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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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1. Musee de Beaux Arts (Museum of Fine Arts)
The Museum of Fine Arts in Rouen is undoubtedly a must-see attraction for anyone interested in the world of fine arts. The museum boasts a remarkable collection of arts which spans several centuries and includes major works by many famous artists. In fact, the collection is so expansive that it would pay you to carefully plan your visit by doing some on-line research on their website prior to your visit. Highlights of the permanent collections include works by impressionist masters Monet, Pissarro, Sisley and Renoir, to name but a few. The best way to fully appreciate the collections is to join a guided tour of the museum.
Musée de Beaux Arts, Esplanade Marcel Duchamp, 76000 Rouen, France, Phone: +33-2-35-71-28-40
2. Musee de Les Secq des Tournelles (The Museum of Wrought Iron)
The Musee de Les Secq des Tournelles is dedicated to showcasing the work of wrought-iron craftsmen. It is located inside the historic 15th century Church of Saint Laurent, which is, in itself, a good reason to visit. The museum’s expansive collection of fine wrought-iron articles and objects‘d art has been separated into categories according to its original purpose and includes many decorative items such as door knockers, gates, hinges and other everyday household items. There are sections devoted to kitchen equipment, sewing and ironing, cutlery, lighting and many more. Visitors are welcome to browse the exhibits at their own pace or join a highly-informative guided tour.
Musée de Les Secq des Tournelles, 2 Rue Jacques Villon, 76000 Rouen, Phone: +33-2-35-71-28-40
3. Musee de Rouen (Rouen Natural History Museum)
This amazing Natural History Museum, which boasts a diverse collection of over 800,000 objects, is housed in what was originally a 17th century convent. Some of the collections date back as far as the early 18th century and many of the exotic animal exhibits were obtained from the Saint Romaine Fair which then took place in Rouen. The museum showcases objects such as birds, animals, fish, sea shells, fossils and even human remains from all corners of the planet. The exhibits are separated into sections and it is possible to download a guide from their website to help you plan your visit. Entrance to the museum is free for all visitors.
Musée de Rouen, 198 Rue Beauvoisine, 76000 Rouen, Phone: +33-2-35-71-41-50
4. Musee de la Ceramique (Museum of Ceramics)
Housed in the historic Hôtel d’Hocqueville building, right beside the Fine Arts Museum, the Museum of Ceramics is home to an outstanding collection of Rouen earthenware. Architecture enthusiasts can admire the neo-classic style interior of the 17th century building which has seen several alterations throughout the centuries. The museum tells the story of the progress of ceramics in and around Rouen from the 16th to the late 18th century. Highlights of the collection include examples of Renaissance paving by Masséot Abaquesne, enormous 18th century ceremonial dishes and sculptures. Most of the collection was locally crafted but there are also brilliant examples of ceramics from as far afield as Delft, Nevers and Lille and some outstanding Majolica work from Italy.
Museum of Ceramics, 1 Rue Faucon, 76000 Rouen, Phone: +33-2-35-07-31-74
5. Joan of Arc Historial
Visitors are invited to embark on a deeply moving journey in the footsteps of Joan of Arc at this unique interactive historical exhibit which spans 5 floors. You will soon realize that this is no ordinary museum but rather an ambitious feat of technology which explains the life and times of this martyr like no regular museum would be able to do. As you enter the darkness of the exhibit, be prepared for an array of projections, 3D mappings, screens and other devices which will lead you, step by step and day by day from one fascinating room to another. Here you will learn about the infamous 15th century trial of the saint and how historic myths and reality converge.
Joan of Arc Historial, 7 Rue Saint-Romain, 76000 Rouen, Phone: +33-2-35-52-48-00
6. Old Market Square
The Old Market Square in the historic center of Rouen is surrounded by restaurants and bars, making this an ideal place to take a break from visiting all the wonderful museums in the city. Today the square is full of atmosphere, surrounded by some beautiful examples of 15th to 18th-century half-timbered buildings, and is a great place to sit and watch the passing parade. However, the Old Market Square was once a sinister place which was used for public executions in the Middle Ages. This is also the place where Joan of Arc was burned alive at the stake on the 30th May 1431 – the spot is still marked by a large wooden cross.
Old Market Square
7. Gros Horloge (The Great Clock)
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Prominently located above a low Renaissance arch which crosses the Rue du Gros Horloge, The Great Clock is a 14th century astronomical clock which has become a symbol of the town and a popular Rouen landmark. The mechanism of the clock was made in 1389, making this beautiful timepiece one of the oldest clocks in France. The impressive Renaissance façade shows a golden sun with 24 rays against a deep blue backdrop. Above the dial you can admire a globe which shows the phases of the moon and there are several representations of sheep, a reminder of the importance of the wool trade. Visitors can access the rear of the pavilion where you can see the dials and visit the belfry.
Gros Horloge, Rue du Gros Horloge, 76000 Rouen, France
8. Jardin des Plantes (Botanical Garden)
When you feel the need to escape the hustle and bustle of the city for a short while the Garden of Plants is an ideal refuge. This botanical garden is situated to the south of the city of Rouen and is a popular meeting place for local residents. At the heart of the garden you will find a large central greenhouse which is over 170 years old. Here a large variety of plants from all around the world are nurtured. The greenhouse is also home to a variety of colorful birds including parrots, peacocks and more. A fairly recent addition to the garden is the meadow area where plants are grown to encourage bees – this section is known as the Honey Garden.
Jardin des Plantes, 114B Ave. des Martyrs de la Resistance, 76100 Rouen
9. Marche Saint Marc (Market of St. Marc Square)
Market lovers should try and arrange to be in Rouen on a Tuesday, Friday, Saturday or Sunday, when the town’s famous market opens on Saint Marc Square. On these days, local farmers, cheese makers, charcuterie dealers and flower sellers descend upon St. Marc Square to host their lively fresh goods market. Here you will find everything from freshly-picked flowers to beautifully matured cheeses and everything else you need to stock up your pantry. There are also several stalls selling delicious French street food – a cheese-filled baguette or melt-in-the-mouth crepe are hard to resist. In addition, there are several flea-market stalls selling second-hand treasures.
Marche Saint Marc , 28 Place Saint Marc, 76100 Rouen
| 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. |
Plan Your Trip
Table of Contents:
- 1. Musee de Beaux Arts (Museum of Fine Arts)
- 2. Musee de Les Secq des Tournelles (The Museum of Wrought Iron)
- 3. Musee de Rouen (Rouen Natural History Museum)
- 4. Musee de la Ceramique (Museum of Ceramics)
- 5. Joan of Arc Historial
- 6. Old Market Square
- 7. Gros Horloge (The Great Clock)
- 8. Jardin des Plantes (Botanical Garden)
- 9. Marche Saint Marc (Market of St. Marc Square)