Rouen Holidays

Rouen is Normandy’s medieval masterpiece — a maze of cobbled streets, colourful facades and soaring cathedrals where every corner whispers a story.

Highlights

• 🏰 Magnificent Rouen Cathedral towering over the old town

• 🔥 Joan of Arc’s legacy woven through the city’s streets

• 🏘️ Half-timbered houses and bustling squares lined with cafés

• 🎭 Museums, markets and a lively arts scene

Getting around

Rouen is best discovered on foot — the historic centre is compact and packed with hidden courtyards, quirky boutiques and timbered houses at every turn. Trams and buses make it easy to zip further out if you want to visit the modern parts of town or the peaceful banks of the Seine. Trains run regularly from Paris in under 90 minutes, so city breaks are a breeze — just bring comfy shoes for those cobbles.

Things to do for families in Rouen

Rouen is an adventure for families who love a city with stories to tell. Start at Rouen Cathedral — kids love spotting gargoyles and climbing the tower for city views. Follow the trail of Joan of Arc with interactive exhibits at the Historial Jeanne d’Arc, bringing her dramatic tale to life in a way that keeps everyone hooked. The Gros-Horloge, Rouen’s ornate clock tower, is a must-see and the walk up gives you a bird’s eye view of the medieval rooftops. For downtime, picnic in the Jardin des Plantes, which has a playground and wide lawns to run around on. Top it off with an ice cream from a gelato stall in Place du Vieux-Marché — sweet reward for curious minds.

Things to do for couples in Rouen

Rouen is perfect for couples who want romance with a side of history. Wander hand-in-hand through narrow medieval lanes lined with half-timbered houses and cute cafés. Browse antiques and art galleries tucked behind pretty facades, then pause for a coffee in a hidden courtyard. Step inside Rouen Cathedral and watch the light play through its stained glass, or visit the Church of Saint Joan of Arc where the legendary heroine met her fate. When the sun sets, find a cosy bistro serving Norman classics like duck with cider sauce and finish with tarte Normande. A moonlit stroll along the Seine is the cherry on top.

Things to do for groups in Rouen

Gather your gang and soak up Rouen’s lively mix of history, shopping and good food. Take a guided walking tour to hear tales of Viking raids, medieval merchants and the fierce trial of Joan of Arc — guaranteed to impress history buffs and casual explorers alike. Snap group photos under the Gros-Horloge, then dive into Rouen’s market halls for local treats and people-watching. Check out quirky museums like the Musée des Beaux-Arts, or hop between craft beer bars and wine caves as evening rolls in. Don’t miss sharing a crêpe or two on a sunny terrace — Normandy comfort food at its finest.

Things to do for foodies in Rouen

Rouen will delight any foodie with its blend of classic Norman fare and creative bistro plates. Kick things off at the bustling Place du Vieux-Marché market — load up on cheeses, pâté and fresh bread for an impromptu picnic by the Seine. Local must-tries include duck à la rouennaise (the city’s signature dish), oysters with a squeeze of lemon and warm apple tarte tatin. Cafés are perfect for a mid-afternoon break with a Normandy cider or a cup of velvety hot chocolate. Dinner is best spent in a traditional timbered restaurant, where the menu brims with seasonal ingredients from nearby farms and orchards. Bring your appetite — Rouen doesn’t do small portions.