Rouen is the historic capital of Normandy, sitting on the banks of the River Seine. Famous as the city where Joan of Arc was burned at the stake, it boasts a breathtaking Gothic cathedral that inspired Monet to paint over 30 canvases. With its medieval half-timbered houses, winding alleyways, and rich literary heritage, Rouen is one of France's most atmospheric cities.

Best time to visit Rouen

aprilmayjunejulyaugustseptember

Spring and summer offer pleasant weather for exploring the compact city center on foot, and summer evenings feature the spectacular light show projecting Monet's paintings onto the cathedral facade.

What to see in Rouen

01church

Rouen Cathedral

A stunning Gothic cathedral dating back to the 4th century, famous for inspiring Claude Monet's series of over 30 paintings capturing its facade in different lights. In summer, a light show projects Monet's paintings onto the facade after dark.

FreeAbout 60 minculturehistory

AddressPl. de la Cathédrale, 76000 Rouen, France

4.7/5 on Google

Opening hours+

Monday2–6 pm
Tuesday9 am–12 pm, 2–6 pm
Wednesday9 am–12 pm, 2–6 pm
Thursday9 am–12 pm, 2–6 pm
Friday9 am–12 pm, 2–6 pm
Saturday9 am–12 pm, 2–6 pm
Sunday8 am–6 pm

Official website Open in Google Maps

02monument

Place du Vieux-Marché

Rouen's most historically significant public square, famously known as the site where Joan of Arc was burned at the stake on May 30, 1431. A tall cross marks the exact location of her execution.

FreeAbout 30 minculturehistory

AddressPl. du Vieux Marché, 76000 Rouen, France

4.5/5 on Google

Opening hours+

Monday9:15 am–12:30 pm, 1:30–6:15 pm

Official website Open in Google Maps

03monument

La Gros-Horloge

One of the oldest clock mechanisms in France, located on the rue du Gros-Horloge. Visitors can climb to the top for a beautiful panoramic view of the city.

Paid entryAbout 45 minculturehistory

AddressRue du Gros Horloge, 76000 Rouen, France

4.6/5 on Google

Opening hours+

MondayClosed

Official website Open in Google Maps

04museum

Musée des Beaux-Arts de Rouen

Founded in 1801 by Napoleon, this fine arts museum houses an impressive collection including works by Monet, Caravaggio, and Robert Antoine Pinchon. Permanent collections are free to visit.

FreeAbout 90 minculturehistory

AddressEsp. Marcel Duchamp, 76000 Rouen, France

4.6/5 on Google

Opening hours+

Monday10 am–6 pm

Official website Open in Google Maps

05museum

Historial Jeanne d'Arc

An immersive museum and audiovisual experience dedicated to Joan of Arc, located in the Archbishop's Palace where her trial took place. Billed as a non-traditional museum experience.

Paid entryAbout 60 minculturehistory

Address7 Rue Saint Romain, 76000 Rouen, France

4.6/5 on Google

Opening hours+

MondayClosed

Official website Open in Google Maps

8 more places are sealed in the app

Best time to visit Rouen

What to see in Rouen

Rouen Cathedral

Place du Vieux-Marché

La Gros-Horloge

Musée des Beaux-Arts de Rouen

Historial Jeanne d'Arc

Aître Saint-Maclou

Abbatiale Saint-Ouen

Palais de Justice de Rouen

Musée Le Secq des Tournelles

Jardin des Plantes de Rouen

Musée Flaubert et d'Histoire de la Médecine

Pont Gustave-Flaubert

Musée Maritime Fluvial et Portuaire

Where to eat in Rouen

Gill

La Couronne

La Pêcherie

La Petite Auberge

Le Sixième sens

Tarte Tatin

La Cantine

Crêperie Mont Saint Michel

15 more places are sealed in the app

Things to do in Rouen

Théâtre des Arts

Centre Sportif Guy Boissière

Marché des saveurs

Marché à la brocante

Théâtre des Deux Rives

Where to go near Rouen

Paris →

Dieppe

Le Havre

Honfleur

Les Andelys

Giverny

Bayeux

Étretat