Things to do in Rouen

Activities, attractions and tours

Gros Horloge as well as a large group of people
Rouen
Rouen Cathedral which includes interior views and a church or cathedral
Rouen
Rouen which includes signage
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Top places to visit

1. Rouen Cathedral

Visit the Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Rouen (Rouen Cathedral) to marvel at its Gothic grandeur, admire magnificent sculptures and stained-glass windows and visit the vaults of famous kings. The beautiful cathedral dates back to the 12th century and stands on the site of a former 4th-century church. French impressionist Claude Monet immortalized the Gothic cathedral in his famous Rouen Cathedral Series.
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Rouen Cathedral which includes heritage architecture, heritage elements and a church or cathedral

2. Tour Jeanne d'Arc

A visit to the Tour Jeanne d’Arc (Joan of Arc Tower) is a journey through centuries of Rouen and Normandy history. Learn about the trials and imprisonment of French heroine Joan of Arc, and the tower’s involvement in World War II. The Tour Jeanne d’Arc is the former keep and the last remaining part of Rouen Castle, built in 1204 by King Philippe Auguste of France.
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Tour Jeanne d\'Arc featuring interior views

3. Gros Horloge

Gros Horloge is an antique clock and major landmark of Rouen, which adorns an archway on the picturesque Rue de Gros Horloge. Admire the clock’s lavish astronomical design and gilded art work. Wander along Rue de Gros Horloge to spot historic buildings, visit major city attractions, enjoy some shopping and relax at one of many cafés.
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Gros Horloge which includes art

4. Musée des Beaux-Arts

Musée des Beaux-Arts de Rouen (Museum of Fine Arts) has one of France’s finest collections of impressionist art in addition to extensive displays of drawing, landscapes, portraits and sculptures. Admire the work of revered artists such as Anton van Dyck, Claude Monet and Peter Paul Rubens. The Musée des Beaux-Arts dates back to the end of the 1700s, when a public collection first started to be formed.
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Musee des Beaux-Arts showing heritage architecture

5. Saint-Ouen Church

In a city blessed with architectural masterpieces, the Église Saint-Ouen (Saint-Ouen Church) stands out as one of Rouen’s finest. Admire the Gothic façade, intricate stained-glass windows and magnificent organ. The Église Saint-Ouen started life as an abbey of the Benedictine Order and has architectural features that date back to the 1300s. It was here in 1431 that officials condemned Joan of Arc to be burned at the stake if she did not renounce. Compare this site to depictions you’ve seen in film and television versions of the story.
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Saint-Ouen Church which includes a church or cathedral

What to do in Rouen

Popular places to visit

Rouen Cathedral which includes heritage architecture, heritage elements and a church or cathedral

Rouen Cathedral

Gaze in awe at this striking Gothic cathedral, which is home to towering spires, elaborate artwork and tombs of famous kings.

Rouen Cathedral
Tour Jeanne d\'Arc featuring interior views

Tour Jeanne d'Arc

Discover centuries of Normandy history at the last surviving part of the 13th-century Rouen Castle, which held the trial of French activist Joan of Arc.

Tour Jeanne d'Arc
Place du Vieux-Marche

Place du Vieux-Marche

You can learn about the history of Rouen with a visit to Place du Vieux-Marche. While you're in the area, find time to visit its stunning cathedral.

Place du Vieux-Marche
Gros Horloge which includes art

Gros Horloge

Admire the opulent decorations of a Renaissance clock and enjoy a stroll along one of Rouen’s most historic and atmospheric streets.

Gros Horloge
Musee des Beaux-Arts showing heritage architecture

Musée des Beaux-Arts

Discover a vast collection of art from the 15th century to the present day, which covers everything from the Renaissance to impressionist and romanticist movements.

Musée des Beaux-Arts
Saint-Ouen Church which includes a church or cathedral

Saint-Ouen Church

Elaborate Gothic decorations, soaring towers, colorful stained-glass windows and a huge organ make this one of Rouen’s most impressive churches.

Saint-Ouen Church
Rouen featuring a small town or village and heritage architecture

Rue du Gros-Horloge

You can learn about the history of Rouen with a stop at Rue du Gros-Horloge. While you're in the area, find time to visit its stunning cathedral.

Rue du Gros-Horloge
Rouen which includes a small town or village and heritage architecture

Rue Eau de Robec

In Rouen’s pleasant old town, stroll down a street that is bordered by a stream and lined with colorful houses with beautiful half-timbered façades.

Rue Eau de Robec
Rouen showing a small town or village, outdoor eating and night scenes

Rue Saint-Romain

The old meets the new on this narrow and atmospheric Rouen street, which features historic attractions, charming architecture and modern boutiques.

Rue Saint-Romain

Areas of Rouen

Rouen which includes a small town or village and heritage architecture

Rouen City Centre

5/5(1 area review)

Historic sites, museums, and art galleries are just a few things travelers like about Rouen City Centre. Sights like Musée des Beaux-Arts and Gros Horloge are spots to explore, and you can get around the greater Rouen area at Palais de Justice Tram Station.

Rouen City Centre
Gros Horloge showing street scenes

Quartier Vieux Marché-Cathédrale

Historic sites, museums, and art galleries are just a few things travelers like about Quartier Vieux Marché-Cathédrale. Sights like Rue du Gros-Horloge and Gros Horloge are spots to explore, and you can get around the greater Rouen area at Palais de Justice Tram Station.

Quartier Vieux Marché-Cathédrale
Rouen which includes signage

Quartier Saint-Marc - Croix de Pierre - Saint-Nicaise

Historic sites, bars, and river views highlight some of the noteworthy features of Quartier Saint-Marc - Croix de Pierre - Saint-Nicaise. Make a stop by Rue Eau de Robec or Aitre St. Maclou while you're exploring the neighborhood.

Quartier Saint-Marc - Croix de Pierre - Saint-Nicaise
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Photo by Валерий Дед (CC BY)

Centre Ville Rive Gauche

Shopping, restaurants, and historic sites highlight some of the notable features of Centre Ville Rive Gauche. Make a stop by Saint Sever while you're exploring.

Centre Ville Rive Gauche
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Gare-Jouvenet

Gare-Jouvenet is noteworthy for its restaurants, and you can plan an outing to Tour Jeanne d'Arc and Hotel de Ville while you're in town.

Gare-Jouvenet
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Quartier Pasteur

River views, historic sites, and coffeehouses are some highlights of Quartier Pasteur. Make a stop by Kindarena or Flaubert Museum and the History of Medicine while you're exploring.

Quartier Pasteur

Frequently asked questions

Is Rouen worth visiting?
Renowned for its walking trails and views, finding fun things to do in Rouen is simple. Don't forget to add Rouen Cathedral to your trip itinerary while here.
How do I spend a day in Rouen?
Joan of Arc Historial and Normandie Karting are two awesome places to begin your sightseeing adventures. Remember to explore the dining and shopping options in Rouen while you're here too.
What is the top tourist attraction in Rouen?
You can't go home without visiting Rouen Cathedral, rated the top tourist attraction in Rouen.
Is three days enough to stay in Rouen?
Three days will give you enough time to tick off the leading city attractions, like Rouen Cathedral, Joan of Arc Historial and Rouen Opera House. The average stay in Rouen is two days. If you feel the urge to extend your getaway, Vernon isn't far away.
Is Rouen a walkable city?
That comes down to what you want to see and do in Rouen. Several key sights, like Rouen Cathedral and Joan of Arc Historial, are accessible on foot. If you're up for a wander through some of Rouen's best neighborhoods, Rouen City Centre is 0.48 kilometers away from downtown, while Quartier Vieux Marché-Cathédrale is 0.16 kilometers away from the center and also within walking distance.
What are some activities to do in Rouen with kids?
Whether you're vacationing with young explorers or playful teenagers, an itinerary filled with cool activities makes all the difference. Check out our recommendations for what to do in Rouen with kids.

What to do in Rouen for adults?
Whether you're an avid foodie, culture enthusiast or fan of Mother Nature, there are lots of things to do in Rouen for adults including Rouen Expo Park and Rue du Gros-Horloge.
Are there free things to do in Rouen?
In Rouen, Rouen Cathedral is a popular spot for anyone planning to enjoy the city without reaching for their wallet. Also, stroll around the green spaces and other neighborhoods, and ask for recommendations from a local tour guide. It's a simple way to discover the best free things to do in Rouen.