Rouen’s location in northern Normandy, along the winding Seine River, has been crucial in the city’s growth and development since ancient times. Today, the best things to do in Rouen are connected with its history and its status as a musée-ville (museum town).
Rouen is an important historical and cultural hub. Everywhere you look, you’re reminded of the stories and personalities that have shaped it.
A little history
Rouen has an extensive history dating back to Roman settlement in the 1st century BCE, when the town was known as Rotomagus.
Rouen endured assaults during the Viking invasions of France. In the Middle Ages, though, Rouen was a flourishing centre of trade, commerce, and textile manufacturing; its merchant guilds wielded great wealth and power in Normandy.
The town played a major role as a contested city during the prolonged Hundred Years’ War with England (1337–1453).
You can’t be in Rouen without reminders of the most notable event that took place during that time. Rouen was the site of the trial and execution of Joan of Arc (Jeanne D’Arc), in 1431. Later (posthumously) she was declared innocent and, in 1920, was made a saint.
Modern Rouen is an important port, and a centre for engineering manufacture and food processing.
Rouen’s historical heritage
Old Market Square
Place du Vieux-Marché is the public square where Joan of Arc was burned at the stake in 1431. The spot, Le Bucher (the Pyre) is marked by a plaque and flowers.
The whole square, which is now a site of remembrance, is surrounded by half-timbered medieval architecture that was restored after being damaged during WWII.
Joan of Arc’s Tower
This is the keep, or tower, and the only remaining part of the medieval castle of Rouen, built in 1205. The tower was later named Tour Jeanne D’Arc, because Joan was taken there after the English captured her in 1430; she was imprisoned in the tower before her execution the following year.
It stands between the railway station and the Fine Arts Museum and is open to visitors.
Rouen Cathedral
This impressive High Gothic Cathédrale de Notre-Dame de Rouen is considered one of the finest examples of French Gothic architecture. Its elaborately decorated facade has ornate portals and towering spires that reach 96 metres in height. Most visitors remember it as the most beautiful cathedral they’ve seen.
Rouen’s famous clock
The astronomical clock sits in a stone arch over Rue du Gros-Horloge. It has been a public timepiece since it was installed in the late 14th century and is now an emblem of Rouen – and probably photographed more than anything else in the city.
Saint-Maclou and Saint-Ouen
These remarkably beautiful Gothic churches are worth visiting. The exteriors and doors are decorated with delicate carvings and statues and the interiors are vast and grand.
Museums and galleries
Joan of Arc Historial
It seems the best things to do in Rouen – certainly the most popular – involve Joan of Arc. Located within the former Archbishop’s Palace, and opened in 2015, this multimedia history museum and memorial takes visitors through the legendary story, with immersive and audio-visual experiences of Joan’s exploits, her trial and her death. See more at the website.
The Flaubert Museum
Musée Flaubert is a fascinating place to visit. It’s located in the former Hôtel-Dieu (hospital), where Gustave Flaubert (1821-1880) was born, and stayed until 1840. His parents had an apartment there and his father worked as a surgeon.
The museum is not only about Flaubert. It has two sections – one is dedicated to Flaubert’s life and work and the other to history of medicine, with medical equipment and hospital rooms on display. Both are excellent.
The Fine Arts Museum
The Musée des Beaux-Arts de Rouen is situated in a former 17th century abbey and holds a magnificent collection of paintings, sculptures and decorative arts from major European artists, ranging from the 15th to the 20th century.
For leisure
Some of the best things to do in Rouen after you’ve seen the historical sights are found in the city’s beautiful green spaces.
The botanical gardens (Jardin des Plantes de Rouen) were established in the 17th century to grow medicinal botanicals, Now, this beautiful plant-filled park, just outside the city centre has beautiful rose gardens and floral specimens from around the world.
If you’re in Rouen at certain times of the year, you might catch some of its special events.
Armada de Rouen (The Tall Ships Festival) has drawn crowds to the banks of the Seine every four years, in June, since 1949. The popular 10-day event celebrates Rouen’s maritime heritage with a gathering of majestic tall ships, modern naval ships and recreational boats from across Europe. The most recent gathering was in 2023, and attracted about 6 million visitors.
Rouen Impressionnée is a summer festival that celebrates Rouen’s role in the Impressionist art movement. You’ll see concerts, exhibitions, gallery openings and citywide events, mostly inspired by 19th century Impressionism.
Local cuisine
Enjoying its cuisine has to be among the best things to do in Rouen. After all, it has all of Normandy’s agricultural specialities: duck, lamb and veal, locally harvested seafood, superb cheeses, fresh cream and butter and its famous cider.
Go to any of the fabulous local restaurants, brasseries or pubs and try whatever’s on the daily specials list.
Further afield
The beauty of Rouen is that it’s so close to great places for day trips or mini-visits.
- Giverny is 63 km (39 miles) southeast of Rouen, along the Seine. It’s the wonderfully preserved home of the famous Impressionist painter Claude Monet. You can visit the house where he lived for more than four decades, and see the gardens and ponds that inspired his work.
- Château Gaillard, also on the Seine, is less than 25 km (15 miles) from Rouen. You can visit the ruins of Richard the Lionheart’s strategically built medieval stronghold, which offer panoramic views over the valley and river below.
See more Francy That! suggestions for Places To Go.
Information
LOCATION: Normandy, on the Seine River.
DISTANCE FROM PARIS: 135 km (84 miles) northwest of Paris.
POPULATION: 660,000+
NEAREST AIRPORT: Rouen Airport (Aéroport de Rouen-Vallée de Seine) handles domestic flights.
NEAREST TRAIN STATION: Rouen-Rive-Droite
TOURIST INFORMATION: Esp. Marcel Duchamp.
MARKETS: Saint-Marc Market, for fresh produce and other goods.
MUST SEE: Rouen Cathedral; Flaubert Museum; Joan of Arc heritage sights.
