Discover Rouen's Historic Charm and Top Attractions

Wandering through Rouen's old streets in Upper Normandy is like stepping back in time, with over 50 religious buildings showcasing stunning Gothic architecture. The city's pedestrian zone is filled with medieval lanes and half-timbered houses, leading to attractions such as the grand Cathédrale Notre-Dame, the Fine Arts Museum, and the iconic Gros-Horloge clock tower. Visitors can also follow the tragic history of Joan of Arc and witness the scars of WWII on the Palais de Justice.

1. Cathédrale Notre-Dame

The Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Rouen, a Gothic masterpiece, captivated Claude Monet, who painted its facade to capture the changing light. Notable features include the Tour du Beurre, financed by Lenten butter indulgences.

2. Musée des Beaux-Arts

With a vast collection spanning from the 15th to the 21st century, the Musée des Beaux-Arts houses works by Caravaggio, Velázquez, and Impressionists like Monet and Renoir.

Official site: http://mbarouen.fr/en

Explore Rouen with a local guide

3. Abbatiale Saint-Ouen

This 14th-century abbey church is a Historic Monument, featuring a Cavaillé-Coll organ and the Portail des Marmousets with scenes of the Virgin Mary.

4. Aître Saint-Maclou

The Aître Saint-Maclou, a Historic Monument, was an ossuary during the Black Death, with macabre decorations and a mummified cat believed to ward off evil.

5. Palais de Justice and Monument Juif

The Gothic Palais de Justice, still bearing WWII damage, stands over the Monument Juif, the oldest Jewish monument in France, currently under restoration.

6. Tour du Gros-Horloge (Big Clock Tower)

The Gros-Horloge, a historic clock tower, features a belfry from 1389 and a decorative clock from 1889, with details representing the city and its history.

7. Eglise Saint-Maclou

The Eglise Saint-Maclou, a Flamboyant Gothic church, showcases a blend of styles and has been restored after WWII damage.

8. Eglise Jeanne d'Arc

The modern Eglise Jeanne d'Arc, built on the site of Joan of Arc's martyrdom, features a unique design and Renaissance stained-glass windows.

9. Musée Le Secq des Tournelles

This museum, in a Gothic church, displays a vast collection of wrought-ironwork, from locks to scientific instruments.

Official site: http://museelesecqdestournelles.fr/en

10. Musée de la Céramique

The Museum of Ceramics in the Hôtel d'Hocqueville showcases faience and porcelain, including pieces from the Manufacture de Sèvres.

Official site: http://museedelaceramique.fr/en

11. Tour Jeanne d'Arc

The Tour Jeanne d'Arc is where Joan of Arc faced her accusers, the only remaining part of a château built by Philippe Auguste in 1207.

Where to Stay in Rouen for Sightseeing

For the best experience, stay in Rouen's historic city center, close to major attractions and amenities. Options range from luxury to budget hotels, with some like the Mercure Rouen Centre Cathedrale and Le Vieux Carré hotel offering unique charm.

Day Trips from Rouen

Enjoy scenic drives along the "Route des Abbayes" or visit the Abbey of Saint-Georges de Boscherville in the nearby village of Saint Martin de Boscherville.

Explore more of Normandy and Brittany from Rouen, with attractions like Mont Saint-Michel and the D-Day Landing Beaches within reach, or take a day trip from Paris to discover medieval towns and coastal villages.