Rouen is a large town, and capital of the Upper Normandy region, situated in the Seine-Maritime department. The town is classified as a ‘City of Art and History’ and has more than 200 protected sites.
Explore Rouen
Unfortunately a great deal of Rouen was very badly damaged during the second world war, but extensive reconstruction has taken place to rebuild the medieval old town and Rouen also contains a number of noteworthy monuments including an impressive cathedral - famously painted by Monet on many occasions.
Rouen cathedral
The cathedral is undoubtedly the highlight of a visit to Rouen, despite its many challenges over the last few centuries: the cathedral we see today is third cathedral in the same location (nothing remains of the first, but the crypt from the second is part of the current cathedral).
The cathedral was very badly damaged during bombing in April 1944 after which it was close to collapse.
Happily the cathedral was saved and has undergone major renovations since that time. It is the ornate facade with highly decorated entranceway and two towers that is the main feature of the cathedral, although the 156 metres tall iron spire (added to the lantern tower in the 19th century) might catch your eye first.
Inside the cathedral, the light filled nave, the stained glass windows, the effigy of Richard the Lionheart, the staircase to the library and the Lady Chapel are among the features of interest.
Monet painted 30 pictures of Rouen cathedral, attempting to capture the building in all different light and weather conditions, as one of the most impressive series of impressionist paintings.
Other highlights in Rouen
Wandering around the old centre of Rouen you will discover fabulous half timbered buildings on almost every street. Start your visit to the old town in the Place du Vieux-Marché: beautiful and filled with tourists now, this was actually the square where Joan of Arc was burned to death for heresy.
There are some more particularly impressive examples of medieval houses around the Church and Cemetery of Saint-Maclou and around the Church of Saint-Joan, and in Rue Saint-Romain and Rue Eau-de-Robec.
The church of Saint-Maclou is built in the 'flamboyant gothic' style and is very attractive. Nearby you can see the Aitre Saint-Maclou, the church cemetery that dates back to the time of the Great Plague.
Have a look at the buildings to see carvings evoking death and the mummified cat. The buildings now house the School of Fine Art.
The church of St Joan of Arc has a completely different appearance to much of historic Rouen. This modern church has been built on the site where Joan of Arc was burnt at the stake.
The large cross stands on the exact spot, with the church next to it, and the strangely shaped slate tiled roof is supposed to represent the flames (it has quite a dragon-like appearance to my mind).
Next to the church the roof sweeps away to cover the food market and the ensemble is quite a contrast to the wood and timber buildings on the other side of the square.
From here the Rue du Gros Horloge takes you to the Great Clock housed in a Gothic Belfry with a Renaissance archway. The street is charming, and pedestrianised with lots of shops and the clock is spectacular. The astronomical clock also shows the phases of the moon dates from the early 16th century.
Another remarkable building in Rouen is the Palais de Justice. This building almost has the air of a cathedral it is so beautifully decorated on the outside.
The Palace has been restored since the war but certain parts have been deliberately left exposed as a testament to the bombardments the city suffered during its liberation by the allies. The Palais de Justice is the largest civil building in the gothic style in France.
You can also see the impressive Abbey Church of Saint-Ouen, and the Joan of Arc Tower where Joan was imprisoned and threatened with torture.
If you want a change from all the history, you can visit the Jardin des Plantes which has an extensive range of gardens and plants as well as water features - mostly in the formal French style. The gardens are about one kilometre south of the town centre (the other side of the Seine river).
Rouen Museums
There are several museums in Rouen, including a Museum of Fine Arts (with an important display of Impressionist Paintings) and a Museum of Ceramics (historically an important product in the town).
Gustave Flaubert (who wrote Madame Bovary and Salambo) was born in the town, an event commemorated as a museum in the house where he was born. Rouen’s Natural History Museum is second in France only to that of Paris and has an impressive collection of artefacts.
Attractions nearby
There are several places and attractions close to Rouen that you will want to visit while you are in this region. Our favourites include the abbey at Jumieges, the picturesque village at Lyons-la-Foret and Chateau Gaillard at Les Andelys.
You can find more travel ideas in the Seine-Maritime guide and the Normandy guide.
Photos of Rouen
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Map of Rouen and places nearby
Visit near Rouen with France This Way reviews
La Bouille
You will enjoy a stroll along the banks of the Seine river when you visit La Bouille
La Bouille guide
Jumieges Abbey
The extensive ruins of Jumieges Abbey are one of the most visited religious monuments in the department
Jumieges Abbey guide
Lyons-la-Foret
The half-timbered buildings in the village of Lyons-la-Foret make it one of the prettiest places in Normandy
Lyons-la-Foret guide
Caudebec-en-Caux
It is the houses and scenery along the banks of the Seine river that will be the focus of your trip to Caudebec-en-Caux
Caudebec-en-Caux guide
Chateau Gaillard
The evocative ruins of Chateau Gaillard, built in the 12th century by Richard the Lionheart, are one of the most imposing sites in Normandy
Chateau Gaillard guide
Le Bec-Hellouin
The village of Le-Bec-Hellouin is one of the prettiest in Normandy, and also has Abbey of Bec-Hellouin to visit
Le Bec-Hellouin guide... or see ALL recommended places to visit in Seine-Maritime
Tourist classifications for Rouen
Rouen has received the following tourist classifications: listed town of Art and History ; historical protected town centre' (secteur sauvegardé)
Address: Rouen, Normandy, 76000, France || GPS coordinates: latitude 49.4439, longitude 1.1033
Plan your visit to Rouen, Seine-Maritime
Sightseeing & tourist attractions to visit nearby
- Abbaye Saint-Georges: remarkable garden (10 km)
- Abbaye Saint Georges de Boscherville (Saint-Martin-de-Boscherville): religious monument (10 km)
- Montville: ville fleurie 4* (12 km)
- Parc du manoir de Villers: remarkable garden (14 km)
- Jardin Plume: remarkable garden (15 km)
- Parc zoologique de Clères: zoo or wildlife park (17 km)
- Elbeuf: town of art and history (19 km)
- Jardins du château de Vandrimare: remarkable garden (19 km)
- Abbaye de Jumièges (Jumieges): religious monument (21 km)
- Clos du Coudray: remarkable garden (23 km)
- Jardin de Bellevue: remarkable garden (27 km)
- Lyons-la-Foret: most beautiful village (27 km)
Market days in Rouen, France
Regular market(s) are held in Rouen each Tuesday all day & Sunday & Saturday all day & Friday. (Markets are held in the morning unless stated.)
The French version of this page is at Rouen (Francais)