What to do in Rouen

Activities, attractions and tours

Rouen
Rouen
Rouen
Rouen
Rouen

Rouen Attractions

Let Expedia help you to experience the best that Rouen has to offer! If you’re planning a trip to Rouen, we can provide you with a list of the top sightseeing attractions, as well as helping you to find unmissable activities. Whether you’re travelling to Rouen with your family, planning a romantic trip with your loved one, or visiting on business, we’ll make it easy to plan an unforgettable holiday that checks all the boxes.

Places of interest in Rouen

Rouen is crammed with must-see places to visit and things to do. We can help you decide where to stay in Rouen, and make it a breeze to explore Rouen and the surrounding areas with our guides on where to go, what to see and when to see it. No matter how long your stay, it’s easy to find places of interest in Rouen to make sure that you enjoy your holiday to the fullest and don’t miss a thing. Leave the local knowledge to us and leave the hassle behind.

If you’re planning a visit to Rouen, why not check out our handy guides to places of interest in the area? You can browse lists of things to do, learn about the most popular attractions, and get help with planning the details of your trip. Expedia makes it easy for you to check out all the top sights in Rouen.

Rouen attractions

Rouen has something for everyone, so whether you’re planning to get active on a summer holiday, put a spring in your step with a romantic rendezvous, or pamper yourself with a leisurely winter trip, you’ll find plenty of attractions in Rouen to keep you entertained. Expedia makes it easy to book your flight, hotel and rental car in advance, making for hassle-free travel and freeing you up to explore the sights of Rouen.

Looking for things to do in Rouen can be time-consuming, but we can take the hassle out of planning your holiday. Whether you’re looking to get active in the great outdoors, sample the cuisine of Rouen or catch up with the vibrant local culture, our guides to Rouen attractions ensure that you’ll have a successful trip, whatever the season. Happy trails!

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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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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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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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4. 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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5. Rue Eau de Robec

Rouen’s compact old town is easy to explore on foot and one of its highlights is the charming Rue Eau de Robec. This picturesque street is known for its charming, old-world atmosphere, which it gains from its tall, timber-framed Norman buildings. Wander along the pedestrianized section of the road to enjoy a quiet stroll through the historic heart of the city, where there has been minimal tourism development. The street has a museum, a children’s carousel and several restaurants.
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Recommended things to do in Rouen

Number of things to do
33
Cheapest thing to do on Expedia
Rouen Audio guided walking tour 1h45 and 27 audio comments: £6
Top 5 things to do
Half-day tours
With kids

What to do in Rouen

Stay near popular Rouen attractions

Rouen Cathedral

9.4/5 (578 reviews)
Immortalised by Monet's paintings, Rouen Cathedral's Gothic architecture once made it the world's tallest building. Experience the towering spire and intricate stained glass windows in the serene interior atmosphere.
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Where to stay in Rouen

Find the best Rouen areas for the activities you enjoy most. Learn more about Rouen
Learn more about Rouen

Rouen City Centre

Historical sites, museums and art galleries are just a few things travellers like about Rouen City Centre. Sights like Rue Saint-Romain and Joan of Arc Historial are spots to explore, and you can get around the greater Rouen area at Palais de Justice Tram Station.

Quartier Vieux Marché-Cathédrale

Historical sites, museums and art galleries are just a few things travellers 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.

Centre Ville Rive Gauche

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

Photo by Victor Arregui
Open Photo by Victor Arregui

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

Historical sites, bars and river views are just a few things travellers enjoy about Quartier Saint-Marc - Croix de Pierre - Saint-Nicaise. Check out Rue Eau de Robec or Aitre St. Maclou while you're exploring the area.

View on Rouen, the beautiful city of Normandy in France with the famous cathedral

Gare-Jouvenet

You'll appreciate the restaurants during your time in Gare-Jouvenet and you might want to plan a stop by Tour Jeanne d'Arc and Hotel de Ville while you're in the area.

 

Looking for fun things to do nearby? Check things to do near me to find and book the best things to do, fun activities, and top attractions wherever you happen to be.

 

 

Day trip destinations from Rouen

Aerial view of Saint Andre church, in Mont-Saint-Aignan, next to Rouen, Normandy, France

Mont-Saint-Aignan

Bonsecours

Bonsecours

Panoramic view of Rouen

Sotteville-les-Rouen

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 neighbourhoods, Rouen City Centre is 0.48 kms (0.30 miles) away from downtown, while Quartier Vieux Marché-Cathédrale is 0.16 kms (0.10 miles) away from the centre and also within walking distance.
What are some activities to do in Rouen with kids?
Whether you're holidaying 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 neighbourhoods, and ask for recommendations from a local tour guide. It's a simple way to discover the best free things to do in Rouen.

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