Best Things To Do in Rouen, France

Tourist Attractions in Rouen

Here is the list of things to do in Rouen and tourist attractions in city.

1. Cathedrale Notre-dame De Rouen

   4.7 (772 Votes)
   

   Church, Religious Site, Architecture , Cathedral

   Soaring into Rouen’s skyline is the massive iron spire that rises from this cathedral; this is not a building you should have much trouble finding. The spire briefly made this cathedral that tallest building in the world was not the only feature to capture Claude Monet’s imagination as he painted the flamboyantly Gothic building over and over again. The first church on this site, fr...Read more

2. Gros Horloge

   

   Landmark, Watch Tower, Walking Area, Historical Site

   A really big and intricate old astronomical clock from the 14th century set into a Renaissance arch – that’s what you’re getting. It’s also the largest of it’s kind still around. We won’t give away the features here; it’s enough to say this is one of the quirkiest clocks you’ll ever come across. A short and sweet tour will tell you every thing you...Read more

3. Hotel De Bourgtheroulde

   4.5 (531 Votes)
   

   Hotel, Architecture

   Though this sixteenth century building has been classified as a historical monument, it still continues to function as a hotel. And what a beautiful hotel! What a privilege to stay here! It has a Gothic façade. The left wing’s back has an Italian Renaissance gallery decorated in limestone carved reliefs. The right wing on the other hand is a classic gothic pavilion, built in the 18...Read more

4. Church Of St. Joan Of Arc

   3.9 (528 Votes)
   

   Church, Religious Site

   Few places are at once a civil memorial and a church, but if any place deserves to be, it’s this one. Joan of Arc, heroine of France was burnt at stake at this very spot, and the church is built to reflect the flames that consumed her. The small hallways and the shape of the roof are evocative of fire – a style unlike any other church ever built. The stained glass here is Renaissanc...Read more

5. Musee Des Beaux-arts De Rouen

   4.4 (496 Votes)
   

   Museum

   Aside from a good collection of fine art from the Renaissance to the present, the museum is noted for having a precious collection of rare Russian icons from the 15th - 19th centuries. Another popular exhibit is the Masterpieces of Florence Museums. Practically every European school of art is represented in the paintings here. There’s also a famous statue of Hercules slaying the hydra. Th...Read more

6. St. Maclou's Church

   4.5 (636 Votes)
   

   Church, Religious Site, Architecture

   A part of the original Romanesque church collapsed and those in charge decided that this just wont do…so they went and built this incredible Flamboyant Gothic church that came to be patronised by some of the most powerful families and individuals in Rouen. To See: The Christ Tympanum. The western facade with the five gabled porches. The rose window on the western wall.

7. St Ouen's Abbey

   4.5 (570 Votes)
   

   Church, Religious Site, Landmark, Historical Site

   Though founded in the 7th century, this is classic Late Gothic architecture at its finest. Larger than Rouen Cathedral yet less ornately decorated, it’s architectural sensibilities are much more starkly felt. Set into a picturesque neighbourhood, it’s form is pure, befitting the building that once a Benedictine powerhouse. To see: 80 magnificent stained glass windows that beautiful...Read more

8. Rue Eau De Robec

   

   Walking Area, Street Market, Street Food

   There’s actually two parts to this road – the one you want is the pedestrian one. The pretty cobblestoned street makes for a lovely stroll anytime between noon and evening. The buildings are all classically half-timbered, which is always cute; a stream flows right through the curb, and of course, no cars. There are a number of great pubs and restaurants on the sides, but you can try...Read more

9. Palais De Justice

   4.1 (415 Votes)
   

   Historical Site, Palace, Architecture

   This beautiful 16th century building, built under the rule of Lois XII was once the Royal Palace. A little later, it became the Parliament of Normandy. They say it is one of the most important civil architectural achievements of the Late Middle Ages. The main building body has two wings at right angles the stretch south. Its Gothic influences really are stunningly beautiful. The highlights are:...Read more

10. Jardin Des Plantes De Rouen

    4.4 (338 Votes)
    

    Botanical Garden

    A weekend family retreat and a conservatory at the same time, this is one of Rouen’s favourite getaways. The flowers bloom in anticipation of the seasons; there’s an aviary of exotic birds; ducks and turtles in the water; and even an educational bee garden. In springtime, you might find the place full of painters out to capture their favourite flowers on canvas.

11. Musee Secq Des Tournelles

    4.5 (384 Votes)
    

    Museum

    Why would anyone expect to find the world’s largest ironware collection housed in an old, if beautiful church? Not sure, but at least a brilliant collection got a brilliant location. The 8000 iron made items range from Gallo-Roman to modern times and showcase how usage of the metal evolved. The exhibitions are divided by item type: keys and locks; gates, hinges and door knockers; utensils...Read more

12. Rue Saint-romain

    

    Walking Area, Streets

    The pretty street takes its name from the Archbishop of Rouen from the 7th century. Running along the Notre Dame, this picturesque place has been a favourite subject of painters and artists through the centuries. House No. 70 here is the street’s most famous site – a 15th century Gothic building that is also once Rouen’s oldest buildings. The other buildings are mostly Rennais...Read more

13. Cote Sainte - Catherine

    

    View Point, Hill

    In 1892, Claude Monet sat down here on the top of this hill to paint his famous panorama of Rouen. It’s not hard to see why – just get to the top of the hill. The overview of Rouen from here is simply unbeatable. And that’s not even taking into account the fact that this is one of the nicest places for a walk in the city. Carry your camera. There’s only one potential dow...Read more

14. Gustave Flaubert Museum And History Of Medicine

    4.1 (144 Votes)
    

    Museum

    Medicine has come a long way even in the last century, and if you want to know exactly where it came from, this is the place to find out. The author who became infamous with Madame Bovary also has a lot of literary exhibits here as well as personal effects, but most of the paraphernalia are fascinating pre-modern medical equipment. Seriously, you’ll wonder how is it that doctors managed t...Read more

15. Tour Jeanne D'arc

    4.1 (245 Votes)
    

    Historical Site

    This place, the keep of Rouen Castle would hardly qualify as a tourist attraction at all, but for it’s single sheer historical occupant – the Joan of Arc. It was here that Joan was kept prisoner from December 1430 and tried from 21 February to 23 May 1431. There’s not much to see here though. There are three rooms and an attic. That’s it.

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