Is Rouen worth a visit? Need some inspiration to plan your weekend or vacation?
Rouen is a French city rich in history and culture, with plenty to do. We’ve listed 10 reasons why it’s well worth a visit. Whether you’re a lover of art, history, architecture or gastronomy, you’ll love discovering Rouen! Joan of Arc is omnipresent in the city, and we were delighted to follow in her footsteps. Muse to great artists such as Claude Monet, this Normandy town is full of charm. What a pleasure to stroll through its streets!
In this article, we give you our photo tips for visiting the city, along with a few points to keep in mind.
This opinion is completely independent, based on our experiences. We visited the area anonymously, making our own choices, and paying all our bills in full.
Is Rouen worth a visit?
Rouen is a Norman city steeped in history and culture, well worth a visit for many reasons. First of all, you need to know about Rouen’s famous Notre-Dame Cathedral. It’s an architectural marvel that notably inspired Claude Monet in his paintings.
Joan of Arc was also burned alive on the Place du Vieux-Marché in Rouen. She was only 19 at the time of her execution. The young heroine is an integral part of the city. We’ve come across it at historic sites, but also in museums. In fact, we’ve devoted an article to the Musée Historial Jeanne d’Arc. Nearby, you can also discover a collection dedicated to him at the Musée des Beaux-Arts.
Rouen’s old town is full of charm, with its colorful half-timbered houses. We enjoyed strolling through its picturesque streets. Last but not least, the local gastronomy is a treat for the taste buds. There’s a profusion of quality restaurants serving regional dishes. Did you know that Rouen’s signature recipe is duck à la rouennaise?
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
Reason 1 – For its rich historical heritage
Rouen’s rich historical heritage makes it an unmissable destination. Classified as a historic monument, the Palais de Justice is an emblematic site that bears witness to Rouen’s royal history. Notre-Dame de Rouen Cathedral, immortalized by Claude Monet, is one of the city’s architectural gems. We were blown away by the beauty of this Gothic church.
How can you talk about Rouen’s historical heritage without mentioning Joan of Arc? The Place du Vieux-Marché is steeped in history, with a memorial church and a lively market. We found the Église Sainte-Jeanne-d’Arc particularly original. The very modern exterior evokes the sea.
Afterwards, we loved strolling down the rue du Gros-Horloge. A magnificent 14th-century astronomical clock in the heart of the city.
To continue our stroll, we passed under the Gros Horloge arch. We then discovered the colorful half-timbered houses that add a picturesque touch to the town.
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Reason 2 – For its many museums
Rouen is packed with museums that bear witness to its rich cultural heritage. Art lovers, we headed for the Musée des Beaux-Arts, home to an exceptional collection! If you like works by Caravaggio, Delacroix, Géricault or the Impressionist painters, we recommend you read our article on the museum.
Intrigued by the art of iron, we decided to visit the Musée Le Secq des Tournelles. This museum exhibits a unique collection of ironwork. It’s housed in a former Gothic church that’s as beautiful on the outside as it is on the inside!
For local history buffs, the Musée Historial Jeanne d’ Arc is a must-see. It offers a captivating insight into the life and trial of this emblematic historical figure.
Do you like literature? Rouen boasts 2 museums that honor great French authors: Gustave Flaubert and Pierre Corneille. 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. And if you want to extend your experience with the author, we strongly recommend staying at the Hôtel Littéraire Gustave Flaubert. This is one of the best hotels we’ve tested in Rouen.
Check out our list of the best hotels to stay in Rouen!
At the Musée Pierre Corneille, we discovered where Le Cid was written. It’s also the playwright’s birthplace!
In Rouen, there’s a museum for every taste! You’ll never get bored. We loved the Musée de la Céramique, where we admired the original works of art. The Natural History Museum is more traditional, but great to do with kids! We loved the Museum of Antiquities, housed in the former convent of the Visitation Sainte-Marie. The place is beautiful and the collection interesting!
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
Reason 3 – For its special relationship with Joan of Arc
Joan of Arc is omnipresent in the town. Her role as a military leader during the Hundred Years’ War and her martyrdom in Rouen make her a revered national heroine. We were able to relive crucial moments in her life, including her trial in 1431, during which she was tried and sentenced to death.
By visiting the historical sites dedicated to her, we learned more about the different facets of the young woman. At once considered a peasant, a warrior and a saint, she was burned at the stake in Place du Vieux-Marché. For the history buffs among you, the Musée Historial Jeanne d’Arc will be an exceptional mine of information. It is dedicated to his life and legacy. We also visited the Musée des Beaux-Arts in Rouen, which houses an interesting collection of paintings, photographs and sculptures of the young heroine.
Reason 4 – For its unique Gothic architecture
In Rouen, we were transported to another era. Indeed, we experienced a true immersion in Gothic architecture. Rouen’s famous Notre-Dame Cathedral fascinated us with its incredible detail. The closer we got, the more we were able to appreciate the extraordinary architectural work carried out on this church.
We then visited the church of Saint-Maclou. We were captivated by its richly ornate portal and soaring bell tower. Once again, Rouen has impressed us with its flamboyant Gothic architecture, but there’s more to come! We also discovered the Abbatiale Saint-Ouen. Listed as a historic monument, we were delighted to observe its majestic façade. The interior is impressive. It is adorned with airy vaulted ceilings and colorful stained-glass windows.
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
Reason 5 – For its art treasures
In Rouen, we had the chance to contemplate some famous art treasures. As art lovers, we marveled at Claude Monet’s iconic paintings. He captured the essence of the city with virtuosity, especially the changing beauty of Rouen Cathedral in his famous series of paintings.
When we explored the Musée des Beaux-Arts de Rouen, we were transported by the striking works of masters such as Caravaggio, Géricault and even Delacroix. The museum boasts a rich and impressive collection. You can also see the work of Impressionist painters such as Camille Pissarro, Auguste Renoir, Alfred Sisley, Gustave Caillebotte and the undisputed master Claude Monet. If you’re interested in the Impressionist route through Normandy, take a look at our article.
Reason 6 – For its gastronomy and its very good restaurants
As the capital of Normandy, Rouen has some very good places to eat. Here you can enjoy traditional, authentic cuisine. The city’s signature dish is Rouen-style duck. However, we didn’t taste it, as it was a piece of duck with a blood-based sauce. For the more adventurous among you, we recommend going to Café-Brasserie Victor to try this Norman recipe. The restaurant belongs to the Hôtel de Dieppe in Rouen, and is highly reputed for this local specialty. Read our dedicated article to find out more.
We were lucky enough to be able to test several quality addresses in Rouen. Between gourmet and bistronomic restaurants, tea rooms, fast-food outlets and other gourmet venues, our appetite was greatly satisfied!
We had a variety of culinary experiences to suit all budgets. An excellent Michelin-starred restaurant, we highly recommend you try Restaurant L’Odas, which overlooks the cathedral. We were also seduced by the bistronomic cuisine of Restaurant L’Épicurius and its elegant setting.
For a delicious sweet break, we headed to Café Pâtisserie EMJI. We ate homemade pastries made on the premises. Lunch is also available. It offers a selection of savoury dishes.
Coming soon, our article on the best restaurants to eat in Rouen.
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…
Reason 7 – For its proximity to the Normandy coast
Rouen has a considerable advantage. Located close to the magnificent Normandy coast, the town makes it easy for visitors to enjoy all the benefits of Normandy. Less than a 2-hour drive takes you to picturesque beaches, impressive cliffs and charming villages. To give you an idea of the distances between Rouen and Normandy’s seaside resorts:
- 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 reading our article on Le Havre and its places to discover.
Coming soon our article What to do in Rouen: 15 ideas (+ tips).
Reason 8 – For its proximity to nature
Rouen is a green city. We loved strolling through the Jardin des Plantes in the south of Normandy. With an area of 8 hectares, it’s the ideal place for a family outing! Can you identify plants from all over the world?
What’s more, the Forêt domaniale de Roumare is a veritable natural treasure located near Rouen. With its vast expanses of woodland and winding trails, it’s the perfect place for nature lovers and hikers. It has even been awarded the Forêt d’Exception label. We loved recharging our batteries here, far from the hustle and bustle of the city.
If you prefer to stay in Rouen’s city center, we recommend a stroll along the banks of the Seine. It’s a pleasant experience. The quayside is bustling with cafés and restaurants. The barges add a charming touch to the atmosphere. It’s the perfect place to relax and enjoy the atmosphere of the Normandy capital.
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.
Reason 9 – For local and regional products
Cheese is the star of the Norman table and a local speciality you don’t want to miss! With varying degrees of flavour, they come in all shapes and textures. The emblematic cheese of this part of Normandy 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!
Reason 10 – For its accessibility from Paris
By TER (regional express train), you can reach Rouen from Paris in 1h30. You can even make the round trip during the day. This is the fastest option.
See available timetables and book your train and coach tickets now.
Rouen is easily accessible by car from Paris. Just 2 hours from the capital on the A13, you’ll have no trouble getting away for a weekend. However, there are frequent traffic jams when crossing the Seine. We advise you to choose strategic times to avoid potential traffic jams.
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
Some disadvantages of a trip to Rouen
The weather
The weather in Rouen can be unpredictable, with frequent alternations between rain and sunshine. This can make planning outdoor activities more difficult for visitors. We recommend that you consider indoor activities in case of rain.
The influx
Rouen is a busy place overall, with periods when the city is busiest. This can lead to longer queues at tourist attractions and popular restaurants. We advise you to take this into account when planning your visit to avoid any inconvenience.
How to get to Rouen, France
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.
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.
All our tips in this article were put into words with the help of Elisa.
