Things To Do
in Rouen
Rouen is a historic Norman city perched along the Seine, where medieval lanes and timber-framed houses meet a vibrant cultural scene. Its skyline is dominated by the Gothic Notre-Dame Cathedral, famed for its towering arches and Monet’s celebrated renditions. The old town winds with markets, cafés, and riverside walks that reveal layers of history from Joan of Arc to Impressionism.
Today Rouen blends timeless heritage with modern museums, culinary delights, and a lively student atmosphere.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Begin your day wandering the cobbled lanes of Rue du Gros-Horloge, soaking in its medieval atmosphere. Stop at a local café for a buttery croissant and strong espresso. Admire the soaring Gothic façade of Cathédrale Notre-Dame as morning light filters through its stained glass.
Climb the cathedral’s towers for panoramic views of Rouen’s red-tiled roofs and winding streets below. Explore the crypt and marvel at centuries-old architecture and delicate sculptures. Visit the nearby Palais de Justice to see its ornate timber framing and tragic history.
Dine at a riverside bistro overlooking the Seine, sampling fresh Normand cheeses and cider. Watch the sun set behind the cathedral spires, painting the skyline in warm hues. End the evening with a guided ghost tour through the lantern-lit alleyways of the old quarter.
Head to the Musée des Beaux-Arts de Rouen for an immersive art experience featuring masterpieces by Monet, Sisley, and Caravaggio. Use the museum’s audio guide to learn about the artists’ connections to Normandy light and landscape. Pause in the sculpture gallery to appreciate works by Rodin and Maillol.
Stroll to the Jardin des Plantes de Rouen for a leisurely picnic among rose gardens and exotic plant collections. Explore the greenhouse’s tropical flora and fragrant orchids. Relax by the lily-pond before heading back into town.
Attend a special evening lecture or spotlight exhibition at the museum’s contemporary wing. Enjoy a glass of local Calvados in the museum café while discussing your favorite works. Take a twilight walk through the adjacent Place de l’Hôtel de Ville, admiring its illuminated façade.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $12-20 |
| 🥖Bakery item | $2-4 |
| ☕Coffee | $3-5 |
| 🍷Glass of wine | $6-9 |
| 🚆Public transit ticket | $2-3 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Rich medieval heritage and cathedral
- Compact center ideal for walking
- Gastronomy and cider-rich Normandy
- Easy day trips to the coast and countryside
- Can be rainy; weather changes quickly
- Some sites busy during peak season
- Smaller nightlife compared to bigger cities
- "Bonjour" - Hello
- "S'il vous plaît" - Please
- "Merci" - Thank you
- "Parlez-vous anglais ?" - Do you speak English?
- "Où est… ?" - Where is…?
- "L'addition, s'il vous plaît" - The bill, please
- "Je suis végétarien(ne)" - I am vegetarian
Places to Visit in Rouen
Visit one of these nice places.
A Gothic masterpiece with towering façades; ideal in early morning light or during blue hour.
A Renaissance astronomical clock set in a scenic arcaded street; perfect for atmospheric street photography.
A quintessential Norman street scene with colorful timber-framed façades.
An atmospheric medieval burial site with striking Gothic architecture.
Historic square with Joan of Arc’s juridical site and picture-perfect surrounding houses.
Food in Rouen
Rouen Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A robust pork sausage often served with potatoes; try it in traditional brasseries around the historic center.
Must-Try!
Slow-braised tripe with onions and herbs in a cider or beer reduction; a classic Normandy dish to seek out in brasseries.
Seared scallops in a creamy herb sauce, commonly featured in coastal Normandy restaurants.
Warm Camembert served with crusty bread; a simple, iconic Normandy treat found in fromageries and bistros.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Historic market area offering local cheeses, apples, seafood, and freshly baked goods.
Covered market hub for seafood, dairy, produce, and regional specialties; great for tasting bites.
Savory and sweet crepes along the quays and market squares, perfect for a quick bite.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Begin interactions with a polite 'Bonjour' (and 'Bonsoir' in the evening); use 's'il vous plaît' and 'merci'.
Speak softly in public places; be mindful of dress codes in churches and formal venues; a handshake is common in business contexts.
Safety
Tipping in Rouen
Ensure a smooth experience
In France, service is often included (service compris) in restaurants; if not, a tip of 1-5% or a few euros for good service is appreciated.
Cards are widely accepted (chip-and-PIN and contactless). Cash is useful, and mobile wallets are common in shops and cafes.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Mild days, blooming trees, and lively markets; pack a light jacket for variable weather.
Warm days and long evenings; outdoor dining along the Seine, with occasional showers.
Colorful foliage and harvest markets; cooler temperatures and more frequent rain.
Cool, often damp; Christmas markets and indoor museums provide warmth and atmosphere.
Rouen at Night
Hiking in Rouen
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Forested area just north of Rouen with marked trails and scenic Rhine-Siene views.
Iconic chalk cliffs and coastal trails offering dramatic sea views a short drive away.
Airports
How to reach Rouen by plane.
Major international gateway; direct train connections to Rouen or easy transfer by car.
Smaller airport with budget flights; about 1.5-2 hours by road or train from Rouen.
Coastal regional airport with seasonal flights; roughly 2 hours by road.
Small regional airport serving general aviation; connects to nearby hubs.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
A sizable student population supported by local universities and arts schools.
Residents with deep ties to Normandy towns and rural hinterlands.
National and international visitors drawn to medieval architecture and the coast.
People traveling to and from Paris and nearby towns for work.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Popular among locals; matches and clubs in Rouen provide local flavor.
Road cycling along the Seine and into the surrounding countryside is common.
Active on the Seine with local clubs and boating opportunities.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Rouen.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Look for vegetarian-friendly options such as omelettes, ratatouille, seasonal salads, and cheese plates; many places can adapt dishes to exclude meat.