Best Things to Do in Rouen, France

Visit Rouen in Normandy

Rouen is one of the capitals of the Normandy region and one of the most beautiful cities in Northern France. It is located between Paris in Ile-de-France and Le Havre in Normandy, and it is bisected by the Seine River on its way to the Atlantic Ocean.

In medieval times, Rouen was a busy port and grew rapidly. Hundreds of buildings remain from that time, hovering above cobblestone streets and next to breathtaking churches. These landmarks are what make Rouen one of the best-preserved medieval cities in all of France.

Rouen is an easy day trip from Paris by train, but there’s so much to see, do, and try, so I always recommend spending at least one night on site. If you have decided that you want to visit Rouen, then here’s a list of the best things to do in Rouen, France, for every kind of traveler.

What to Do in Rouen, France

This Rouen things-to-do list includes Rouen tourist attractions, food explorations, and places to visit near Rouen.

1. Notre Dame Cathedral

The Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Rouen is located in the center of town, so you really can’t miss it. It’s also one of the top things to do in Rouen if you like Gothic architecture.

Construction on the Cathedral began in the 13th century, but it wasn’t finished until the 16th. This mix of architectural styles has created a beautiful, graceful building that still retains some of its original stained-glass windows despite damage during the Second World War.

The building’s façade is a showstopper and inspired some of the works of impressionist painter Claude Monet (you still can see the spot from where he captured its beauty under different lights). The Cathedral also boasts the highest spire in France at 151 meters.

Address: Place de la Cathédrale, Rouen; Opens from Tuesday to Friday, from 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., and on Monday, from 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.

2. Musée des Beaux-Arts

You may not have heard of this art museum, and yet it’s one of the most important in France. One of the top places to see in Rouen, its collection is truly comprehensive and includes a wide range of paintings, objects, and sculptures from the 15th century to the 21st.

While you’re at the Museum, you’ll get the chance to see works by some of the greatest artists the world has ever known, including Picasso, Renoir, Monet, and Caravaggio, so don’t miss out!

Address: Esp. Marcel Duchamp, Rouen; Opens from Wednesday to Monday, from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

3. Historial Jeanne d’Arc

Rouen also has a less attractive side to it. Jeanne d’Arc was burned alive in Rouen, and around the city, you’ll find a number of landmarks dedicated to her memory.

When you’re looking at what to do in Rouen, you can’t miss out on some of the Jeanne d’Arc landmarks. Jeanne d’Arc was tried and convicted in Rouen’s Episcopal Palace in 1431, a historic building where you can now find this museum of her life.

The Historial Jeanne d’Arc is a multimedia experience that covers her life. One of the top Rouen attractions, it lasts over an hour and is a display of light and sound through different rooms and halls in the Palace that’s both enthralling and informative.

If you’ve ever been interested in the famous saint and want to learn more about not only her grisly death but her life and her impact on French culture, then this is where to do it.

Address: 7 Rue Saint-Romain, Rouen; Opens from Tuesday to Sunday, from 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.

4. The Gros Horloge (Clock Tower)

During your Rouen sightseeing, you can’t miss the stunning Gros Horloge, which is one of the main Rouen tourist attractions. The Gros Horlodge is a medieval astronomical clock located a little south of the Palais de Justice. The clock’s bell tower was built in 1389 for defensive purposes, but the addition of the clock changed its purpose entirely.

The clock still works to this day and is used by the locals to tell time, but it’s amazingly decorative as well. The image on the clock face represents the sun, with the sun’s rays representing the 24-hour day, all of it set against a blue background.

The Gros Horloge is located halfway along the Rue du Gros Horloge, which is one of the best places to visit in Rouen for shopping.

5. Abbatiale Saint Ouen

The Abbatiale Saint Ouen is one of the best places to visit in Rouen for architecture lovers. One of Rouen’s landmarks, the Abbatiale is a masterpiece of Rayonnant Gothic architecture, and it always impresses visitors with its vast dimensions.

The Abbatiale Saint Ouen was built in the 14th century as a church for the Benedictine monastery. Today, it is totally empty, so it’s the perfect place to rest and reflect, with its 14th-century stained glass windows sending color into the enormous interior space.

On the upper floor, the Abbatiale houses the famous Cavaillé-Coll Organ, widely considered one of the most beautiful in the world, with 5,000 pipes and four keyboards. You should also make sure you see the Portail des Marmousets at the south transept of the Abbey, with its stunning carvings of Saint Ouen’s life.

Address: Place du Général de Gaulle, Rouen; Opens from Tuesday to Sunday, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.

6. Place du Vieux Marché (Old Market Square)

Also known as Old Market Square, this is at the west end of the Rue du Cros-Horloge and was once the execution ground for prisoners during the Middle Ages. This includes Joan of Arc, who was burned alive in Old Market Square in 1431.

Today, it’s a bustling area and one of the must places to visit in Rouen. It’s filled with beautiful half-timbered houses, including La Couronne (31 Place du Marché Vieux), the oldest auberge or inn in France.

You’ll also find plenty of little restaurants offering traditional food and cafés, where you can sit and people watch to your heart’s content.

7. Musée Le Secq des Tournelles

A visit to the Musée Le Secq des Tournelles is one of the most unique things to do in Rouen, France. Located in the former Saint Laurent Church, built in Gothic style, it hosts a collection of antique wrought ironwork. This may sound a little dry, but the reality is a collection of railings, jewelry, scientific instruments, and door knockers turned from everyday items into a fantastic exhibition.

The church itself dates back to the 15th century and has beautiful stained-glass windows that are worth taking a moment to enjoy.

Address: 2 Rue Jacques Villon, Rouen; Opens from Wednesday to Monday, from 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.

8. Palais de Justice

You can’t explore inside the Palais de Justice, but even from the outside, it’s one of the most impressive Rouen attractions. Home to the Rouen Law Courts, the building is a marvel of medieval architecture, built in the 16th century and restored after being damaged during the Second World War.

You’ll want to take lots of photos outside of this stunning building, and if you look closely, you’ll see shell holes in some of the exterior walls and some truly astonishing gargoyles on the roof.

A renovation of the Palais de Justice in the ‘70s also uncovered the remains of another stone building in the courtyard. Known as the Monument Juif, it’s the lower room of a rabbinical school dating back to 1100. Unfortunately, it’s still being restored and is closed to the public.

Address: 36 Rue aux Juifs, Rouen

9. Day Trip to Monet’s Gardens in Giverny

While you’re in Rouen, you should also take a day trip out to this stunning attraction. Located in the village of Giverny, about an hour’s drive from Rouen, these gardens were once the home of famous painter Claude Monet, who lived there from 1883 until his death in 1926.

There are two separate parts to this attraction: the Flower Gardens, also known as the Clos Normand, and the Water Garden, which was started after Monet arrived in Giverny. They’re both beautiful, ethereal places, and once you’re there, you’ll understand why they inspired the famous painter so deeply and led to the creation of his most famous works.

Monet’s House and Gardens are open from 1 April to 1 November.

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