Rouen: the 25 places to see
Recently updated on March 6th, 2023 at 06:48 pm
On vacation in the capital of Normandy? Come with me to explore the treasures of Rouen.
Rouen, a medieval city, is a city with a rich historical past that you absolutely must visit for a weekend or a 2-3 day stay. The city of a hundred steeples, as Victor Hugo wrote, has a rich heritage that combines Roman remains, the Viking era and the legend of Joan of Arc. Its half-timbered houses, its Gothic churches as well as its medieval cobbled streets offer a diversified and picturesque architecture. Contemporary and traditional, the Norman capital is full of exceptional sites to explore now.
If you are in a hurry, you will find at the end of the article the list of 25 places to explore.
Rouen cathedral
Located in the heart of the cathedral district, this Gothic-style monument is the city’s most dazzling tourist attraction. The construction of this building which began in 1030 will end more than 800 years later in 1876. This architectural masterpiece which culminates at 151 meters in height, miraculous during the Second World War, will delight you for its so-called human facade , its archdiocese and its many historical anecdotes. Also discover the series of cathedrals of Claude Monet which gave its international fame to the city of Rollo.
The Gros-Horloge – the Big Clock
The Gros-Horloge in Rouen is a historical monument located in the street that bears the same name. It is a monumental clock from the 14th century. Classified as a historical monument in 1862, this sundial, made up of two facades, represents a golden sun with 24 rays on a starry blue background. Admire the weekly planner, still in working order, made up of 7 images of Roman deities, each indicating a day of the week.
The Gros-Horloge street – the Big Clock street
The Gros-Horloge street in Rouen is one of the most picturesque thoroughfares in the city of the Vikings. It starts from the Place du Vieux-Marché, where the famous stake of Joan of Arc is located, and ends at the crossroads of Rue des Carmes with the facade of the Cathedral. The cobbled Rue du Gros-Horloge was built in the 14th century and is lined with many half-timbered houses. This street is very lively and is home to one of the oldest chocolatiers in the city. In 1970, it became the first pedestrian street in France.
Joan of Arc Church
Joan of Arc Church is one of the most famous churches in Rouen. It is located in the historic quarter of the city, near Place de la Pucelle, and is dedicated to the memory of the young French heroine. The church was built in 1979 and is the work of the famous French architect Louis Arretche. It is adorned with many sculptures and architectural details that pay homage to Joan of Arc and the Vikings. This Catholic place of worship is one of the must-sees during your stay.
The Saint-Maclou cemetery
An incomparable place in Europe, whose name comes from the Latin atrium which designates the inner entrance courtyard of a Roman villa, the Saint-Maclou aster is an old mass grave dating from the time of the Black Death in 1348. Restored in 2020, this jewel of Norman heritage has been transformed into a tourist and social place with the reception of two contemporary art galleries and the Hamlet café restaurant.
The Saint-Maclou cemetery website
Saint-Maclou church
The Saint-Maclou church, whose name is dedicated to Saint-Malo, a Breton saint, is
located near the former Saint-Maclou mass grave. This 16th century religious building is one of the finest examples of Flamboyant Gothic art. Have you noticed the particularity of the facade? Exact ! Its shape is rounded. Its look offers almost a 180 degree curve.
The Parliament of Normandy – Law court
Architectural gem in the Gothic style, originally named “Parliament of Normandy”. This building is commonly called today “Palais de Justice”.
This monumental building was built from 1499 on the remains of the old Jewish quarter of the city destroyed after the expulsion of the Jews in 1306.
I invite you to raise your head to observe the meticulous ornaments all along the old Exchequer of Normandy. Can you find the naughty gargoyle?
The Parliament of Normandy – Law court website
The Monument to the Jews – The Sublime house
May this house be sublime!
Book of Kings (I, 9, 8)
“May this house be sublime” is a wall inscription, taken from the Book of Kings, engraved on the oldest Jewish monument in France. Located under the current courtyard of the Palais de Justice, this hidden and unique place highlights one of the most important Jewish intellectual centers in Europe during the Middle Ages. During your stay in Rouen, take the time to explore the archaeological crypt containing this unusual building.
The Monument of the Jews – The Sublime house website
The Maid of Orleans place
The Maid of Orleans place in Rouen is a peaceful place where you can take advantage of one of the terraces to admire the Hôtel de Bourgtheroulde, one of the most luxurious hotels in the Normandy city.
It is accompanied by several medieval half-timbered houses.
A few seconds walk from the Place du Vieux-Marché, this place hides the oldest Roman vestige of Rouen: a Gallo-Roman fountain, discovered in 1994 in Vicomté street.
The Google Maps coordinates of the Maid of Orleans place
The half-timbered houses
Treasures of Rouen architecture, the half-timbered houses, also called half-timbered houses, are found in the historic city center of the city. Inherited from the Middle Ages, some dwellings are distinguished by their corbelling, allowing both to build one or more floors and to enlarge the floor area compared to the ground floor. These residences offer an undeniable charm and romanticism with the rise of contemporary life.
The fine arts museum
This is THE museum to see if you are in Rouen. If you only have an hour to spare, go to the museum ticket office and visit the permanent collections for free. Apart from its facade, which is already of interest, inside, its prestigious public collections will delight you. Among the most beautiful works, I must mention those of the Impressionists and the painters Claude Monet, Camille Pissarro, Alfred Sisley and Gustave Caillebotte.
The Museum of Fine Arts website
The Joan of Arc museum – The Joan of Arc Historial
A very fine matrimonial success, this place dedicated to the Maid of Orléans is located in the heart of the Archiepiscopal Palace, which bears witness to the rich medieval history of the Upper Normandy town.
The visit takes place, in part, underground in a setting of sublime stone vaults. Embellished with a digital scenography (sound documents, visual reconstructions of key moments and wall projections), the route allows the visitor to relive the context of the epic of Joan of Arc.
The Joan of Arc Museum – The Joan of Arc Historial website
Le Secq-de-Tournelles museum – Ironwork museum
Located behind the Museum of Fine Arts in an old disused church, this museum dedicated to the art of iron in all its forms is quite simply the largest collection of old ironwork in the world!
If you liked the facade of the house of Ferdinand Marrou, a talented French ironworker, you will love this museum.
The spaces devoted to the permanent collections are free to access.
Le Secq-de-Tournelles museum – Ironwork museum website
The Ceramics museum
The Rouen Ceramics Museum houses the most important French public collection of Rouen earthenware.
Founded in 1884, it is one of the oldest museums in the country. It houses pieces dating from the 18th century, as well as contemporary works. The museum offers temporary exhibitions and creative workshops. The museum offers a variety of educational and cultural activities for children and adults. He is an invaluable source of inspiration for artists and collectors.
The Antiques museum
The Museum of Antiquities of Rouen is a museum located in Beauvoisine street in Rouen. It offers a variety of collections of ancient objects, ranging from Antiquity to the Renaissance. The museum also offers a collection of art and decorative objects, as well as a collection of antique furniture and jewelry. In addition, the museum is dedicated to presenting the cultures and civilizations that have shaped the Seine-Maritime region and its surroundings.
Note the educational booklets for children downloadable from the website.
The Flaubert museum and the history of medicine
If you already knew that one of Flaubert’s works gave his name to a French pastry shop, then I invite you to discover his birthplace, transformed into a museum and located west of the Place du Vieux-Marché. Many curiosities are visible to the visitor, such as a mannequin used for childbirth demonstrations in the 18th century designed by Angélique du Coudray. Access to the permanent collections is free.
The Flaubert museum and the history of medicine website
The Corneille museum
Corneille, do you know? Pierre of his first name, is a famous writer born in Rouen and author in particular of the Roman Le Cid. In his birthplace, you can immerse yourself in Corneille’s daily life with his study, reconstituted with 17th century furniture and a beautiful library.
Saint-Ouen Abbey
Often confused with the cathedral of Rouen because of its imposing dimensions: 137 meters long under 33 meters of vault, the abbey church of Saint-Ouen is the perfect example to illustrate the power of the Benedictine monks at the end of the Middle Ages.
Nearby, the old dormitory of the monks which houses today, and this since 1800, the town hall.
I recommend that you push open the door of this magnificent Gothic and Romanesque building to admire a grandiose organ.
The Old Market square
Historic square of the city of Maurice Leblanc, the Old market square is emblematic for its examples of facades. This architectural process consists of keeping only the street facade deemed interesting for aesthetic or historical reasons. Do not miss the Joan of Arc church for its original architecture and, of course, the stake of Joan of Arc located a few steps away.
Want to taste some specialties from Rouen and Normandy? The market in the Place du Vieux-marché is made for you: Camembert with raw milk from Normandy, Brillat-Savarin, Pont-l’évêque and Neufchâtel in the shape of a heart will awaken your taste buds. All these cheeses are part of the TOP 100 cheeses in the world according to the website Tasteatlas.com. Also taste the Norman cider which is as good as its Breton counterpart 😉
Still hungry ? Take the opportunity to have lunch or dinner at La Couronne, the oldest inn in France. Restaurant, in particular, honored by the famous chef and American television host, Julia Child.
The website of the market in the Old market square
The quays of the Seine
The quays of the Seine are another way to appreciate Rouen. Unique and peaceful space, they make it possible to understand that this river is one of the keystones in the history of the maritime development of Rouen.
This aquatic hyphen between the right bank and the left bank is the ideal place to relax and enjoy a walk.
Sit on one of the tables on the Presqu’île Rollet for a family picnic or on one of the terraces to watch the world go by.
Also go in search of a tide gauge and the story of the world’s first submarine.
A cruise on the Seine
A cruise on the Seine is a unique and unforgettable experience. This is one of the best ways to discover the city and its port activity. During a calm, relaxing and commented cruise, you will discover the loops of the Seine and the beauty of the Normandy landscape.
The botanical garden
Located on the left bank, this haven of peace and greenery is perfect for a peaceful break or for a family outing.
My advice: explore this science-oriented garden with your children to see Mediterranean plants, carnivorous plants and also animals such as parrots or golden pheasants.
The Monumental Cemetery
Rouen’s Père Lachaise is an unusual place and little known to its inhabitants and tourists alike. Monumental with sumptuous and ostentatious burials, this cemetery is for some an open-air history book and for others a magnificent catalog of all kinds of architecture. Egyptian influence, neo-romanticism, art nouveau, art deco… the tombs welcoming the deceased compete in creativity and anecdotes.
In addition to its funerary monuments, the monumental cemetery is also the last of certain celebrities such as Flaubert, Boieldieu or Marcel Duchamp. Their tombs are to be discovered freely by strolling among the green alleys.
The Monumental Cemetery website
The Roumare forest
Where to walk in Rouen? In addition to the 24 remarkable places present in this list, the Roumare forest will be a haven of peace to find yourself far from the hustle and bustle of the city.
To the west of Rouen, this 4,000 hectare French state forest is a veritable “green lung” for the Rouen conurbation. There is also an animal park where you can admire deer, fallow deer, roe deer and wild boar that live there.
The forest is regularly the scene of exhibitions and outdoor artistic tours through a project called The monumental forest.
The Saint-Catherine hill
The Sainte-Catherine coast offers one of the most beautiful panoramas on both banks of Rouen and the Seine. This unique view will delight lovers of natural landscapes and Instagrammers.
To get there, three options are available to you: the car, the bus with lines n° 13 in the direction of Belbeuf and Boos and n° 20 in the direction of Saint-Léger-du-Bourg-Denis. Line No. F5 towards the Lycée Galilée offers a faster route and more frequent crossings. The more athletic will choose the option on foot. Starting from the cathedral square, you will need 1.5km to reach the bottom of the hill then the 525 steps before admiring the top.
The Sainte-Catherine hill website
When to go to Rouen?
In my opinion, there is no bad time to visit Rouen, because the city is charming all year round. Each season offers its own light and atmosphere as well as local events (the belly party, Joan of Arc parties, the Christmas market). However, spring and fall are generally considered the best times to visit, as the weather is pleasant and tourism is less prominent.
What’s the weather like in Rouen?
An oceanic, temperate and variable climate. This is how to describe the climate in Rouen and Normandy. On a daily basis, residents see gray skies more often than sunshine or rain. To bust a myth, Rouen is not even one of the 10 rainiest French cities according to the geo.fr website.
My advice: between October and April, bring an umbrella so as not to spoil your stay.
How to go to Rouen?
Rouen is accessible in several ways.
From Paris, by car or bus the A13 motorway will take you to the Normandy capital in 1h30.
Two bus companies serve Rouen: Blablabus and Flixbus. The terminus in Rouen is located on avenue Champlain (left bank). On foot, you are 12 minutes from the cathedral.
By train from Paris Gare Saint-Lazare: approximately 1h30 journey to arrive at Rouen station. Going down from the station towards the Seine, you will be in the heart of the city center in a few minutes.
Where to sleep in Rouen?
The accommodation offer is plethora in Rouen: youth hostels, luxury hotels, apartment rentals via internet platforms such as Airbnb or Booking.
My advice: if you are staying for a short time, choose accommodation on the right bank, in the heart or near the historic center, for maximum comfort.
What to eat in Rouen?
Are you looking for a good restaurant in Rouen? You can already consult my top 6 of the best restaurants in Rouen in 2023.
Craving salty? The local specialties mentioned in the description of the Place du Vieux-Marché might satisfy your taste buds. Rather want a gourmet break? My sweet stroll made up of two artisanal chocolates and a pastry paying homage to the fruit of our beautiful region.
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