The Top 10 Things to Do in Rouen, France

The Notre-Dame Cathedral of Rouen dominating the citys skyline
The Notre-Dame Cathedral of Rouen dominating the city's skyline | © DXR / WikiCommons
Christine Wilson

One of Normandy’s capitals, Rouen is a vibrant city defined by beautiful architecture, creative minds and a storied past. Whether you’re visiting one of its famed monuments, retracing its fascinating history or getting lost in its colourful streets, it is a city that is sure to engage. Before you go, read our list of the top 10 things to see and do in Rouen, France.

Discover history and art at its museums

As a city that has been celebrated by artists and carries a deep history, there is no shortage of museums to visit in Rouen. Art lovers will enjoy a visit to the Musée des Beaux-Arts, which holds the second-largest collection of Impressionist works in France. For something a bit more unique, head to the Musée Le Secq des Tournelles where wrought iron creations hang from the walls of a former church. The Musée de Rouen caters to fans of natural history and antiquities and the Musée de la Céramique will please admirers of fine pottery. No matter your taste, the city is able to offer something to your liking.

speech icon man in bubble

Destinations Unlocked:

Let our travel expert Stefano help you find your perfect Culture trip

Looking for an expert's perspective?

Uncover my top 3 recommended places from each continent on the map.
speech icon man in bubble
left arrow trip map

CentralAmerica

GORGEOUS GUATEMALA

Gorgeous Guatemala

5 days . Mini
speech icon man in bubble

1. Guatemala

An express adventure for those with limited time off. Prepare yourself incredible experiences. You will hike a volcano, visit mayan temples and witness a ceremony and take in beautiful colonial Antigua.

Next

right arrow next slide
left arrow trip map

CentralAmerica

BEACHY BELIZE

Beachy Belize

5 days . Mini
speech icon man in bubble

2. Belize

A quick trip not too far away for those seeking a relaxing mini break. You will have plenty of free time to relax but also some awesome activities to experience the rainforest and the caribbean sea.
left arrow previous slide

Next

right arrow next slide
left arrow trip map

CentralAmerica

COLONIAL MEXICO

Colonial Mexico

5 days . Mini
speech icon man in bubble

3. Mexico

An exciting mini trip exploring the lesser known colonial towns of central Mexico. This is hte perfect trip for someone with limited time off and still wants to turn on explorer mode and do something different.
left arrow previous slide

Back to Map

left arrow trip map

SouthAmerica

ADVENTUROUS ECUADOR

Adventurous Ecuador

8 days . Epic
speech icon man in bubble

1. Ecuador

A remarkable 8 days adventure through the Andes and the Amazon rainforest. The best choice for adventure seekers wishing to visit the 2 most iconic areas of South America, in only 1 week and no flights.

Next

right arrow next slide
left arrow trip map

SouthAmerica

ANCIENT PERU

Ancient Peru

9 days . Epic
speech icon man in bubble

2. Peru

An alternative itinerary to classic Peru, from Cusco to Arequipa. This itinerary is great combination of highlights Cusco and Machu Picchu with the lesser known Arequipa and Colca Canyon.
left arrow previous slide

Back to Map

left arrow trip map

Europe

SEDUCTIVE SOUTHERN ITALY

Seductive Southern Italy

10 days . Epic
speech icon man in bubble

1. Italy

The ultimate Italian experience from the vibrant streets of Naples to the breathtaking sceneries of the Amalfi Coast followed by Matera and down to Puglia with its golden beaches, intense flavours and fascinating destinations.

Next

right arrow next slide
left arrow trip map

Europe

EDINBURGH AND THE SCOTTISH HIGHLANDS BY TRAIN

Edinburgh And The Scottish Highlands By Train

7 days . Culture
speech icon man in bubble

2. Scotland

Embark on this great adventure starting from London all the way to Scotland with a true Scottish experience made of breathtaking sceneries, whisky tasting and ..lots of fun! Ideal for train lovers and explorers.
left arrow previous slide

Next

right arrow next slide
left arrow trip map

Europe

COMPLETE PORTUGAL BY TRAIN

Complete Portugal By Train

8 days . Culture
speech icon man in bubble

3. Portugal

A wonderful train journey around Portugal, from the romantic city of Porto to the Douro Valley, to the beautiful Aveiro all the way to Lisbon and Sintra. The perfect trip to train, culinary and culture lovers.
left arrow previous slide

Back to Map

left arrow trip map

Asia

SOULFUL SOUTH KOREA

Soulful South Korea

10 days . Epic
speech icon man in bubble

1. South Korea

Discover incredible temples, mountains and modern cities on this 10 day adventure. This trip is perfect for those seeking immersion in the cuisine, culture and natural wonders of South Korea.

Next

right arrow next slide
left arrow trip map

Asia

THAILAND, CAMBODIA & VIETNAM

Thailand, Cambodia & Vietnam

11 days . Epic
speech icon man in bubble

2. Thailand

From Bankgok to Angkor Wat to Ho Chi Minh City and everything in between - adventure through the heart of South-East Asia. Taste the delights, see history brought to life and unwind on a Mekong River cruise.
left arrow previous slide

Next

right arrow next slide
left arrow trip map

Asia

SECRETS OF SRI LANKA BY TRAIN

Secrets Of Sri Lanka By Train

10 days . Culture
speech icon man in bubble

3. Sri Lanka

A fantastic adventure that showcases Sri Lanka's fantastic landscapes, wildlife and flavours. With 3 epic rail journeys, 3 UNESCO heritage sites and time to relax, this trip has loads to offer at a great price
left arrow previous slide

Back to Map

left arrow trip map

Africa

EPIC MOROCCO

Epic Morocco

11 days . Epic
speech icon man in bubble

1. Morocco

An epic journey across Morocco: from Casablanca to Marrakech, through the blue city of Chefchaouen to the wonders of the desert and deep to the High Atlas Mountains - this trip has it all! Ideal for true explorers!

Next

right arrow next slide
left arrow trip map

Africa

ULTIMATE EGYPT

Ultimate Egypt

9 days . Epic
speech icon man in bubble

2. Egypt

From Cairo to Aswan, this trip brings the land of the pharaohs to life. You'll visit the Pyramids, Valley of the Kings and Luxor Temple and cruise down the Nile in style. This is the perfect way to explore Egypt.
left arrow previous slide

Next

right arrow next slide
left arrow trip map

Africa

IMMERSIVE KENYA

Immersive Kenya

8 days . Epic
speech icon man in bubble

3. Kenya

An immersive blend of culture and wildlife for first time travelers to Africa. Learn about Nairobi, sample local coffee in the Aberdares and finish up with a fantastic safari stay in the Masai Mara.
left arrow previous slide

Back to Map

See beautiful wrought ironwork at the Musée Le Secq des Tournelles

Retrace the history of Joan of Arc

Rouen saw the tragic end of Saint Joan of Arc’s life, a legacy that continues to leave its mark in the city. Follow in her footsteps beginning with a visit to the Historial Jeanne d’Arc, her trial site turned museum that provides visitors with an interactive visit, walking them through the history of Joan of Arc and the legend that surrounds her. Approximately one kilometre away from the museum is the Joan of Arc Tower, the former dungeon where the Saint was locked up during her trial. Then, the Église Sainte-Jeanne-d’Arc de Rouen marks where she was burned at the stake for heresy. The church is a unique building in the town’s Old Market Square and its interior is lined with stunning stained glass windows. Outside is a statue of Joan of Arc, said to be stationed in the very spot where her life ended.

The site where Joan of Arc was burned at the stake in Rouen

People watch in the Old Market Square

The Old Market Square once served as the execution ground for guilty prisoners during the Middle Ages. Today, it is one of the main squares of Rouen, brimming with life from the terraces of colourful buildings that line its perimeter. Take a coffee break here and watch the daily life of the Rouennais pass you by or enjoy a night on the town at one of the nearby restaurants. One of the timber houses that lines the square is La Couronne, the oldest auberge in France and where Julia Child ate her first meal in the country.

Watch the world go by from a cafe in Rouen’s Old Market Square

Peruse the stunning streets of Old Rouen

Rouen’s streets are lined with photo-worthy, colourful half-timber buildings that make a simple walk around the city reason enough to visit. Be sure to stroll the Rue de l’Épicerie, a former bustling street that was captured in a painting by Camille Pissarro in 1898. Of course, no visit to Rouen would be complete without seeing the Gros-Horloge, a stunning Renaissance clock that arches over the Rue du Gros Horloge and a symbol of the Norman town. The city has also been acclaimed for the street art popping up throughout its metropolis, so keep an eye out for that as well or seek certain works out by using this map.

Enjoy a picnic lunch in the Jardin des Plantes

A sizeable city garden covering 85,000 square metres, the Jardin des Plantes houses plant species from all corners of the world. Highlights include a rose garden, a garden for medicinal plants and an Asian-inspired rock garden. There’s also a greenhouse, a honey garden and an aviary featuring parrots, parakeets and golden pheasants. The gardens are a perfect way to spend a sunny afternoon and are especially a hit for children.

The lush green gardens of Rouen’s Jardin des Plantes

Gather fresh goods from one of the weekly markets

There are many markets each week in Rouen and there are a few that stand out in particular. The market of Clos Saint-Marc carries a wide array of local goods and operates every Tuesday, Friday and Saturday from 6:00 am to 6:00 pm and Sunday from 6:00 am to 1:30 pm (doubling as a flea market on Friday and Sunday). The Vieux-Marché in Rouen’s Old Market Square is a classic with vendors selling farm fresh fruits and vegetables as well as flowers. It runs Tuesday through Thursday and Sunday from 7:00 am to 1:00 pm and Friday from 7:00 am to 6:00 pm. On Saturdays, it’s a flea market that is open from 7:00 am to 6:00 pm.

Explore Rouen’s bucolic countryside surroundings

Beyond the city limits, the discovery continues with inspiring villages and countryside scenes. The town of Jumièges is 28 kilometres west of Rouen and is known for its ruins of a former Roman Catholic abbey. Approximately 40 kilometres east of the city is Lyons-la-Forêt, named one of the most beautiful villages in France. Northwest of Rouen, the Château de Bois-Guilbert is a seven-hectare square park showcasing a spectacular garden landscaped by Normandy native Jean-Marc de Pas adorned with sculptures. Those looking to get a bit active can explore the countryside by bike or foot and discover the paths neighbouring the natural park, des Boucles de la Seine.

Discover the stunning ruins of an abbey in nearby Jumièges

Dine like royalty at Rouen’s incredible restaurants

There are many dining establishments in Rouen from simple crêperies to Michelin-starred restaurants. Wherever you choose, you’re sure to get a quality meal using ingredients from the region. Be sure to try Rouen’s famed dish, the Rouen duckling. A recipe originally conceived in 1933, Rouen duckling is a pressed duck cooked using red wine from Beaune, Porto and Cognac and thickened with blood.

Visit its collection of impressive churches

Rouen boasts a number of stunning churches, mostly constructed in Gothic style. Its best-known and domineering of the bunch, the Notre-Dame Cathedral, is by far the most elaborate and captivating and holds the title of the tallest cathedral in all of France. Be sure to not just take in the exterior, as inside is where the embalmed heart of Richard the Lionheart rests in his tomb. The city’s others churches shouldn’t go unnoticed, either: the Church of Saint-Maclou offers a different aesthetic, renowned for its five gabled arches on its facade and the Abbey of Saint-Ouen is a prime example Flamboyant Gothic architecture.

Facade of the Rouen Cathedral

Stroll along the banks of the Seine

Like Paris, the Seine river weaves through Rouen breaking the city into two banks. And also like Paris, the pathway that follows the river’s waters is ideal for an evening stroll, watching as boats and river cruises pass by. Approximately two kilometres in length, the trail begins at the William the Conqueror Bridge and ends at the Rollet peninsula, where you’ll find a large park with a garden and a court for playing a round of pétanque.

culture trip left arrow
 culture trip brand logo

Volcanic Iceland Epic Trip

meet our Local Insider

Hanna

women sitting on iceberg

HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN A GUIDE?

2 years.

WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT YOUR JOB?

It's the personal contact, the personal experiences. I love meeting people from all over the world... I really like getting to know everyone and feeling like I'm traveling with a group of friends.

WHAT DESTINATION IS ON YOUR TRAVEL BUCKET-LIST?

I have so many places on my list, but I would really lobe to go to Africa. I consider myself an “adventure girl” and Africa feels like the ULTIMATE adventure!

culture trip logo letter c
group posing for picture on iceberg
group posing for picture on iceberg

Every CULTURE TRIP Small-group adventure is led by a Local Insider just like Hanna.

map of volcanic iceland trip destination points
culture trip brand logo
culture trip right arrow
landscape with balloons floating in the air

KEEN TO EXPLORE THE WORLD?

Connect with like-minded people on our premium trips curated by local insiders and with care for the world

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.

X

Holiday Sale Offers on Our Trips

Incredible Savings

Edit article