//
Prefecture and commune in Normandy, France
Photo: Foulques1996, CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Rouen is the capital of the French region of Normandy on the River Seine, 135 km (approximately 90 minutes drive) northwest from the centre of Paris. The city has a population of 116,000 (2022), and its metropolitan area includes some 700,000 inhabitants. It is where Joan of Arc was burnt at the stake, but the main reason for visiting is its incredible cathedral that inspired Monet to paint over 30 canvases. Rouen was the home of the author Gustave Flaubert.
From the travel guide. Select a place for details, a map and what is nearby.
la cathédrale de Rouen
A stunning building that dates back to the 4th century and is a wonderful mixture of various architectural styles since then. A new spire built in the 19th century meant that it briefly qualified as the tallest building in the world. The façade of the cathedral was famously painted by Claude Monet at various times during the day - like his Haystacks series of paintings - capturing the subject in a variety of lights. In the summer after dark the city puts on a light show projecting some of Monet's cathedral paintings onto the façade of the cathedral itself, each showing lasts approximately 10 minutes and runs until about midnight.
Joan of Arc was burned at the stake in the center of la vieille ville. A simple field of wildflowers marks the spot of her martyrdom. Next to it is the modern Eglise de Jeanne d'Arc.
The Great Clock
The mechanism of the clock is one of the oldest in France. Climb to the top for a beautiful view of the city.
Best known for his scandalous novel Madame Bovary, has been converted into a museum of his life and of 19th-century medicine (his father and brother were doctors)
The birthplace of the French playwright, who is best known for his tragicomedy Le Cid from the mid-17th century.
The magnificent Gothic architecture is not to be missed in this abbey built in 1318.
Museum and audio visual presentation of Joan of Arc, sells itself as "not like a traditional museum".
It was founded in 1801 by Napoleon, and has paintings by Monet, Caravaggio, Robert Antoine Pinchon and others.
A museum about ironwork, which was founded in 1920, in a church from the 11th century.
These botanical gardens were created in 1691, and opened to the public in 1741. They have greenhouses, statues and around 600 species of plant.
A museum dedicated to the local area's old school from the 1950s-1960s. Group visits can be arranged
A €60-million lift bridge, opened in 2008, named after French novelist Gustave Flaubert. It is the third tallest building in the town.
Museum on aviation, space flight and related professions. Regular sessions and demonstrations.
Local museum highlighting the maritime history of the town. Children will likely enjoy the real boats just outside the museum which you can go on and explore.
A rare and atmospheric example of a medieval charnel house that was built in the 16th century to cope with victims of the plague. The half-timbered buildings surrounding a central courtyard are decorated with macabre carvings of skulls, bones, and tools of death. Once an ossuary and later a school of fine arts, it now houses exhibitions and a café.
One of the finest examples of Gothic civic architecture in France. Built between the 15th and 16th centuries, it once served as the seat of the Parliament of Normandy. Its ornate façade is richly decorated with intricate stone carvings, spires, and gargoyles, reflecting the wealth and importance of Rouen during the late Middle Ages. The building was heavily damaged during World War II but has since been meticulously restored. Today, it still functions as a courthouse.
Old Market Square
One of Rouen’s most historically significant public spaces, famously known as the site where Joan of Arc was burned at the stake on May 30, 1431. A tall cross now marks the location of her execution, serving as a solemn reminder of this pivotal moment in French history.
Swimming pools, swimming lessons - including an Olympic sized swimming pool. There's also two ice rinks here. For the reduced price, bring along ID proving you're entitled to a reduction in price, or proof you've lived in Rouen for at least a year.
Cinéma Omnia République
Cinema near the Île Lacroix.
The Rouen Opera House, home of the Rouen Philharmonic Orchestra.
A theatre founded in 1985, with a capacity of 208.
Vegetarian restaurant on a pedestrian street.
Fancy restaurant near the Église Sainte-Jeanne-d'Arc. Typical French cuisine. Nice setting on busy weekends.
Crêpe restaurant.
Traditional French restaurant, specialising in snails (escargots).
A seafood restaurant near the river and the Île Lacroix.
Michelin two-star restaurant on the banks of the Seine.
Classic French cuisine in a building from the 14th century.
Great student bar, home of Rouen's Erasmus population.
An Irish pub.
A clean, comfortable and friendly city centre hotel. It is modestly priced, despite being a few minutes walk from the river and cathedral. This hotel also has arrangements with several local restaurants and can organise "Soirées D'Etape", which include a room, breakfast and evening meal at a restaurant (the hotel has no restaurant of its own).
Quiet hotel. Delightful breakfast served in oak-beamed dining room.
Ferme du Coquetot is a B&B set on a farm 15 minutes from Rouen. The owners may invite you to see the milking and learn about the farm. Fresh farm products are available for dinner (table d'hotes on booking, €16 per person) or for breakfast.
Hotel overlooking the Seine, not far from the Panorama XXL.
Comfortable, clean and friendly. parking in underground car park. Very close to town centre, Cathedral, restaurants shops.
A hotel in a 17th-century building next to the cathedral.
Historical landmark, now a hotel and spa.
Sells foods of all types, cakes, meat, cheese, etc.
Flea market.
Market selling all sorts of food.
Covered market, selling food and flowers. Flea market on Thursday.
Shopping centre opened in 1978, with many shops, including international chains like Foot Locker and H&M.
Even more shops, including international brands like Hollister, H&M and Toys R Us.
By train
By bus
Flixbus and BlablaCar Bus serve the city. From Paris, connections can be made with buses throughout France and Europe.
By boat
Ferries from the UK go to the French ports of Dieppe and Le Havre, from where trains can be caught to Rouen.
By plane
Choose an airport to see hotels, stations, taxi ranks and car rental desks around it.
Beauvais · International · BVA
Loading places around the airport…
Articles and travel topics about Rouen and France.
Travel tipsUnderstand travel insurance for a Schengen visa in 2026. Learn mandatory €30,000 medical coverage, zero deductible rules, and embassy-approved policies.
7 min read
Travel tipsEstimate your Europe trip cost for 2 weeks in 2026. Compare realistic budgets for lodging, Eurail trains, dining, and sightseeing across three styles.
8 min read
Travel tipsSpot and avoid common tourist scams in Paris, including Montmartre string bracelets, petition clipboards, fake airport taxis, and metro fare traps.
9 min read
ItinerariesPlan the best day trips from Paris by train. Discover travel times, stations, fares, and tips for Versailles, Giverny, Reims, and Mont-Saint-Michel.
7 min read
Every section of the guide. Open one to read it in full.