Things to do in Rouen

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Gros Horloge as well as a large group of people
Rue Saint-Romain showing heritage architecture and night scenes
Rouen Cathedral which includes a church or cathedral and interior views
Rue Saint-Romain showing outdoor eating, night scenes and cafe lifestyle
Rouen which includes signage

Rouen Attractions

Whether your aim is to shop up a storm or delve into local history, there are loads of fun activities in Rouen. This city has many thrilling attractions that'll keep your schedule full and you on the move. No matter your interests, this place has something up its sleeve for you.

If you're ready to discover the best of Rouen, sign up for one of the top tours & day trips on offer, and let a local expert show you some of the most popular tourist attractions. Offering free cancellations and no added fees, our top {36 fun activities in Rouen fun activities in Rouen} are also worth checking out.

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Rouen must see attractions

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 showing a church or cathedral, heritage elements and heritage architecture

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 which includes 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 featuring a church or cathedral

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What to do in Rouen

Free Things to Do in Rouen

Sightseeing on a budget in Rouen? Spend time instead of money on terrific experiences.

Musee Jeanne D'Arc de Rouen - Check to see if there are any special exhibitions or tours on at this interesting museum.

Gustave Flaubert Bridge - Fans of architecture will no doubt enjoy marveling at the modern design of this local landmark.

Palais de Justice - Wander around this historic site and find out some secrets from the past.

Place du Vieux-Marche - Discover why visitors and locals alike are drawn to the vibe of this place.

Monument Juif - If you'd love to see a few of the more important or interesting places in the community, start here.

Rouen Cathedral - Whether you're spiritual or not, this site will inspire a sense of reverence.

Square Verdrel - Whether you can distinguish your cacti from carnations, it's easy to find beauty in this glorious display.

Things to Do in Rouen with Kids

Rouen boasts loads of close by fun activities for you and the kids. Our family friendly experiences will keep the gang happy for hours.

 

Looking for sports, concerts, or theater events in Rouen? Search event tickets to see what's happening today, or to plan what to do this weekend!

 

 

Discover the most popular places to visit in Rouen

Rouen Cathedral showing a church or cathedral, heritage elements and heritage architecture

Rouen Cathedral

4.5/5(52 reviews)

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

4.5/5(19 reviews)

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
There are a lot of old houses in the center.

Place du Vieux-Marche

4.5/5(7 reviews)

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

4.5/5(26 reviews)

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 which includes heritage architecture

Musée des Beaux-Arts

5/5(1 review)

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 featuring a church or cathedral

Saint-Ouen Church

4.5/5(12 reviews)

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
Church of Saint-Maclou

Church of Saint-Maclou

4.5/5(8 reviews)

After visiting Church of Saint-Maclou, make a plan to see the other sights and activities in Rouen. While you're in the area, find time to visit its stunning cathedral.

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

Rue du Gros-Horloge

4.5/5(2 reviews)

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 featuring a small town or village, outdoor eating and night scenes

Rue Saint-Romain

5/5(7 reviews)

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

Rue Saint-Romain

Discover the most popular landmarks and neighborhoods in Rouen

Rouen which includes a small town or village and heritage architecture

Rouen City Centre

4.5/5(77 area reviews)

Historic sites, museums, and art galleries are just a few things travelers like about Rouen City Centre. Sights like Rue Saint-Romain and Rouen Christmas Market are spots to explore, and you can get around the greater Rouen area at Palais de Justice Tram Station.

Rouen City Centre
Gros Horloge which includes 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 Gros Horloge and Rouen Christmas Market 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
2012-01-14
Photo by Валерий Дед (CC BY)

Centre Ville Rive Gauche

4.5/5(8 area reviews)

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

4/5(2 area reviews)

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

4/5(16 area reviews)

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
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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.

 

 

Popular day trips from Rouen

Photo "Bonsecours" by GrandCelinien (CC0) / Cropped from original
Photo by GrandCelinien (CC0)

Bonsecours

Photo "Saint-Leger-du-Bourg-Denis" by Zigazou (page does not exist) (CC BY) / Cropped from original
Photo by Zigazou (page does not exist) (CC BY)

Saint-Leger-du-Bourg-Denis

Frequently asked questions

Is Rouen worth visiting?
One of the most popular things to do in Rouen is visit Rouen Cathedral. Tick this leading attraction off your agenda, then experience more of the area's walking trails and views.
How do I spend a day in Rouen?
Once you've checked off major attractions like Musee Jeanne D'Arc de Rouen and Normandie Karting, spend the rest of your day enjoying Rouen's retail and food scene.
What is the top tourist attraction in Rouen?
Don't leave without visiting Rouen Cathedral, rated the top tourist attraction in Rouen.
Is three days enough to stay in Rouen?
Three days in Rouen is more than enough to enjoy the city's leading attractions. Many guests book for two days on average. Rouen Cathedral, Musee Jeanne D'Arc de Rouen and Rouen Opera House are among the top-rated sights. Want to discover more? Stick around a little longer to explore nearby hotspots such as Vernon.
Is Rouen a walkable city?
Some top attractions in Rouen, including Rouen Cathedral and Musee Jeanne D'Arc de Rouen, are within walking distance. You can also visit several of the city's neighborhoods on foot. Only 0.3 miles from the city center of Rouen is Rouen City Centre and Quartier Vieux Marché-Cathédrale is 0.1 miles away.
What are some activities to do in Rouen with kids?
If you're looking for attractions and activities for all of your group, have a look at these fantastic ideas for what to do in Rouen with kids.

What to do in Rouen for adults?
Whether you're an avid foodie, culture enthusiast or adventure seeker, 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?
One of the top ways to learn about free things to do in Rouen is to ask a local tour guide. You'll get insider views on interesting neighborhoods, parks and other major attractions you can visit without reaching for your wallet. Rouen Cathedral is one sight that doesn't have an entrance fee.

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