Comprehensive Guide to the 10 Best Hotels in Rouen

The city also has its own airport, which allows you to reach Corsica in 1h50, as well as Portugal, the Balearic Islands and southern Italy.

This location is also particularly advantageous for the economic fabric of Rouen. Large companies have chosen to set up there, particularly in the logistics sector. The Norman capital is also one of the leading export cities in France, thanks in particular to the oil, food and pharmaceutical sectors, the city's leaders in exports. But life in Rouen is also particularly pleasant. Green lung of the Seine valley, it seduces with its charm, its art of living and its natural beauty. City of art and history since 2002, it will delight culture enthusiasts, but also sports enthusiasts and professionals alike. A city that has it all!

The architectural heritage of Rouen

Rouen has a particularly rich history. Its architectural heritage stems mainly from medieval times. Thus, there are both old housing from the 13th century and new housing! Rouen is one of the most heterogeneous cities in France, whether in terms of buildings or materials: half-timbered, stone, brick, concrete houses...various shapes and colors...The Second World War left scars, and reconstruction works are visible in many places.

Visit Rouen in 1 day: which must-see places?
If you only have one day to visit Rouen, you have to focus on the essentials. Here are the main places to see in Rouen.

1.1 Cathedral of Our Lady of Rouen
Notre-Dame de Rouen Cathedral is the tallest cathedral in France. It was also the tallest building in the world when it was completed in 1876. Today, it is the 3rd tallest cathedral in the world. If you only have to visit one place in Rouen, this place is clearly the Notre-Dame de Rouen Cathedral. Is it prettier than that of Reims, what do you think?

1.2 Gros-Horloge and Rue du Gros-Horloge
The Gros-Horloge is clearly one of the most emblematic monuments of Rouen. It was built in 1389. The clock is also functional. Rue du Gros-Horloge is the most central street in Rouen. It is pedestrian, like a large part of the city center.

1.3 Place du Vieux-Marché and its cathedral
If you come to visit Rouen in 1 day, you must come and see this place. Here, of course, we find the half-timbered houses, but also the place where Joan of Arc was burned in 1431.

1.4 Place de la Maid
A pretty little square, which is just a few steps from the Place du Vieux-Marché. So, as it is really right next door, you can take the opportunity to take a look at it and get away from the classic tourist route a little bit.

1.5 Palace of Justice
You will not miss it, it is a large building in the heart of Rouen. Although the palace was rebuilt after the Second World War, you can still see traces of shells on its walls. They were left to remember the war, which marked the 20th century so much…

2. Visit Rouen in 2 days
If you go to Rouen and stay there for more than a day, you have time to discover many other places and neighborhoods that are less touristy. And get lost in the alleys of Rouen to make the most of its atmosphere!

2.1 Antiques district, a place to visit in Rouen
I really advise you to get out of the main streets, and go to the eastern part of the city center instead. Here, Rouen is less touristy, but still quite charming. The architecture of the buildings is exceptional: we are immersed in the Middle Ages! Discover the streets behind the Saint-Maclou Catholic Church, rue Damiette, rue Martainville, eu Eau de Robec, but also Passage de la Grande Mesure, rue de Ruissel…

2.2 Saint-Ouen Abbey, a place to see if you come to visit Rouen in 2 days
Another example of Gothic architecture! In order to appreciate the visit even more, we advise you to go behind the Abbey, in the park. In the area, there is also the Saint-Vivien de Rouen Church, the Corneille Chapel and the Benedictine Monastery.

What to do in Rouen: unmissable activities

• Notre-Dame de Rouen cathedral and its tallest spire in France, which inspired Claude Monet
• Old Rouen and its hundreds of half-timbered houses
• the Gros-Horloge, the emblematic image of Rouen
• the magnificent courthouse in Rouen, a masterpiece of Gothic art
• Saint-Maclou church, a jewel of Flamboyant Gothic
• the unusual aître Saint-Maclou, a former mass grave with macabre decoration
• the Saint-Ouen abbey, a radiant Gothic gem and its remarkable organ
• the rich museums of Rouen, in particular the Fine Arts and Le Secq des Tournelles, free for all
• the Sainte-Catherine coast and its exceptional panorama over Rouen and the Seine valley

Is it worth visiting Rouen?

Whenever someone asks me if it's worth visiting Rouen, I answer with a big YES! This is one of the best day trips from Paris. Whether you're in Paris for a few days and looking to explore a different city, or you live in Paris and are looking for a fun getaway, a day trip to Rouen is a great option. Rouen was built in the meanders of the Seine and was a very important city in Roman times and in the Middle Ages. You can feel history wandering the cobbled streets of Rouen right in the heart of the city. You will see beautiful Norman-style medieval houses and imposing monuments from different eras.

I lived there on and off for about three years when I was a student. The first time I walked around the unique city center, I fell in love in just a few minutes. My family and friends sometimes came to visit me, and I absolutely loved showing them the best places in Rouen.

How to organize your day in Rouen from Paris?

I only have good news to help you organize your day in Rouen from Paris: you don't actually have much to do. My tips and itinerary below may even be enough.

Rouen is the capital of the Normandy region, 130km north of Paris. It takes less than two hours to get there from Paris by car and an hour and a half on average by train.

Don't feel like driving or taking the train? It is also possible to join a group excursion from Paris*.

Paris – Rouen by train

Rouen is one of the best day trips by train from Paris. It's perfect to visit Rouen on foot, so it's convenient to take the train from Paris Saint Lazare station directly into Rouen city center (Rouen Rive Droite). You won't be tired from the road and won't have to worry about parking your car.

It is not necessary to book in advance, and I have always managed to find round trips for less than 25€ (and more often around 20€). However, you will surely find better prices by booking online, and you will have access to the express train (Train Nomad) which will take you from Paris to Rouen in just 1h15. It is also often faster to buy tickets online rather than at the station.

The first train from Paris Saint Lazare usually leaves at 5.46am, and the last train from Rouen to Paris is usually at 9.01pm. So you can spend a long day in Rouen. You can see train times and fares on the SNCF website.

Gare Saint Lazare is the second busiest station in Paris. Trains to Rouen are on Level 1. There are 27 platforms, so be sure to arrive early to find your train's departure point.

Paris – Rouen by car

If you come by car, I advise you to find a place to park your car for the day and then walk. Driving in Rouen is not that easy. There are many narrow streets and one-way streets. It is often faster to walk from place to place. And it is also much better to admire all the beautiful buildings of the old town.

Responsible travel tip: Traveling by train has a lower impact on the environment than driving.