Top 10 Things to do in Rouen, Normandy

By valtercirillo – Wikimedia

Top 10 Things to do in Rouen, Normandy

Rouen city is the capital of the northern French region of Normandy. It is a port city that is found by the river Seine. This city played an important role during the Roman era and the middle ages.

The city has beautiful Gothic churches, cobblestoned centre and picturesque half-timbered houses. This was also the home of the well-known impressionist artist Claude Monet; he drew inspiration from the city. It is also where Joan of Arc spent her last days before she got executed.

There are beautiful places to visit in this city, art to admire and museums that tell the rich history of the city. As you walk through the streets, you will not miss seeing the imposing spire from Rouen’s cathedral Notre Dame. The colourful streets in Rouen are pleasant to walk through as you interact with creative minds.

Here are the top 10 things to do on your next trip to Rouen.

1. Visit the majestic Rouen Cathedral Notre-Dame

Photo of Notre Dame, St Maclou By Philippe Roudaut – Wikimedia

This was once the tallest building in the world, thanks to its tall spire. It remains to be the tallest cathedral in the whole of France. The majestic cathedral was built in the 12^th century and is still standing.

You will notice the beautiful stained glasses that survived the fires from the 13^th century. others are from the 16^th century too.

This gothic building’s façade has featured on many of Claude Monet paintings. There are more than 30 paintings that he painted between 1892 and 1893. The paintings feature different times of the year.

While the exterior of the cathedral is breath-taking, you will be awestruck by walking inside the cathedral.

2. Stroll through Old town Rouen

After spending some worthwhile time at the Cathedral, stroll through Old Rouen.  Old Town in Rouen has a rich past and it starts right close to the Cathedral.

It is defined by its beautiful narrow streets lined with half-timbered houses that are from the 15^th and 18^th century.

As you walk along, you will find the impressive Palais de Justice that is on the right of the cathedral. This building houses the law courts.

If you walk further on, you will find, Place du Vieux-Marche where Joan of Arc was executed. This place served as the main entertainment square during the middle ages.

Do not forget to take pictures of the picturesque half-timbered houses to share on your socials. As you keep exploring old Rouen, be sure to stop by Rue de l’Épicerie, a former lively street that featured in a painting by Camille Pissarro in 1898.

3. Take a look of the 14th-century Astronomical Clock

Gros-Horloge By Ytierny – Wikimedia

Close to the Cathedral, is this astronomical clock. It is located at rue du Gros-Horloge. The great clock is a beautiful testament of how people from the middle ages were able to tell time.

The clock not only told time but seasons too. The single hand of the clock tells the hours, the central hand with a globe the phases of the moon, and the lower section the weeks.

The sheep represent the wool industry that once flourished. Depicted in the middle of the clock, a Passover lamb represents the arms of the city

The Gothic belfry at Rue de Gros-Horloge was built in the 14^th century to act as a rampart. On the same street, you will notice the half-timbered houses with scars from WWII.

Practical Information:

Address: Rue du Gros-Horloge, Rouen

4. Tour Jeanne d’Arc Tower

Joan of Arc was put on trial in 1431 and was taken to the dungeon of this tower before the judges. This is the only remaining part of the château built by King Philippe Auguste in the 13^th century.

You will see the large imposing tower that has three hidden rooms and an attic. The tower is at the former old Archbishop’s palace.

There is a lot to learn about the life and time of Joan of Arc through a film that captures the events of her life in a surreal manner. It tells the tragic life and end of a fearless girl.

An interesting fact about the tower is that it was turned into a bunker by the Germans during WWII. Climb up the tower to get a bird’s eye view of the city.

Practical Information:

Address: Rue Bouvreuil, Rouen

5. Eglise Jeanne d’Arc

Another interesting thing to do while in Rouen is to visit Joan of Arc Church. This modern church was dedicated to telling her story.

The church is found at the city centre in Rouen and was built in 1979. It was dedicated to Joan of Arc since it is the very place, that she was executed in 1431.

The stained-glass window in the church was moved from the Church of Saint Vincent nearby, now reduced to ruins after bombing in 1944.

There are various displays in the church that tell Joan of Arc’s story. You can opt to listen to audio clips narrated in English and French. There are headphones at the church that you can use.

The roof of the church was designed to depict the raging flames that burnt Joan of Arc at the stake.

6. Take a tour of Musée des Beaux-Arts

This world-class fine arts museum was established in 1801 when the valuable items seized from churches and imperial homes during the French Revolution were returned to the government.

It is one of the richest museums in France that exhibits art, sculpture and other precious items that are from the 15^th to the 20^th centuries.

The valuable pieces of art are from renown impressionist artists like Caravaggio, Poussin, van Dyck, Velázquez, Veronese, Sisley, Renoir, Degas, Monet, Pinchon and Pissaro.

There are rooms dedicated to special artworks like landscape art by Jean-Baptiste Camille Corot, Hubert Robert, and Gaspar van Wittel.

Practical information:

Address: Esplanade Marcel-Duchamp, Rouen

7. Ceramics Museum

Photo courtesy of Rouen Factory – Wikimedia

The Musée de la Ceramique is another museum that you need to check out while in Rouen. It is located in the 17th-century Hotel d’Hocqueville.

The collection in this museum date back between the 16^th and 18^th centuries. These ceramics are tin-glazed pottery on a tan clay. It made Rouen the most famous location that produced the best earthenware.

The first potter in Rouen was De Masseot Abaquesne who perfected the art of pottery between 15224 to 1557. His slates and portrait vases depict the fragility of fine drawing from the early Rouen school.

This museum is home to more than 6000 pieces of beautiful ceramics, a huge number being from Rouen by French artists.

Website: Museum of Ceramics 

8. Vieux Rouen

Vieux Rouen has more than 227 registered historical monuments making it the sixth city in France with historical monuments. These half-timbered houses were built in the 18^th century marking the territory of the old centre.

To see the oldest crooked but charming buildings start with Rue Étoupée, followed by Rue Saint-Amand, Rue Damiette and Rue Abbé-de-l’Épée.

It has cobblestone streets with cute boutique stores for shopping and relaxing. There are cafes and restaurants around with shops selling souvenirs and local produce.

If you happen to be there during the weekend, you might be lucky to catch farmers market, town events and flea market held during the weekend.

9. Enjoy a picnic lunch in the Jardin des Plantes

Jardin des Plantes is Rouen’s most loved green space. The garden sits on 85acres of land with a variety of plant species. There are dedicated gardens with beautiful flowers from all over the world.

You will find a rose garden, medicinal plant garden and Asian rock garden, a greenhouse, bees garden, and a bird coop featuring parrots, parakeets and golden pheasants.

This lush garden is perfect for picnics, strolls, and for children to play and learn.

If you happen to be in Rouen between April and November, you will enjoy the pleasant weather while relaxing in the garden. Smell the roses and enjoy beautiful sights of butterflies.

10. Indulge in the delicious cuisine

Photo by Adolfo Felix-Unsplash

One thing you cannot miss to do when in Rouen is to sample their delicious food. The fruits here are juicy and fresh from the farm. There are plenty of cherries, apples and plums during the summer. You can purchase them by the roadside from the farmers.

Sample their apple infused chocolates and Calvados apple brandy. The local cuisine comprises of fresh seafood and plenty of French signature dishes.

Some of the restaurants offer the best fine dining experience and it is best to make a reservation.