Quick Summary:

  • Where is Rouen located?
    • Rouen is a beautiful and historic city located just two hours south of Paris, making it an ideal day-trip destination.
  • What makes Rouen a must-visit city?
    • Rouen is the capital of the Normandy region and offers a wealth of attractions for art and architecture enthusiasts.
  • What are some of the top cultural attractions in Rouen?
    • The Museum of Fine Arts is a must-see, featuring works from prominent Impressionist and Renaissance artists.
    • There are also two stunning Gothic churches and several fascinating museums to explore.
  • How can visitors learn about Rouen’s history?
    • One of the best ways to explore Rouen’s history is by joining a guided walking tour, which provides insights into the city's fascinating past.
  • Where can visitors enjoy local cuisine in Rouen?
    • After a busy day of sightseeing, visitors can dine at one of Rouen’s many excellent restaurants serving classic French cuisine.


  • Updated with new information since originally published.
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  • Our editors recommend these diverse local experiences.

1. Musee de Beaux Arts (Museum of Fine Arts) ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Category: Museums & Culture
Musee de Beaux Arts (Museum of Fine Arts) | What to See in Rouen, France
© RMM Rouen

2. Musee de Les Secq des Tournelles (The Museum of Wrought Iron) ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Tours
Musee de Les Secq des Tournelles (The Museum of Wrought Iron) | What to See in Rouen, France
© rh2010/stock.adobe.com

3. Musee de Rouen (Rouen Natural History Museum)

Category: Museums & Culture
Musee de Rouen (Rouen Natural History Museum) | What to See in Rouen, France
© Musée de Rouen

4. Musee de la Ceramique (Museum of Ceramics)

Category: Museums & Culture
Musee de la Ceramique (Museum of Ceramics) | What to See in Rouen, France
© RMM Rouen

5. Joan of Arc Historial

Joan of Arc Historial | What to See in Rouen, France
© Sergii Figurnyi/stock.adobe.com

6. Old Market Square

Category: Shopping
Old Market Square | What to See in Rouen, France
© William/stock.adobe.com

7. Gros Horloge (The Great Clock)

Gros Horloge (The Great Clock) | What to See in Rouen, France
© Sergey Rybin/stock.adobe.com

8. Jardin des Plantes (Botanical Garden)

Category: Activities
Jardin des Plantes (Botanical Garden) | What to See in Rouen, France
© brimeux/stock.adobe.com

9. Marche Saint Marc (Market of St. Marc Square)

Category: Shopping
Marche Saint Marc (Market of St. Marc Square) | What to See in Rouen, France
© PackShot/stock.adobe.com

10. Vieux Marche (The Old Market)

Category: Shopping
Vieux Marche (The Old Market) | What to See in Rouen, France
© Anton Ivanov Photo/stock.adobe.com

11. Jumieges

Jumieges | What to See in Rouen, France
© shorty25/stock.adobe.com

12. Lyons-la-Foret

Lyons-la-Foret | What to See in Rouen, France
© Ariane Citron/stock.adobe.com

13. Les Boucles de la Seine

Les Boucles de la Seine | What to See in Rouen, France
© bouybin/stock.adobe.com

14. Notre Dame Cathedral of Rouen

Category: Activities
Notre Dame Cathedral of Rouen | What to See in Rouen, France
© rh2010/stock.adobe.com

15. Church of Saint Maclou

Church of Saint Maclou | What to See in Rouen, France
© Suzanne Plumette/stock.adobe.com

16. The Banks of the Seine

The Banks of the Seine | What to See in Rouen, France
© jerome berquez/stock.adobe.com

17. Restaurant Gill

Category: Food & Drink
Restaurant Gill | What to See in Rouen, France
© Restaurant Gill

18. L'Odas

L'Odas | What to See in Rouen, France
© L’Odas

19. La Pecherie

La Pecherie | What to See in Rouen, France
© La Pecherie

20. Restaurant Le 6e Sans (The 6th Sense)

Category: Food & Drink
Restaurant Le 6e Sans (The 6th Sense) | What to See in Rouen, France
© Restaurant Le 6e Sans (The 6th Sense)


Best Time to Visit Places to Stay Tips for Visiting
Spring (March-May) – Mild temperatures and blooming gardens. Hôtel de Bourgtheroulde – A luxurious stay in a historic 15th-century building. Visit the Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Rouen – Admire the stunning Gothic architecture that inspired Monet.
Summer (June-August) – Warm weather and vibrant festivals. Mercure Rouen Centre Cathédrale – A comfortable stay in the heart of the old town. Experience the Joan of Arc Historial – An immersive museum about France’s national heroine.
Fall (September-November) – Crisp air and fewer tourists. Hôtel Littéraire Gustave Flaubert – A literary-themed boutique hotel with modern comforts. Stroll through the Old Market Square – Discover half-timbered houses and charming cafés.

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