11 Best Things To Do in Rouen, France

Rouen in Upper Normandy is known mostly for its part in the story of Saint Joan of Arc, and the devastation it suffered during the second world war. It is also less than 2 hours away from Paris and one of the best day trips from the city.

Both faces of its rich history have made Rouen a town an interesting place to visit, with fascinating sights almost at every turn.

Retracing Joan of Arc’s story is a given, as well as seeing the Palais de Justice evidence of shell holes from Allied bombings, but there’s more to Rouen than poignant reminders of its sordid past.

The architecture is something else, the winding medieval alleys are like pathways to an old era, the renowned Musée Le Secq des Tournelles will have you in awe for hours and you probably won’t stop taking photos of the Gros- Horloge clock tower.

So pack your bags and here are the best things to do in Rouen, France.

11 Best Things To Do in Rouen, France

1. ‪Old Rouen‬

Journey To France contains affiliate links all throughout the site. If you choose to purchase a product or book services through our affiliate links, this earns us a commission at no extra cost to you. For our complete disclosure, click here

‪A great way to begin exploring is at the delightful Old Rouen. Be sure to pick up a map at the Tourist Office to help with your little walking tour.

If you are new to this Normandy capital, it is among the best things to do in Rouen to really know it better.

Your tour starts as soon as you get the map, right across to cathedral, and into any of the narrow streets where you’ll find half-timbered houses from the Renaissance era.

Old Rouen is also where you’ll find the Palais de Justice, and the infamous Place du Vieux-Marche, a former venue for public executions, including that of the burning of Joan of Arc.‬

2. ‪Gros Horloge of Rouen‬

‪Not to be missed while you’re in town is the Renaissance-style clock that’s definitely one of Rouen’s top attractions.

Located in the heart of the city, this one is regarded as among the most beautiful clocks in France.

The Gros Horloge is a must-see as it has one of the oldest working time movements in the country, and its intricate design is quite impressive.

For a fee and if you just want to see more of this impressive structure, you can enter and climb up the clock tower. ‬

Opening Hours

Tuesday to Sunday – 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM to 7:00 PM

Admission Fee

Full price – 7€, 5€ (with a “Rouen en liberté” card)

Reductions – 3,50€ (6 to 18-year-olds, students, people on minimum income, large families and groups of at least 10 people)

School groups – 1,50€ per child

Free of charge for children ages less than 6, disabled people.

Contact Information

Phone: 0232083240

Email: [email protected]

Address: 25 places de la Cathédrale CS 30666 76008 Rouen

3. Palais de Justice and Monument Juif

The Palais de Justice, apart from being a stunning example of medieval architecture, is also among the best attractions in Rouen.

Constructed between 1508 and 1509, this Gothic masterpiece was the meeting place of the Normandy Parliament and currently houses the Law Courts of Rouen.

Touring the building is not allowed but you can admire the facade’s intricate details which feature gargoyles, a balustrade at the central wing and perforated buttresses that must’ve helped to brilliantly preserve this building.

The Palais de Justice was also damaged during 1944’s Allied bombings and you can still see evidence of shell holes in the walls of this building.

4. Cathedral of Notre-Dame

You simply cannot miss the extravagant Cathedral of Notre-Dame, easily one of the best places to see in Rouen.

Founded in 1200, this cathedral was rebuilt and renovated over the next centuries, into the glorious Gothic masterpiece that it is today.

You simply have to stand in front of this church and you&ll be awed by the details, including the two completely different but equally splendid towers.

The cathedral’s facade was an inspiration for a series of 28 paintings by Claude Monet, which shows the different effects of light at various times of the day.

The interiors are simple yet elegant and hold many treasures such as hearts of certain personalities and remains of Rouen’s important people from centuries ago.