Friendly disclaimer! We want to be as accurate as possible, but given these challenging times, we urge you to recheck that the venues are open when you decide to visit.
French food will keep your stomach full and the beautiful scenery will please beyond any doubt, but you will also have your hands full when it comes to activities in and around Rouen. The area is not only full of historical sites, but also very popular for outdoor activities like hiking, cycling and other sports.
The Notre Dame Cathedral is a must-see, not to be confused with its namesake cathedral in Paris. This was the cathedral that inspired Monet to paint his cathedral series. Wandering the streets of Rouen you will also come across The Gros Horloge, a beautiful clock right above a pedestrian street and one of its most recognisable sights.
Cathedrale Notre-Dame de Rouen
With its striking Gothic architecture and beautiful stained glass, this historic cathedral is Rouen’s primary attraction. Inside the cathedral you can find the tomb of Richard the Lionheart. Notable trivia: the cathedral was struck by lightning several times over the centuries, resulting in various degrees of damage.
Useful Information
- Location: 3 rue Saint Romain, Rouen
- Website: www.cathedrale-rouen.net
Beaux-Arts Museum of Rouen
Founded by Napoleon I, the Beaux-Arts Museum of Rouen contains an extensive collections dating back to the 15th century, with its collection of paintings constituting particular interest. Some of the biggest names whose work adorns museum walls include celebrated masters such as Rubens, Van Dyck, Caravaggio, Diego Velázquez, David, Renoir, and, of course, Monet, who lived and worked in a village not too far from here.
Useful Information:
- Location: Esplanade Marcel Duchamp, Rouen
- Website: mbarouen.fr
Powerboat Adventures
Every four to five years tall ships come down the banks of the Seine to celebrate L’Armada de la Liberté in Rouen. The gathering of all these ships is a huge festival featuring numerous events, and it goes on for about ten days.
Useful Information:
- Location: Hangar 105, Quai Jean de Béthencourt, Rouen
- Website: www.armada.org
Gros Horloge
When walking down the Rue du Gros Horloge you will, soon enough, come across the splendid “Gros Horloge” itself. This beautiful clock is one of the most famous landmarks of Rouen, and likely the oldest mechanism of its intricate kind still in existence. You can go up the belfry and enjoy a cup of coffee in a café below right after.
Useful Information:
- Location: Rue du Gros Horloge, Rouen
Courthouse of Rouen
With a mix of architectural styles (with a heavy Gothic influence), this beautiful building is a must-see when in Rouen. Palais de Justice was restored after World War II, but is today just as glorious as it was in the 16th century. Entry isn’t open to the public, but do pay a visit to the courtyard area.
Useful Information:
- Location: Palais de Justice, Rouen
Place du Vieux-Marche
Rouen’s principle square is the Place du Vieux-Marche. This is a great place to go for dinner since there are many restaurants and cafés located in the area. Here you can also find the modern Church of Saint Joan of Arc – an incredibly unique architectural creation, as well as a small covered market selling delightful French cheeses and deli. There is an oyster bar with fresh offerings at the market’s heart.
Useful Information:
- Location: Place du Vieux-Marche, Rouen
Aitre St-Maclou
The courtyard of Ecole of the Beaux-Arts is both fascinating and slightly eerie, yet a beautiful place. This ancient cemetery was historically used for plague victim burials, although little speaks to it in the present. The building around it dates back to the 14th century. It’s a great starting point for your sightseeing tour.
Useful Information:
The Church of Saint Joan of Arc
Nassau was the base for the greatest concentration of pirates during the 17th century. The museum, located in downtown Nassau, is fun, informative, cleverly put together, and gives a great portrayal of a pirate’s life. Board a replica of the pirate ship “Revenge” and let the adventures begin!
Useful Information:
- Location: Place du Vieux-Marche, Rouen
Rue Saint-Romain
Rue Saint-Romain is a picturesque street running past the Cathedrale Notre-Dame de Rouen. This street is located in the heart of Rouen and is lined with Rouen’s iconic half-timbered buildings dating back a few centuries. Take a stroll here on a lovely sunny day and drop into a boutique or cafe.
Useful Information:
- Location: Rue Saint-Romain, Rouen
Claude Monet’s House and Gardens
The well-known impressionist Claude Monet lived in Giverny his whole life. Today, you can visit his house and the very gardens that gave him inspiration to paint some of his most famous pieces of work.
Useful Information:
- Location: 84 Rue Claude Monet, Giverny
- Website: www.fondation-monet.com
Château Gaillard
This fortress was ordered to be constructed by the legendary Richard Lionheart. It boasts spectacular views over the Seine River and will keep both adults and kids entertained while exploring the area. The château still stands 8 centuries after its inauguration, and is a major attraction despite the grim stories of its involuntary residents.
Useful information:
- Location: Château Gaillard, Les Andelys
Jumièges Abbey
The ruins of the Benedictine monastery Jumièges Abbey are the oldest of their kind in Normandy. This early example of Romanesque architecture in the region is open for public visits and hosts temporary exhibitions.
Useful information:
- Location: 24 Rue Guillaume le Conquérant, Jumièges
- Website: www.abbayedejumieges.fr
Golf du Vaudreuil
If you feel like enjoying a good game of golf in the beautiful landscape of Normandy, Golf du Vaudreuil is a great bet. Play a game at this beautiful 18-hole course and indulge in a good meal afterwards at the golf restaurant.
Useful information:
- Location: 26 Avenue Marc de la Haye, Le Vaudreuil
- Website: www.golfduvaudreuil.com
Abbaye de Saint-Wandrille
Abbaye de Saint-Wandrille is a Benedictine monastery located in a small, delightful little village close to Rouen. There is an active monastic community inhabiting the abbey, which lives a frugal and humble life following the order of St Benedict. In an effort to raise funds to support the community and building maintenance, the monks even brew their own beer for sale – the only place in France where an operation of this kind is conducted within monastery walls. The monastery grounds hold well-preserved Medieval ruins.
Useful information:
- Location: 2 Rue Saint-Jacques, Saint-Wandrille-Rançon
- Website: www.st-wandrille.com
Biotropica
Just north of Val de Reuil you can find Biotropica, a park full of exciting animals and a tropical greenhouse. This is the perfect place to bring the children for a daily excursion and some great fun.
Useful Information
Nikita Joseph
admin