Rouen travel guide

Photo of Saint-Ouen Abbey in Rouen in France by Cyril Aucher
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Introduction to Rouen

Rouen is a destination known for attractions like Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Rouen, place du Vieux-Marché, and Le Gros-Horloge. Travelers who visit this commune in Seine-Maritime, France are often fascinated by the rich history and interesting culture it offers. We recommend taking the time to explore this city in France on foot and walk alongside the over 112.3 thousand locals who live in Rouen. You’ll quickly discover you’re surrounded by endless numbers of things to see and do.

You'll learn more fascinating facts about Rouen as you explore this spectacular city.

Traveling to Rouen is especially rewarding for anyone eager to connect with locals and learn more about their unique culture and traditions.

Get ready to explore and learn more about the city of Rouen below!

History of Rouen

Rouen, a city steeped in rich history, is located in the Normandy region of France. The city's history dates back to the Roman era, when it was known as Rotomagus.

In the Middle Ages, Rouen became one of the largest and most prosperous cities in medieval Europe. It was during this period that Joan of Arc was tried and executed in the city in 1431. This historic event is commemorated at the Place du Vieux-Marché, where a modern church, the Church of Joan of Arc, stands today.

Rouen also boasts a wealth of architectural treasures, most notably the Rouen Cathedral, an iconic example of Gothic architecture. The cathedral, immortalized in a series of paintings by Claude Monet, stands as a testament to the city's vibrant past.

Throughout the centuries, Rouen has maintained its historical charm, blending the old with the new, making it a must-visit destination for history enthusiasts.

Top services in Rouen

Here on this page, you'll find all the top travel services in Rouen, France. Browse the 6 top-rated tours available to you in Rouen. We make it easy for you to find and book the top services in Rouen.

Enjoy the convenience of planning and booking every detail of your trip to Rouen, including flights, accommodations, activities, and more, in one place. Book with Guide to Europe to get an expertly-curated and fully-customizable itinerary and experience the best of Rouen on your vacation in France.

Get answers to questions about the routes and services offered in Rouen from our free 24/7 customer support. Continue reading to learn how you can enjoy a stress-free and memorable vacation in the city of Rouen!

Best time to visit Rouen

The best time to explore Rouen, France is during late spring and early fall, specifically from April to June and September to October. During these periods, the weather is typically mild and pleasant, which enhances sightseeing and outdoor activities. Moreover, these months see fewer tourists, allowing you to enjoy the city's attractions without confronting large crowds. If you plan your visit in June, you can experience the 'Armada Rouen,' a spectacular maritime event that attracts ships from around the world. Alternatively, in October, the 'Festival du Cinema Nordique' offers a taste of Nordic cinema. However, always keep in mind that the weather in Normandy can be unpredictable, so packing a raincoat or umbrella is advisable. Overall, planning your trip during these months will ensure you enjoy all that Rouen has to offer in the most comfortable conditions.

Local tip for visiting Rouen

For a truly authentic experience in Rouen, locals suggest visiting the vibrant Saint-Marc Square, popularly known as the 'Belly of Rouen'. This insiders' tip will provide a unique taste of Rouen, far from the typical tourist paths. The square is home to a bustling market every Sunday, Tuesday, and Thursday morning, where you can find local farmers selling their fresh produce, including cheese, seafood, fruits, vegetables, and baked goods. It's not only an opportunity to support local businesses but also a chance to savor the region’s gastronomic delights right at their source. Moreover, it is surrounded by charming cafes and antique shops, making it a perfect place to relax and people-watch. This insider tip, visiting the Saint-Marc Square, will surely immerse you in Rouen's local culture and lifestyle.

Learn more about France

There are many reasons to visit the city of Rouen, but a trip to France needs no explanation.

Exploring France, which spans 643,801 square kilometers, is an adventure of a lifetime. France offers an abundance of truly magical places to discover, including cultural, historic, and scenic sites of significant value to both locals and travelers.

As the home country of many world-famous attractions like the spectacular Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Rouen, place du Vieux-Marché, and the Le Gros-Horloge, you’re all set for a unique and memorable travel experience in France.

Click or tap the link below to discover more about France.

What to see in Rouen

Photo of Rouen, France by user32212

Rouen has something for everyone. Regardless of age and interest, travelers have the best time exploring every corner of the city.

Read on to discover the best places to visit and find out what to expect from the city of Rouen.

Top attractions in Rouen

Home to plenty of top attractions, Rouen is more than just a wonderful city in France. Rouen is a travel hotspot and a great place to experience a mix of the traditional and modern culture of France.

One fascinating sight in Rouen is the unforgettable Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Rouen. Considered one of the most well-known attractions in the city, a visit to this spectacular travel destination is something you shouldn’t miss on your trip to Rouen.

For more information about what you can expect during a vacation in France, check out our list of top attractions in Rouen below. Discover the best places to visit in Rouen, including the fascinating Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Rouen, place du Vieux-Marché, Le Gros-Horloge, Botanical Garden, and Rouen Museum of Fine Arts - Meeting of Metropolitan Museums (RMM).

Map of attractions

Use this map to find the location of all top attractions in Rouen.

Things to do in Rouen

Photo of Rouen, France by Valdas Miskinis

Enrich your travel experience in Rouen by joining tours and activities. Rouen offers an exciting selection of top-rated tours and it's easy for every traveler to find something to their liking. Take the opportunity to catch the top attractions on a tour, stay active with an adventurous excursion, or learn something new about the local history or culture of the city.

Discover the most popular experiences in Rouen below.

Most popular experiences in Rouen

Traveling is all about gaining new experiences. You can have that and more in the city of Rouen.

Rouen offers numerous tours and activities for travelers to choose from. Historical Tours, Walking Tours, and Ports of Call Tours are only a few of the many experiences you can book for your holiday in France.

Explore the most popular experiences you can join in Rouen by clicking on one of the top-rated tour categories below.

Top tours & tickets starting in Rouen

Travelers in Rouen can choose from 8 categories of top-rated tours and tickets.

By joining this highly recommended tour, travelers get to learn more about what makes Rouen one of the best travel destinations in France.

Rouen also offers plenty of budget-friendly tours and activities that promise travelers a unique experience in the city. The affordable Rouen Like a Local: Customized Private Tour is the cheapest tour in the city, and is a popular Historical Tour. This experience costs around 48 EUR and allows travelers a great time in Rouen. This Historical Tour is available in 1 language: English. Around 4 travelers have given this activity an average rating of 2 stars out of 5.

Secure an unforgettable experience for your upcoming trip to Rouen and book a top-rated tour in the city. Discover the best tours, activities, and tickets in Rouen below.

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Search for things to do in Rouen

Discover the best things to do in Rouen. Choose from 6 fantastic tours and activities available in the city.

Select your dates and number of travelers in the search bar below to receive the best recommendations for your vacation in Rouen. Click the green button to view your options.

What to eat in Rouen

Rouen is a gastronomic delight where you can indulge in authentic Norman cuisine. One of the best places to eat in Rouen is the Saint-Marc district, famed for its vibrant food markets brimming with local produce and street food. Here, you can sample dishes like 'duck à la Rouennaise', a traditional dish where duck is cooked in a rich red wine sauce, and 'moules marinières', mussels cooked with white wine and herbs. For a more high-end dining experience, head to the Place du Vieux Marché. This square hosts a variety of upscale restaurants including the Michelin-starred 'La Couronne', the oldest inn in France. Here you can savor exquisite dishes like 'sole meunière', a traditional Normandy fish dish. Don't miss out on sampling local cheeses such as Neufchâtel, accompanied by a glass of locally produced cider. When exploring Rouen, take the opportunity to immerse yourself in the city's culinary culture by attending a cooking class or visiting a local food festival.

Best Shopping in Rouen

Few cities rival Rouen when it comes to shopping, with its unique blend of traditional boutiques, modern malls, and eclectic markets.

The Rue du Gros Horloge, the city's main shopping street, is the best place to go shopping in Rouen. It's lined with boutiques showcasing cutting-edge French fashion and local craftsmanship, from chic clothing to handmade jewelry. Here you'll find both prominent brands and smaller, independent stores offering unique finds.

The Saint-Marc Market is a must-visit for food enthusiasts. Its stalls are filled with fresh local produce, cheeses, and pastries. Sunday is the best day to visit, when the market is at its liveliest.

For those who prefer a more contemporary shopping environment, the Saint-Sever Shopping Center offers a diverse range of stores, including fashion, electronics, and homeware. It's conveniently located and has ample parking space.

When shopping in Rouen, don't forget to pick up a 'faïence' ceramic piece as a souvenir. These beautifully painted ceramics have been a local specialty since the 16th century.

Shopping in Rouen is not just about purchasing; it's about exploring the city's rich cultural heritage, savoring local flavors and enjoying the lively street life.

Best free things to do in Rouen

Experience the charm of France without spending a euro with these best free things to do in Rouen. Start your journey at the historic Rouen Cathedral, a masterpiece of French Gothic architecture, where you can admire its intricate details and towering spires. Walk in the footsteps of Joan of Arc at the Place du Vieux-Marché, the site of her martyrdom. Immerse yourself in the local culture by strolling the cobblestone streets of the Old Town, lined with half-timbered houses and quaint shops. Visit the Gros Horloge, a stunning 14th-century astronomical clock, a testament to Rouen's rich history. Explore the lush Jardin des Plantes de Rouen, home to a stunning array of flora and fauna. Finally, don't miss the nightly light show on the facade of the cathedral, which brings the building's history to life in a blaze of color. Whether you're a history buff, culture vulture, or nature lover, Rouen offers an array of free treasures that will make your visit unforgettable.

Vacation packages in Rouen

Photo of Rouen France, by user32212-street

The best and easiest way to visit Rouen is by booking a vacation package. A vacation package includes everything you need for a worry-free and perfectly planned holiday in France.

Booking a vacation package to Rouen means spending less time planning and more time enjoying your vacation. A vacation package includes everything from flight tickets, accomodation, and a rental car, to 24/7 personal travel support and a carefully planned travel itinerary. You can also take your vacation in Rouen to the next level by adding tours, tickets, and activities to each day of your trip.

Apart from providing you with everything you need to travel comfortably, your vacation package to Rouen is also fully customizable. In other words, you can add or remove services at your own convenience, to create the perfect vacation for you and your travel companions.

On our website, you will find unique vacation packages to Rouen, including flight tickets, hotel reservations, and recommendations for the best sightseeing spots, restaurants, bars, and activities.

Continue to the next section to learn more about what types of vacations you can book in the city of Rouen.

Popular types of vacations in Rouen

The most popular way to experience Rouen is by visiting the city as part of a road trip across multiple destinations in France. However, it is also common for travelers to go to Rouen on both shorter and longer getaways, to get a break from everyday life, relax, and experience something new.

With Guide to Europe you can find road trips, city breaks, and weekend getaways in France, ranging from budget to luxury. Whether you’re planning a multi-day road trip across France, or you just want to enjoy a few days exploring Rouen, there is a vacation package for you.

Discover the most popular vacation packages in Rouen below.

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Find vacation packages in Rouen

Discover and compare vacation packages that take you to the wonderful city of Rouen.

The best flights, hotels, and activities in Rouen get fully booked quickly. Use the search tool below to find the best vacation packages in France. Your customized holiday package to Rouen is only a few clicks away!

How to get to Rouen

To get to the city of Rouen the fastest way possible, travelers from outside France can travel by plane.

If you're looking for the best flight ticket deals to Rouen, knowing the cheapest travel time and which airlines offer the most affordable flights is helpful. Luckily, we have this information for you.

Find cheap flights to Rouen

Photo of Rouen, France by Jonathan Smit

Over the years, more airlines have started offering flexible and direct flights to Rouen, making it one of the most accessible travel destinations in France.

Use the search tool below to find the cheapest flights to France and the city of Rouen from your city of departure.

Where to stay in Rouen

Photo of Rouen, France by pasja1000

An essential factor to consider when traveling to a new place or country is accommodation. While visiting a city as fantastic as Rouen is always exciting, any avid traveler knows that accommodations often make or break the vacation experience.

The best place to stay in Rouen usually depends on travelers' needs and preferences. However, booking accommodation in downtown Rouen offers a ton of benefits.

Staying at the heart of the city allows you to easily walk to many of the top sights and dining areas in Rouen and cut down on your travel expenses. Centrally-located accommodations are also an excellent choice for travelers in Rouen planning to go on a quick tour or drive to the neighboring regions.

For example, honeymooners or travelers on a romantic getaway in France can experience the ultimate relaxation at one of the 5-star or 4-star hotels in Rouen. Travelers whose purpose is sightseeing can also find plenty of mid-range hotels to budget-friendly accommodations in the city, allowing access to many of the top attractions in Rouen.

Learn more about the most popular places to stay and the top-rated hotels in Rouen in the next sections.

Popular types of accommodation in Rouen

While each type offers varying amenities and rates, there is no denying that Rouen provides a great selection of lodging options ready to cater to every kind of guest.

Budget accommodations are also incredibly popular among travelers in Rouen. Cheaper alternatives allow travelers to save on accommodation costs and have more to spend on other experiences.

Select the type you prefer to compare options under each category and find the best accommodation.

Top hotels in Rouen

Hotels are travelers' go-to accommodations in Rouen for the unique experience they provide.

Besides offering basic amenities, many hotels in Rouen provide meals and extras, such as shuttle services, spa facilities, tour desks, and other services. But because not all hotels in Rouen are created equal, finding the best in the city often requires careful research. For your convenience, we've done all the research to make it easier for you to check out all the top hotels in Rouen.

Below is our hand-picked list of the best hotels in the Rouen. Travelers are encouraged to book early as these hotels quickly reach capacity.

Click the arrows or swipe the list to see each hotel's ratings, reviews, locations, rates, and more. You can read detailed descriptions of each hotel by clicking the cards.

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Search for accommodation in Rouen

Use the Accommodation Search tool below to find available stays in the city of Rouen on specific dates. This handy feature also allows you to compare prices and amenities.

Enter the preferred check-in and check-out dates. Then, select the number of guests and rooms. Click the Search button to find all the available hotels and places to stay in the city of Rouen that match the information provided.

Car rental in Rouen

Photo of Rouen France, by Jonathan Smit-france

Experience the freedom and convenience of a self-drive vacation by renting a car for your adventures in Rouen. Rouen has 5 car rental companies ready to provide you with the perfect vehicle for your travels.

Automatic cars for rent in Rouen start from 37.5 EUR per day or 262.5 EUR per week. The cheapest automatic rental car is a Mazda 2.

If you prefer driving a manual car, you’ll find multiple options for rent in Rouen, starting from 20.99 EUR per day or 146.96 EUR per week. The cheapest manual rental car is a Fiat 500.

Learn more about the different types of cars you can rent in Rouen, France, below.

Popular types of car rental in Rouen

Discover and choose from our broad range of popular car rental options in the city of Rouen to find the best car for your travel plans. Travelers in Rouen can choose from small cars, medium cars, large cars, estate cars, mini vans, SUVs, convertibles, premium cars, camper vans, mini campers, vans, cars. All car rentals come with CDW insurance for added protection throughout your trip.

Renting a car is a popular choice among travelers who want to explore France at their own pace. The most popular type of car rental among small groups of travelers in Rouen is a TopLevel.

Another very popular type of car to rent in Rouen is a TopLevel. This car is particularly popular among couples and solo travelers touring the city of Rouen.

Check out all options available in Rouen and book the car rental for your upcoming adventures in France below.

Search for car rental in Rouen

Get ready to hit the road and explore the beautiful city of Rouen. Find the best deals on a variety of popular car rentals in Rouen, France, or any other destination in Europe by using the search tool below.

Enter your pick-up and drop-off location, driver's age, and dates. Click the green button to view your options.

Popular destinations to visit after Rouen

Photo of Rouen, France by Franck THERIAUX

The city of Rouen is just one of the many unique and scenic destinations you can visit in France. So if you're itching for another cultural adventure, a relaxing road trip, an action-filled city break, or a memorable weekend getaway, know that France has it all.

France is calling, and the country is asking you to experience its culture and diversity to the fullest! Take the opportunity to visit other captivating places in France that are as magical as the city of Rouen. The most popular travel destinations in France are listed below. Click on the name of the place you want to explore next to learn more about it.

All the best destinations in France

When unsure of where to go next, use the map below. This map shows the locations of all the best destinations in France. Use the map to plan your trip and find the best routes.

Domestic flights from Rouen

Photo of Rouen, France by Hervé Lagrange

A taste of France through a visit to Rouen can often reignite a traveler's passion for adventure. When this happens, the best way to satisfy this wanderlust is to book a domestic flight from Rouen to another remarkable destination in France.

To begin your search for the best or cheapest flights from the city of Rouen to other spectacular locations in France, jump to the last section of this travel guide.

Search domestic flights from Rouen

Traveling to another city or region in France? Use the flight search tool below to quickly find the cheapest one-way or round-trip flights from Rouen to different local destinations.

Enter all the necessary information and click or tap on the Search button to see a list of the available domestic flights in France on the selected dates.

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