Normandy
- Helicopter flight over the cliffs of the Côte d’Albâtre
- Book your time to visit Mont-Saint-Michel Abbey
- Take a microlight flight over Mont-Saint-Michel
- Climb the Via Ferrata in Switzerland Normandy
6. Exploring Caen, between the Middle Ages and the Second World War
Why do we recommend this tour?
Caen is the capital of Lower Normandy, nicknamed the city of William the Conqueror. The town was a martyr during the Liberation: a third of its surface area was destroyed by Allied bombing in 1944. It is home to one of Europe’s most important memorial museums, the Mémorial de Caen. We were captivated from the moment we walked in. The city also boasts a remarkable architectural heritage: the Château de Caen, one of Europe’s largest fortified enclosures, and the two great abbeys founded by William the Conqueror and his wife Matilda of Flanders make it a rich cultural destination for a full day out.
What you will see
- The Caen Memorial welcomes an average of 400,000 visitors a year. Its permanent exhibition retraces the history of 20th-century conflicts, from 1914 to the fall of the Berlin Wall, with a 360° immersive room and an underground bunker that was once the command post of German General Richter.
- The Château de Caen, built in 1060, houses the Musée de Normandie and the Musée des Beaux-Arts: access to the ramparts is free, and the views over the city are remarkable.
- TheAbbaye-aux-Hommes, where William the Conqueror is buried, is worth a visit for its Tuscan-style cloister and the Church of St. Stephen.
- The Abbaye-aux-Dames, founded by Mathilde of Flanders, also houses her tomb (free tours).
- The medieval quarter of Le Vaugueux, with its cobbled streets and terraced restaurants, offers a lively break from the hustle and bustle of the city.
How much time should I allow?
Journey time from Rouen: 1h30. On site: set aside a full day to enjoy all the attractions. Book your tickets in advance to avoid queues.
- Caen Memorial admission tickets – book your tickets now
- Combined tour of the Caen Memorial and D-Day landing beaches – France see program
- Private tour of the D-Day landing beaches with admission to the Memorial – see program and availability
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
7. Stroll along Les Planches de Deauville
Why do we recommend this tour?
Deauville embodies a certain Norman art de vivre mixed with glamour and Belle Époque nostalgia. Inaugurated in 1923, Les Planches de Deauville – a 600m-long boardwalk lined with Art Deco cabins bearing the names of Hollywood stars – has played host to generations of celebrities during the American Film Festival, held every September. We love this special atmosphere, both relaxed and elegant. Crossing the bridge over the Touques, we discovered Trouville-sur-Mer, its more rustic twin sister, with its fishmongers and market, for a striking contrast between the two towns.
What you will see
- Les Planches de Deauville and its promenade facing a long sandy beach are one of the town’s must-sees.
- The Belle Époque villas lining the central streets – with their half-timbering, wrought-iron balconies and colorful facades – are well worth a one- or two-hour stroll.
- The Casino, opened in 1912, is a remarkable neoclassical building.
- The Les Franciscaines museum, housed in a former convent, offers high-quality temporary exhibitions.
- The village of Beaumont-en-Auge, a 15-minute drive away, with its half-timbered houses and views over the Touques valley, is a perfect way to round off the day.
How much time should I allow?
Journey from Rouen: 1h30. On site: one day. Deauville can be perfectly combined with Honfleur (30min by car).
- Private tour of Honfleur, Pays d’Auge and Deauville from Caen – France see details and availability
- Horseback riding on Deauville beach – see availability
8. Discover the Abbaye de Jumièges and the Boucles de la Seine.
Why do we recommend this tour?
Jumièges Abbey is one of our favorite visits around Rouen. Victor Hugo himself called it the most beautiful ruin in France, and we agree. Founded in the 7th century by Saint Philibert, sacked by the Vikings in 841, rebuilt under the Dukes of Normandy in the 11th century, dismembered during the Revolution and gradually preserved, this former Benedictine abbey is a remarkable testimony to Norman history. We came out of it full of emotion. Its open-air nave – the highest Romanesque nave in Normandy at 25m – retains a majesty that centuries have not erased. Just 30 to 40 minutes from Rouen, it’s the ideal half- or full-day excursion.
What you will see
- The Abbatiale Notre-Dame, a masterpiece of Romanesque art built between 1040 and 1060, is the centerpiece of the site.
- Its “Westwerk” façade – extremely rare in France – is flanked by two 46-metre towers.
- St. Peter’s Church preserves vestiges of the Carolingian period, including a unique mural painting.
- The century-old yew tree planted on the site of the former cloister is a striking symbol of historical continuity. The 15-hectare park, listed since 1947, invites you to take a long stroll.
How much time should I allow?
Journey time from Rouen: 30 to 40min. On site: 1h30 to 2h30. Opening hours: April 15 to September 15, 9:30 am to 6:30 pm, rest of the year, 9:30 am to 1 pm and 2:30 pm to 5:30 pm. Visit the official website for more info here.
Want to discover Normandy’s medieval castles and abbeys from Rouen? Choose a guided tour – see prices, times and availability
9. Be surprised by Fécamp on the Côte d’Albâtre
Why do we recommend this tour?
Fécamp is often overlooked in favor of its more famous neighbor, Étretat. Yet it’s a destination that’s well worth a visit. The town offers a rare combination of religious and Renaissance architecture, cliffs on the Côte d’Albâtre, the memory of the Norman dukes and local gastronomy. We think it deserves at least one day. Its Benedictine Palace is reason enough to visit: its neo-Gothic and Renaissance architecture is spectacular even from the outside. The city has held the “Ville d’art et d’histoire” label since 1992, and boasts more attractions than you might imagine.
What you will see
- The Palais Bénédictine can be visited in three parts: a museum with fascinating rooms (old books, religious objects, locks, advertising items), a guided distillery which partially reveals the secrets of the famous liqueur created by a Benedictine monk in the 16th century, and a tasting session.
- Cap Fagnet, just to the north of the town, is our favourite spot: a breathtaking view of the cliffs, beach and harbour, accompanied by World War II bunkers in excellent condition.
- The Abbatiale de la Trinité, founded by the Dukes of Normandy in the 11th century, is a 127m-long Gothic church, with a 1667 astronomical tidal clock among its highlights.
- The Musée des Pêcheries, in a converted cod factory, recounts the city’s maritime tradition with a panoramic view from its top floor.
- A stroll along the dykes and the harbour is a pleasant way to round off the day.
How much time should I allow?
Journey time from Rouen: 1h. On site: allow a full day. Several parking lots are available along the seafront and harbor.
See our full article on Fécamp – read the article
10. Explore the Pays d’Auge villages
Why do we recommend this tour?
The Pays d’Auge is the very heart of Normandy: the land of half-timbered houses, apple orchards, AOP cheeses and calvados. This region, which extends mainly into Calvados, has been awarded the “Région d’Art et d’Histoire” label, and we regularly return with pleasure. An excursion to the villages of the Pays d’Auge means getting away from the usual tourist routes and into the heart of a more authentic Normandy, at the tranquil pace of the Normandy countryside.
What you will see
- Beuvron-en-Auge is the most typical village in Normandy. Designated as one of France’s “Most Beautiful Villages”, its central square surrounded by half-timbered houses dating from the 14th to 18th centuries, its market hall and its flowers make it a must-see.
- Pont-l’Évêque, a 40-minute drive from Rouen, is home to typical 16th- and 18th-century houses, as well as the history of the eponymous cheese, one of the oldest in Normandy, and Calvados: the Musée de l’Expérience du Calvados is located here.
- Le Bec-Hellouin is home to a remarkable Benedictine abbey in a relaxing setting
- By car, the small departmental roads between these villages are a real pleasure.
- The Route du Cidre, centred on Cambremer, passes several farms offering tastings.
How much time should I allow?
Journey time from Rouen: 1h to 1h15 depending on destination. On site: a day’s drive to stroll from village to village. A car is essential for this tour. Visit our dedicated article here.
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.
Frequently asked questions
What’s the best day trip from Rouen?
It all depends on your interests. For an emotionally powerful experience, the D-Day Beaches are a must. For a moment between art and nature, Giverny is our favorite. For medieval architecture and heritage, Mont-Saint-Michel is a must. And for an excursion only 30 to 40 minutes away, theAbbaye de Jumièges is an often underestimated discovery. The choice is yours!
Do I need to hire a car for excursions from Rouen?
The car is the most practical means of transport for most excursions, particularly to the D-Day Beaches, the Pays d’Auge and Jumièges Abbey. For Giverny, the train from Rouen to Vernon followed by a shuttle bus is possible, but more time-consuming. Guided group excursions are available from Rouen, Bayeux or Caen for the main destinations. Find out all our tips for renting a car in Rouen.
Can I combine several excursions?
Yes, some destinations combine naturally: Honfleur and Deauville (30min between the two) for a day on the Côte Fleurie, or Étretat and Fécamp (25min between the two) for a day on the Côte d’Albâtre. On the other hand, the D-Day landing beaches and Mont-Saint-Michel each require a dedicated day. Jumièges Abbey, very close to Rouen, can be combined with a half-day in the city.
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
