Rouen Overview
Rouen is a bigger inland city on the Seine with a dense medieval core, famous Gothic cathedral, and strong Joan of Arc links. River ships and day tours from ports like Le Havre use Rouen as a “capital of Normandy”
From the riverfront or coach drop, the old town and cathedral are a short walk. Most visitors spend their time on foot between churches, half-timbered streets, the cathedral, and the Old Market square.
A Little History
Rouen has Roman roots and became an important Norman and later French capital. Its wealth shows in the size and number of churches and in the elaborate half-timbered houses. It was under English control during the Hundred Years’ War, and Joan of Arc was tried and executed here in 1431 at what is now Place du Vieux-Marché.
Heavy WWII damage hit some districts, but much of the medieval core and key churches survived or were restored.
Museums
The main museum is the Musée des Beaux-Arts (Fine Arts Museum) with strong collections, including works by Monet and other Impressionists. Rouen’s Ceramics Museum and the Le Secq des Tournelles (wrought iron) are smaller but distinct. The Historial Jeanne d’Arc uses multimedia to tell Joan of Arc’s story in a historic building. Many museums close Monday or Tuesday and may run shorter hours outside summer.
- Tip: If your time is limited, prioritize the cathedral, a simple old-town walk, and either the Fine Arts Museum or the Joan of Arc center, not both.
Major Parks and Attractions
Rouen Cathedral dominates the skyline and is considered one of France’s great Gothic churches.
Nearby streets hold the Gros-Horloge (medieval clock), half-timbered houses, and several big churches like Saint-Maclou and Saint-Ouen.
The Old Market square marks the Joan of Arc site and has a modern church. Parks and small squares are tucked between buildings for quick breaks.
Crowds build around the cathedral square, Gros-Horloge, and Vieux-Marché, especially on weekends and holidays. Those same areas are where pickpockets are most active.
Nearby Places (Easy Day Trips)
Rouen is usually the day trip, not the base, for cruisers. From here, independent travelers can reach Jumièges Abbey (half-day by car or bus), small Seine villages, or Giverny (Monet’s garden; full day if you use public transport or a tour). On a tight cruise schedule, staying in Rouen itself is usually smarter than chasing distant sights.
Shopping
Shopping concentrates in and around the pedestrian streets that radiate from the cathedral and Gros-Horloge toward Vieux-Marché. Expect French chains, smaller boutiques, and food shops selling cheese, cider, Calvados, and sweets.
- Note: Many independent shops close for a long lunch break and may not open at all on Sunday, especially outside peak season.
Food and Drink
Rouen follows Normandy patterns: rich sauces, duck, apples, cream, cheese, and seafood. You’ll find bistros, crêperies, and simple brasseries. Café terraces line squares and wider streets. Tipping is light; service is normally included, with people just rounding up.
Practical eating tips:
- Look one or two streets off the main cathedral axis for less touristy, better-value restaurants.
- Crêperies and fixed-price lunch menus are efficient if you want to maximize sightseeing time.
- Check the “service compris” line on the bill before adding a tip.
- Some restaurants close Sunday evening or Monday; if your visit hits either, pick and note a couple of options in advance.
Currency, Payments, ATMs
Euro. Cards and contactless widely accepted. Bank ATMs are scattered through the center; avoid standalone high-fee machines near tourist clusters.
Opening Hours and Holidays
Shops typically run 10:00–19:00 with possible midday closure for small places. Museums often close Monday or Tuesday. Sunday can be very quiet outside a few central streets and markets.
Holidays that may affect hours or services:
- Jan 1 (Nouvel An)
- May 1 (Fête du Travail)
- Jul 14 (Fête Nationale)
- Nov 1 (Toussaint)
- Dec 25 (Noël)
Practical City Notes
The historic center is very walkable but has cobbles and some uneven pavements. The riverfront and station are an easy walk from the old town if you’re on a rail-based excursion. Trams and buses exist but most cruise visitors won’t need them inside the core. English is reasonably common in tourist businesses, lighter in small local spots.
Quick Plans
- 3–4 hours: Cathedral visit, Gros-Horloge and half-timbered streets walk, then end at Place du Vieux-Marché for a coffee and quick look at the Joan of Arc church.
- 6–8 hours: Add the Fine Arts Museum or Historial Jeanne d’Arc, plus a slower loop through Saint-Maclou and Saint-Ouen and a sit-down lunch.
- Full day: Deep dive on Rouen—two major churches, one or two museums, long old-town walk, and more café time—rather than trying to combine with distant side trips.