The sunny days are here, the temperatures are pleasant and you want to take full advantage of Rouen. It’s perfect because I have a list of ideas to share with you.
Nicknamed the “museum city”, Rouen is the city of art par excellence. And for good reason, between its cathedral illuminated with impressionist motifs during the nocturnal projections of Cathedral of Lights, its plethora of impressionist paintings exhibited at the Museum of Fine Arts and its quality contemporary art galleries.
Rouen is an essential cultural capital… including for street art aficionados: as part of Normandy Impressionist 2020, the Grammont and Saint-Sever districts have become real open-air galleries, under the leadership of big names in the discipline. Since 2023, the Parisian artist Inkoj has also put his artistic touch in the rue Jeanne d’Arc.
In addition to the artistic aspect, Rouen is also a city where it is good to walk, between the cobbled streets of the medieval center and the Antiques district. Your taste buds will also be delighted with international street-food and gourmet restaurants (see the best restaurants in 2023).
The festival of Music
Since 1982, date of its creation, the first day of summer rhymes with Fête de la Musique in France. In Rouen as elsewhere, dozens of concerts are played for free through the streets of the city of Rollon. It is therefore the ideal moment, if you find yourself in the Norman capital that day, to let yourself be guided through the different streets while stopping on a terrace to sip a drink. Other more unusual places also open a stage for amateur musicians such as the Historial Jeanne d’Arc.
I like: a wide choice of groups of all musical genres to listen to for free to celebrate the longest day of the year.
When ? Night from June 21 to 22.
Or ? Mainly on the right bank
Prices: free.
The Thursday Terraces
Music always with this musical event which takes place in July every Thursday evening. The Thursday terraces are a series of free concerts open to all across the city of Rouen.
The fireworks of July 14
In Rouen, the fireworks display, fired in honor of the storming of the Bastille in 1789, takes place from the Rollet peninsula.
When ? July 14 in the evening.
Or ? One of the best views to admire the fireworks is from Côte Sainte-Catherine
The Cathedral of Light
One of the highlights of the Rouen summer!
Rediscover Monet’s Cathedral
Lyon has its Festival of Lights and Rouen its Cathedral of Light, a summer event that allows you to appreciate the city’s heritage from another angle. Ma ville invites you to admire its impressive monument in the manner of Monet. Between bright and shaky colors and digital animations, this free sound and light show can be enjoyed on the Place de la Cathédrale, after dark.
Cathedral of Light, Place de la Cathédrale, 76000 Rouen (free admission)
The Nights of the Stars
Every year in France, at the beginning of August, 3 nights are devoted to observing the stars, and in particular shooting stars, which are numerous during this period.
For those who will be in Rouen at that time, I advise you to go to the Observatory of Rouen, to the Maison pour tous in Sotteville-lès-Rouen near Rouen and to watch the program of the Atrium where different activities are organized for the occasion.
When ? 3 nights at the beginning of August.
An outdoor cinema session
Have a drink on the terrace
What better time of year to have a drink on the terrace than in summer? With its long days and summer heat, you can enjoy it until late at night.
In addition, some “rooftops” terraces in Rouen allow you to cool off while being away from the noise of the city. See you for example at EPOXY – Normandy, or at the rooftop of 105, Balthazar Rooftop
Rouen Beach
Like Paris plage, Rouen also has its ephemeral beach in summer. Located on the left bank…
Following a major modernization of the left bank quays with green spaces as far as the eye can see, food trucks, sports facilities and playgrounds, walking around is a real pleasure. For a few weeks in summer, you can also enjoy Rouen Plage.
The Monumental Forest
More than a forest, an atypical haven of peace
An unmissable event in Rouen, La Forêt Monumentale is a journey of 13 monumental works to discover in the heart of a lush forest. Installed in the middle of the greenery, this 4 km walk labeled COP21 allows art lovers and tourists looking for activities to discover land art and the works of 28 local and international artists. Designers, visual artists or architects combine their creativity for this ecological biennial where art is appreciated to the rhythm of birdsong. Playful and poetic.
Green forest, north of Rouen (free entry)
Discover the free district
It is a fact, the time is fallow. If Marseille has its Belle de Mai and Paris its Station, it is the Free district which has settled on the left bank. Located on a former railway site, it is a perfect place to chill during the summer. Every day, you will be able to enjoy 3,000 square meters fitted out with 24 containers, thousands of pallets, bars, creative workshops of all kinds, a Sunday brunch and an eclectic cultural program.
I like: The Popote broth. You know the Parisian broths, well here it’s the same thing
Place Carnot, 76100 Rouen
Stroll through the narrow streets of the medieval center and the Antiques district
Stroll through the narrow streets of the medieval center and the Antiques district
Coming to Rouen without going through its medieval quarter would be a shame as the architecture of the half-timbered houses is so beautiful to admire. From the prosperous medieval period, the final stage of Joan of Arc’s journey has retained a cachet that is simply unique in France. In addition to the impressive cathedral, stroll among the half-timbered houses (there are more than 2,000 in the city) in Eau-de-Robec or Martainville streets and browse among the many antique dealers in the Saint-Maclou district. Other (very) good shopping tips? The market in Place Saint-Marc, between well-sourced regional products and weekly flea markets.
Take full eyes at the Museum of Fine Arts
The Museum of Fine Arts is undoubtedly the richest museum in terms of work in Rouen. If you are in love with impressionist painting, this is a must.
I like: free access to the permanent collections
Esplanade Marcel-Duchamp, 76000 Rouen.
Street-art route
Sip a large cocktail at the Petit Bar
This very small bar with a facade is located in the famous rue Damiette), with its Mad Men-style decor featuring velvet benches, a long counter and a checkered floor,
5 rue Damiette – 76000 Rouen
Open Wednesday to Saturday, 7 p.m. to 2 a.m. Sunday from 6 p.m. to midnight.
Tour the galleries
On the exhibition side, in Rouen, there is no time to get bored. The city is full of galleries that have nothing to envy to Parisian establishments. Heir to the Impressionist era, the Bertran gallery will saber the return to school with the exhibition Les Mousquetaires, Birth of an artistic group, presenting works from the Norman school celebrating the great names of the region. Rather trendy contemporary art? The Rollin gallery gives pride of place to figurative painters and sculptors while the Duchoze gallery offers a selection of expressionist, raw or abstract works. Finally, since street art is no longer just about the street, Obey, Jérôme Mesnager and Ferni all meet at Outsiders, the gallery that celebrates street art with style.
Bertran gallery (108 rue Molière, 76000 Rouen, free entry), Rollin gallery (31 rue Ecuyère, 76000 Rouen, free entry), Duchoze gallery (49 rue d’Amiens, 76000 Rouen, free entry), Outsiders (20 rue de la République, 76000 Rouen, free entry) + aitre saint-maclou galleries
Take a break at Café Métropole
A few steps from the station, this mythical café houses the bust of Simone de Beauvoir and Jean-Paul Sartre. For what ? Quite simply because this famous couple used to drink coffee in this establishment.
Treat yourself to a large table at the Tempo or Gill bistro side restaurant
Probably a little more than elsewhere, the concept of very good food takes on its full meaning at Tempo and Gill on the bistro side. If your budget allows it, I recommend Tempo and its blind menu (from 49 euros) and its 5-course service (and surprises). On the menu, creativity and delicious vegetable combinations. Otherwise, for 25 euros, Gill’s midday menu on the bistro side is one of the best value for money in Rouen.
Do a good deed with a Friday League pub crawl
The Friday League is a group of around twenty Rouen bars that donate 1% of their revenue every Friday to a local charity. A league that mixes the beers of the Underground, the cocktails of the Petit Bar, the rock evenings of the 3 Pieces or the biodynamic wines of the Café Perdu. Or how to wake up perhaps not fresh as a roach, but happy to have done a good deed.
Sleep like a king or queen at the Bourgtheroulde hotel
Right in the historic center of Rouen, the Bourgtheroulde hotel is the best option for sleeping a night (or two) in the city. The reasons ? Its ideal location, a few steps from the Place du Vieux-Marché and its myriad of restaurants and shops of all kinds. And its architecture, a real jewel in the Renaissance style with its magnificent sculpted stone facade and its mullioned windows that will transport you right away to the beginning of the 16th century.
Hotel de Bourgtheroulde, 15 place de la Pucelle, 76000 Rouen
Play the Odas card for a gastronomic trip
A stone’s throw from the Cathedral, the Odas, as its name suggests, plays the bold card. Result ? It’s full of creativity, finesse and fun.
Walk in the footsteps of Joan of Arc
Joan of Arc is one of the historical figures inseparable from the image of Rouen. The city has marked the final stage of its epic and still retains visible traces of its passage: the Joan of Arc tower – which has now become an escape game! — where part of his trial took place; the remains of the tower where she was locked up at 102 rue Jeanne-d’Arc; the Saint-Ouen abbey, which is worth a visit for its stained glass windows and its impressive Cavaillé-Coll organ, the scene of his abjuration; the Boieldieu bridge where the English scattered his ashes.
Take to the heights to admire the city + picnic on the banks of the Seine
At the top of the Sainte-Catherine coast is the most emblematic panorama of Rouen. A spot that all photography enthusiasts have already visited at least once. Explanatory panels describe on the spot the various monuments located under your eyes.
It is possible to get there on foot via the Mont-Gargan district. To do this, join rue Martainville located to the left of the Saint-Maclou church then follow it. Cross the Voie du Teor, Place du Canada and continue straight on Rue du Faubourg-Martainville. Then take rue de Mont-Gargan, steps will be visible on your right after passing the expressway. This is where the challenge begins with 525 steps to climb!
Go on a treasure hunt in town
Rouen is full of anecdotes on every street corner. You can drink a coffee there where Simone de Beauvoir met Jean-Paul Sartre, pass in front of the houses of Fontenelle, Flaubert or Corneille, but also discover “secret” places, unusual or unknown. You can discover some of them on my Youtube channel