This guide about Rouen France has a special place in my heart since I studied abroad in the Normandy region of France. You will truly feel like you are traveling back in time as you wander around the medieval streets and admire the timber-framed buildings.
Rouen is only ~1.5 hours away from Paris by train and makes for a perfect day trip, costing you only ~20 euros round trip!
Basic Questions
What is Rouen France known for?
Rouen is known for being the town where Joan of Arc was held for trial and eventually burned at the stake. Even though Joan of Arc’s history in Rouen is bleak, she is regarded in France as a patron saint because of her courage to transcend gender roles and protect France during several battles and wars.
You may have also learned about Rouen because of the impressionist Claude Monet, who frequently painted landscapes and cityscapes from the Normandy region. Monet painted Rouen Cathedral several times with his impressionist style.
You may have also heard of Rouen because of its beautiful architecture, more specifically the Gros Horlage (direct translation “Big Clock”), Notre Dame Cathedral, and charming medieval architecture.
Traveling to Rouen from Paris
There are several different options to get to Rouen from Paris. Listed below is a description of each:
Train
I believe a train ride is the best option if traveling from Paris as the city is extremely walkable. Once you arrive at Rouen’s train station (Rouen-Rive-Droite) you are 10 minutes from the city center.
- Duration: ~1 hour and 30 minutes
- Cost: 20 Euros
Car
When you have such a convenient train option, I am not sure why you would want to drive. I suppose this will give you flexibility if you are traveling to other areas that may not be as accessible.
- Duration: ~2 hours and 20 minutes
- Cost: Not as straightforward, but you will account for gas and tolls
- Parking: Parking is another cost that varies by where and how long you plan to stay. Here is the town’s website with all of the parking information.
Where is Rouen France?
Located in the Normandy region, the northwestern area of France, and conveniently located less than two hours from Paris by train.
Is Rouen Worth Visiting?
There are SO many beautiful places in France other than Paris. I think Rouen is worth it for a day trip to escape the chaos of Paris and get a feel for other French cultures. With so much history and beautiful architecture, I believe Rouen is worth visiting.
The Normandy region is so underrated in my opinion. If you want to explore more towns and attractions in the area, check out my guides to Caen, Mont Saint Michel, and the beautiful white cliffs of Etretat.
Rouen Things To Do
Walking Tour
The best way to make sure you hit all of the attractions is by doing a walking tour! Here is a great resource for a self-guided tour, but other guided options are available for purchase if you want a deep dive into the city’s history and major attractions.
Admire the Architecture
Wandering the streets is such an amazing way to immerse yourself and admire the architecture. Get lost and meander through this beautiful town!
Markets and Events
The market is every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday at Place du Vieux-Marche. This is a great place to stop for a quick lunch and try authentic French food.
Musee des Beaux-Arts de Rouen
For all the art lovers! This museum is home to some beautiful pieces ranging from the Renaissance period to the present day. Another benefit is that the museum is free! Take advantage of this opportunity.
Must See Attractions in Rouen, France
Notre Dame Cathedral- Rouen
The Rouen Cathedral is a major site to see in the city due to its exquisite Gothic architecture. The initial building of the church started in the 12th century and was not finished until the 15th century. There have been additions and renovations as the cathedral went through the Renaissance period and was impacted during multiple wars.
- Admission into the church is free and guided tours are available every day at 2:30, where you will get access to the crypt, baptistery, and the chapel of the holy virgin.
- Go during the evening from June to September to see the light show with themes changing year to year.
Gros Horlage
This major Rouen attraction directly translates to “big clock” which is so comically literal. The Gros Horlage was built in 1389 and is one of the oldest mechanisms in France. Definitely worth seeing as the clock is exquisite.
Joan of Arc’s Historical Footprint
Several attractions in Rouen are significant to Joan of Arc’s presence in the area. Listed below are the major stops to learn about the pivotal landmarks during Joan of Arc’s time in Rouen:
Place du Vieux-Marché
Located in this place is the church of Joan of Arc and the historical spot where she was burned at the stake. It is marked by a small plaque indicating the area.
Church of St Joan of Arc
This church contrasts from the other historical monuments as it was built in 1979 based on modern architecture but was built as a memorial for the brave woman who played a huge role in Rouen’s history.
Joan of Arc Museum
You may remember learning about Joan of Arc in school, but it is always nice to have a refresher. I suggest visiting the Joan of Arc Museum to get a contextual background and learn about her pertinence not only in Rouen but also in France.
Tower of Joan of Arc
The tower is the only remnant left from the medieval Rouen Castle but also holds significant value to Joan of Arc as it was where she was imprisoned before her trial for heresy.
Eat!
Because Rouen is located in the Normandy province, I would 100% take the time to immerse yourself by enjoying the Normandy foods. Some of the foods include Camembert cheese, seafood, and apples. Because apple production is huge in this area, cider is a popular alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverage. If you want something stronger, try calvados.
Within Rouen, we ate at Dame Cake and it was delicious!
If you also want a sweet treat then I would look for the “Joan of Arc Teardrops”, which are chocolate-covered almonds playing off of the famous historical figure.
Other Normandy Towns Worth Visiting
I truly believe the Normandy region is extremely underrated and think people should spend more time in this charming region. Listed below are some other stops I recommend adding to your Normandy itinerary:
- Caen is a beautiful city known for being where William the Conqueror was established. You could easily spend 2 days in Caen, which is also a great central location for other Normandy destinations such as Mont Saint Michel.
- Speaking of, Mont Saint Michel is a must-see! There is truly nothing like this fairytale-like structure.
- Combine a day of nature and coastal charm by visiting the Cliffs of Etretat and the quaint town of Honfleur. The Etretat cliffs are absolutely stunning and Honfleur is a small town that is packed with culture, history, and beautiful houses lining the harbor.
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Thank You
Thank you for reading my post. I would appreciate your thoughts about Rouen, France, and how this blog post helped you plan your trip.
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