Welcome to Rouen! The Normandy capital is full of absolutely unmissable places and activities, to be discovered without delay if you spend a weekend in Rouen. Come with me to discover the must-sees.
Famous for its cathedral, which inspired Claude Monet, Rouen still possesses a superb heritage that has survived the vicissitudes of history. Between strolls along the quays and visits to the museum, the Normandy capital offers plenty of attractions for a pleasant weekend. Less than 1.5 hours from Paris, let yourself be tempted by Rouen, this city superbly set on the Seine…
Formerly the capital of the Duchy of Normandy, Rouen is today the prefecture of the region of the same name, as well as the department of Seine-Maritime.
Crossed by the Seine, it stretches on both sides of a loop of the river, where a large port was established, enabling the development of flourishing commercial activities between land and sea since the Middle Ages. Hence its exceptional historical heritage and the current dynamism the city demonstrates.
Most of the monuments, museums, and other places of interest are located in the city center, on the right bank of the river and on the hillside overlooking it. All within a relatively small area, very close to the train station. It’s hard to do better to make life easier for visitors!
Rouen boasts an extraordinary heritage, some of it remarkable, spanning from the Middle Ages to the 18th century. Part of the historic center, which was located along the banks of the Seine, was destroyed during bombings during World War II. But what escaped destruction remains largely significant.
The streets are lined with half-timbered houses, many dating from the medieval and Renaissance periods—some of which have corbelled roofs—mansions, and other brick or stone buildings.
Don’t hesitate to venture beyond the most popular historic district, as you’ll discover beautiful things in “ordinary” streets, always in the city center.
SAINT CATHERINE’S HILL
Start your weekend in Rouen by heading up Sainte-Catherine Hill. From its summit, you can enjoy a panoramic view of the Seine and its bridges that span it and intertwine with its meandering rivers.
My tip: a picnic.
CRUISE ON THE SEINE
Separating the city in two, the Seine is one of Rouen’s symbols. It also features prominently in the works of the 19th-century Impressionists. Its quays invite Rouen residents to stroll along them, relax on a café terrace, or enjoy leisure activities in its large green spaces on the left bank.
This river also welcomes numerous river and sea cruise boats that come to discover Rouen.
If you’re spending a weekend in the city in early June, don’t miss the Armada de la liberté, a must-see event featuring the world’s largest sailing ships.
THE MARITIME, RIVER, AND PORT MUSEUM
The Maritime, River, and Port Museum will allow you to discover the history of the port of Rouen and its activities. Various themes will be explored throughout your visit: the merchant navy, whaling, Charcot’s polar expeditions, nickel sailing ships, and the “Pompon Rouge” barge… There’s something for everyone to enjoy during this journey through the city’s history.
NOTRE-DAME CATHEDRAL
Watching over Rouen with its benevolent gaze, Notre-Dame Cathedral stands proudly atop the city’s hills. It is a jewel of Gothic art that inspired Claude Monet in more than 30 of his works. It also boasts a cast iron spire that reaches 151 meters, making it the tallest cathedral in France. At its center, you will find the tombs of the Dukes of Normandy and the heart of Richard the Lionheart, King of England and Duke of Normandy.
My recommendation: Brasserie Paul, L’odas
If you spend your weekend in Rouen between June 20th and September 30th, be sure to visit it at night to see it bathed in lights during the “Cathedral of Light” show.
THE ANTIQUE DEALERS’ DISTRICT
Head to the Saint-Maclou district, also known as the Antiques District, to discover Rouen’s picturesque streets and the atmosphere that reigns there during your weekend in the city.
Located behind the cathedral, this area is a popular spot for strollers and bargain hunters. You’ll find several charming shops offering a variety of services: designers, dessert bars, art galleries, restaurants, and more. It’s also full of treasures such as the Saint-Maclou Church and the Saint-Maclou Aitre.
SAINT-MACLOU CHURCH
This building, a masterpiece of Gothic art dating from the 15th century, is located right next to “La maison qui penche” (The Leaning House) and is framed by beautiful half-timbered houses in a variety of colors.
As for the Saint-Maclou amphora, it is actually a former cemetery that housed the Rouen School of Fine Arts until 2014. Its beams feature numerous decorations depicting bones, skulls, and instruments. It is one of the last remaining amphorae in France and Europe.
THE BIG CLOCK
Take Big Clock street in the center of Rouen to reach one of the city’s attractions: the Big Clock.
Arriving in the middle of the street, you’ll see an arch spanning it, proudly bearing a Renaissance clock face next to a belfry composed of the city’s bells. This city symbol has the unique feature of having only one hand.
Inside, you’ll see the mechanisms of this large clock, as well as a room nicknamed the Clock Room. At the end of your visit, enjoy the panoramic view of the city and its surrounding areas from this tower.
THE MUSEUM OF FINE ARTS
The Rouen Museum of Fine Arts invites you to explore its galleries and discover its collection of Impressionist paintings. You’ll have the opportunity to see the famous Rouen Cathedral painted by Claude Monet, as well as several works by internationally renowned artists such as Pissarro, Sisley, and Renoir. Modern art lovers will also find what they’re looking for in the museum’s modern collections.
Right next to the Museum of Fine Arts is the Secq des Tournelles Museum, which specializes in ironwork. This museum, located in the heart of a former church, invites you to explore this art and a multitude of forged objects.
Tip: You can visit all of Rouen’s museums and their permanent collections for free. It’s the perfect way to spend a cultural weekend in Rouen.
JOAN OF ARC MUSEUM
The Joan of Arc Historial isn’t a traditional museum with classic works and collectibles. Instead, it offers each visitor a specially created tour-cum-show to immerse you in the epic tale of this heroine. Through projections, screens, and 3D, her entire history and legend unfold before your eyes.
JOAN OF ARC CHURCH
Joan of Arc Church, located on the Old Market Square, stands proudly in its center and reminds everyone that the history of the Maid of Orléans is intimately linked to that of the city of Rouen. This religious building was erected on the exact spot where this emblematic figure in French history was burned at the stake in 1431.
OLD MARKET SQUARE
As just mentioned, the Old Market Square houses a place of worship dedicated to this heroine. Lined with tall, colorful half-timbered houses, it is the starting point for several thematic tours to discover the story of Joan of Arc.
ESCAPE GAME AT THE DUNGEON
The city of Rouen once had a castle. Today, only the dungeon of this monument remains. Also nicknamed the Joan of Arc Tower, since it was here that the Maid of Orléans was allegedly threatened with torture during her trial, it now houses the Ceramics Museum.
At nightfall, venture into the dungeon for a journey back in time to discover the 13th century with a historical escape game.
ROUMARE FOREST
Venture into the heart of the first bend of the Seine to discover the Roumare Forest. This green setting is designated an Exceptional Forest and offers a vast 4,000-hectare area for all kinds of activities. Explore its trails to discover its varied landscapes populated by conifers and learn more at the Petit Charme Arboretum. At the Roumare National Forest Animal Park, you’ll discover the wildlife that inhabits it and even encounter deer, fallow deer, roe deer, and wild boar.
VALLOIS ROPE-MAKING INDUSTRIAL MUSEUM
The Vallois Rope-Making Industrial Museum is a must-see during a weekend in Rouen exploring Normandy’s industrial heritage. This former 19th-century factory was operated by the Vallois family for the manufacture of cotton ropes and braids. A visit to its museum will allow you to learn more about the expertise of these rope-making workers through exhibits and machinery.
This site is unique in that it is powered entirely by a watermill located on the Cailly River, making it a living museum.
LIEUTENANT AUBERT SQUARE
Originally called Place du Pont-de-Robec, Place du Lieutenant Aubert is renowned for its many half-timbered houses. It now bears the name of this firefighter lieutenant, leader of a Resistance network who was shot by the Germans in 1944. This square is unique in that it frames a Renaissance doorway and is sheltered by beautiful lacework.
At number 1, venture into this pretty little house occupied by an antique dealer to discover his works and perhaps pick up some souvenirs of your weekend in Rouen.
THE SUBLIME HOUSE
Located in the courtyard of the Parliament, under the Eastern Staircase, is the Sublime House. This mysterious site is the oldest preserved Jewish monument in Western Europe, dating back to the year 1100. However, no one knows what this “Sublime House” is. Some believe it was a Hebrew school of advanced studies, others the residence of a wealthy Jew. But it could confirm that the city of Rouen was, at the time of William the Conqueror, one of the cultural centers of Europe. You can visit this site with a guide only and by reservation.
Nature: the Botanical Gardens, Lacroix Island, Mont Gargan, etc.
Sacred Art: Saint-Amand Abbey, the Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Rouen, Grandmont Chapel, the Ursuline Convent, Saint-Gervais Church, Saint-Eloi Church, etc.
Monuments: the Guillaume-Lion Gate, the Saint-André Tower and the Joan of Arc Tower, the Rouen Courthouse, the Joan of Arc Barracks, the Cloth Hall, the Maid of the Maid’s Tower, etc.
Museums: the Ceramics Museum, the Flaubert and History of Medicine Museum, the Natural History Museum, the Seine-Maritime Antiquities Museum, the Secq des Tournelles Museum, the Education Museum, the Pierre Corneille Museum
Activities: the Île Lacroix Ice Rink, the Almendra Theater, the Rouen Opera House
