What to See & Do
Rouen Overall Appeal ★★★☆☆
| Name | Appeal | Type | Visit | Cost | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 01 | Rouen Cathedral | ★★★★★ | Cathedral | Self | Free |
| 02 | St. Ouen Abbey | ★★★★☆ | Abbey | Self | Free |
| 03 | City Center | ★★★☆☆ | Walking Around | Either | Either |
| 04 | St. Joan of Arc Church | ★★★☆☆ | Church | Self | Free |
| 05 | St. Maclou Church | ★★★☆☆ | Church | Self | Free |
| 06 | Vista Point St. Catherine | ★★★☆☆ | Panorama | Self | Free |
| 07 | Botanical Garden | ★★☆☆☆ | Garden | Self | Free |
| 08 | Fine Arts Museum | ★★☆☆☆ | Museum - Art | Self | Paid |
| 09 | Gros-Horloge | ★★☆☆☆ | Clock + Panorama | Self | Free |
| 10 | Parlement of Normandy | ★★☆☆☆ | Palace | Outside | Free |
| 11 | Rouen Markets | ★☆☆☆☆ | Food Market | Self | Free |
| 12 | Seine River's Quays | ★☆☆☆☆ | Walking Around | Self | Free |
| 13 | Presqu'ile Rollet Park | ★☆☆☆☆ | Park | Self | Free |
| 14 | Joan of Arc Museum | ★☆☆☆☆ | Museum - History | Self | Paid |
| 15 | MUNAE | ★☆☆☆☆ | Museum - Education | Self | Paid |
| 16 | Maritime & Harbour Museum | ★☆☆☆☆ | Museum - Maritime | Self | Paid |
| 17 | Secq des Tournelles Museum | ★☆☆☆☆ | Museum - Ironwork | Self | Paid |
| 18 | Ceramics Museum | ★☆☆☆☆ | Museum - Ceramics | Self | Paid |
| 19 | Flaubert Museum | ★☆☆☆☆ | Museum - Medecine | Self | Paid |
| 20 | Antiquities Museum | ★☆☆☆☆ | Museum - Antiquity | Self | Paid |
| 21 | Natural History Museum | ★☆☆☆☆ | Museum - Nat. History | Self | Paid |
| 22 | St. Maclou Ossuary | ★☆☆☆☆ | Ossuary + Square | Self | Free |
| 23 | Rouen's Dungeon | ★☆☆☆☆ | Dungeon | Self | Free |
| 24 | Rouen Tourist Train | ★☆☆☆☆ | City Train Tour | Tour | Paid |
01. Rouen Cathedral
Appeal ★★★★★
Type Gothic Cathedral
Visit Self
Cost Free
Rouen Cathedral, an architectural masterpiece, is renowned for its stunning Gothic design and towering spires.
The cathedral’s construction began in the 12th century and spanned several centuries, resulting in a blend of Gothic styles. It was a central location during the Hundred Years’ War, witnessing many key events. The cathedral’s spire was the tallest in the world upon its completion in the 19th century. It also survived significant damage during World War II, undergoing extensive restoration thereafter.
02. St. Ouen Abbey
Appeal ★★★★☆
Type Gothic Abbey
Visit Self
Cost Free
St. Ouen Abbey is a striking Gothic abbey, once a powerful Benedictine monastery, now stands as a testament to medieval religious architecture.
The abbey was founded in the 7th century and became a significant religious center in Normandy. It was rebuilt in the 14th century, showcasing the height of Gothic architecture. During the French Revolution, the abbey was repurposed and avoided destruction. In the 19th century, it underwent restoration to preserve its historical and architectural integrity.
03. City Center
Appeal ★★★☆☆
Type Walking Around
Visit Self or Tour
Cost Free or Paid
Rouen’s City Center is a charming blend of medieval and modern architecture. Cobblestone streets, half-timbered houses, and quaint shops create a setting for exploring the city’s heart.
The city center has been a bustling hub since medieval times. It witnessed the execution of Joan of Arc in 1431, a pivotal moment in Rouen’s history. During World War II, parts of the city center were damaged but have since been restored.
Squares
– Place Général de Gaulle
– Place du Vieux Marché
– Aitre St. Maclou
Streets
– Rue du Gros Horloge
– Rue St. Romain
– Rue Damiette
– Rue Martainville
– Rue Eau de Robec
04. St. Joan of Arc Church
Appeal ★★★☆☆
Type Modern Church
Visit Self
Cost Free
St. Joan of Arc Church is a modern architectural structure, commemorating the site where Joan of Arc was martyred. Its unique design contrasts with Rouen’s traditional Gothic structures, featuring sweeping lines and contemporary aesthetics.
The church was consecrated in 1979 to honor Joan of Arc, who was burned at the stake in Rouen in 1431.
05. St. Maclou Church
Appeal ★★★☆☆
Type Gothic Church
Visit Self or Guided
Cost Free or Paid
St. Maclou Church is an example of Flamboyant Gothic architecture.
The construction of the church began in the 15th century and took nearly a century to complete. It played a significant role during the French Wars of Religion, suffering damage and looting. Restoration efforts in the 19th and 20th centuries preserved its Gothic architecture.
06. Vista Point St. Catherine
Appeal ★★★☆☆
Type Panorama
Visit Self
Cost Free
Vista Point St. Catherine offers panoramic views of Rouen and the Seine River. It’s a popular spot for both tourists and locals to take in the city’s skyline.
07. Botanical Garden
Appeal ★★☆☆☆
Type Garden
Visit Self
Cost Free
Rouen’s Botanical Garden features a diverse collection of plants and beautifully landscaped areas.
The garden includes themed sections such as a rose garden and a medicinal plant area. The greenhouses contain exotic plants from various climates. Sculptures and water features add to the garden’s aesthetic appeal.
08. Fine Arts Museum
Appeal ★★★☆☆
Type Art Museum
Visit Self
Cost Paid
The Fine Arts Museum in Rouen houses an extensive collection of European paintings, sculptures, and decorative arts. It’s a cultural hub showcasing works from the Renaissance to the modern era.
09. Gros-Horloge
Appeal ★★☆☆☆
Type Clock + Panorama
Visit Self
Cost Paid
The Gros-Horloge is an iconic astronomical clock in Rouen, notable for its intricate design and historical significance. It also offers panoramic views of the city from its tower.
The clock dates back to the 14th century, serving as a symbol of Rouen’s medieval prosperity.
10. Parlement of Normandy
Appeal ★★☆☆☆
Type Gothic Palace
Visit Outside only
Cost Free
The Parlement of Normandy is a historical building constructed in the late 15th century, once serving as the seat of the regional government. Its impressive architecture and rich history make it a notable landmark in Rouen.
11. Rouen Markets
Appeal ★☆☆☆☆
Type Food Markets
Visit Self
Cost Free
Rouen has several food markets, with the two main ones being the smaller one at Place du Vieux Marché quare and the larger one at Place Saint-Marc square.
12. Seine River's Quays
Appeal ★☆☆☆☆
Type Walking Around
Visit Self
Cost Free
The Seine River (the one that flows to Paris) also passes through the city of Rouen.
The banks on both sides of the river are developed as quays: right and left.
The right bank is dedicated to strolling, lounging, shopping, and nightlife.
The left bank is even more dedicated to strolling and lounging, especially at the Presqu’île Rollet Park described below.
13. Presqu'ile Rollet Park
Appeal ★☆☆☆☆
Type Park
Visit Self
Cost Free
Presqu’ile Rollet Park is located on the Seine River. It was developed as part of an urban renewal project to transform a former industrial area into a public recreational space.
The park features walking paths, relaxation spots, and picnic areas.
14. Joan of Arc Museum
Appeal ★☆☆☆☆
Type History Museum
Visit Self
Cost Paid
The Joan of Arc Museum offers an immersive experience into the life and legacy of France’s national heroine. Interactive exhibits and multimedia presentations bring her story to life.
15. MUNAE
Appeal ★☆☆☆☆
Type Education Museum
Visit Self
Cost Paid
MUNAE is dedicated to the history and evolution of education in France. The museum’s exhibits showcase educational materials, classrooms, and teaching methods from different eras.
16. Maritime & Harbour Museum
Appeal ★☆☆☆☆
Type Maritime Museum
Visit Self
Cost Paid
The Maritime & Harbour Museum explores Rouen’s rich maritime history and its role as a significant port city. Exhibits include ship models, navigation instruments, and maritime artifacts.
17. Secq des Tournelles Museum
Appeal ★☆☆☆☆
Type Ironwork Museum
Visit Self
Cost Paid
The Secq des Tournelles Museum is dedicated to the art of ironwork, showcasing a unique collection of iron artifacts. It’s a specialized museum that highlights the craftsmanship and artistic value of metalwork.
Its located in a 16th-century church.
18. Ceramics Museum
Appeal ★☆☆☆☆
Type Ceramics Museum
Visit Self
Cost Paid
The Ceramics Museum in Rouen showcases a vast collection of ceramic art, from ancient pottery to contemporary works.
19. Flaubert Museum
Appeal ★☆☆☆☆
Type Medecine History Museum
Visit Self
Cost Paid
The Flaubert Museum, also known as the Museum of Medicine, is dedicated to the history of medicine. It offers a look into medical practices of the past.
20. Antiquities Museum
Appeal ★☆☆☆☆
Type Antiquity Museum
Visit Self
Cost Paid
The Antiquities Museum in Rouen displays artifacts from ancient civilizations, including Egypt, Greece, and Rome.
21. Natural History Museum
Appeal ★☆☆☆☆
Type Natural History Museum
Visit Self
Cost Paid
The Natural History Museum in Rouen offers exhibits on natural sciences, including zoology, paleontology, and geology. It’s a family-friendly museu
22. St. Maclou Ossuary
Appeal ★☆☆☆☆
Type Ossuary + Square + Art Gallery
Visit Self
Cost Free
The St. Maclou Ossuary is a unique historical site, featuring a courtyard surrounded by timber-framed buildings. It served as a burial ground during the plague in the 16th century
The place has also an art gallery.
23. Rouen's Dungeon
Appeal ★☆☆☆☆
Type Dungeon
Visit Self
Cost Free
Rouen’s Dungeon, also known as the Joan of Arc Tower, is a medieval fortress where Joan of Arc was imprisoned.
The inside host a small WWII exhibition.
24. Rouen Tourist Train
Appeal ★☆☆☆☆
Type City Train Tour
Visit Tour
Cost Paid
The Rouen Tourist Train offers a convenient audioguided way to explore the city’s main attractions.
