Rouen

Rouen is the capital of the Normandy region and prefecture of Seine-Maritime, a city of immense historical and cultural significance. It is famous for its Gothic cathedral (painted many times by Monet), its medieval half-timbered streets, and as the site where Joan of Arc was executed in 1431. The city has a rich maritime history along the Seine River and a vibrant cultural scene.

Rouen is well connected by train from Paris (Gare Saint-Lazare, about 1.5 hours) with frequent service. The A13 and A28 motorways converge here. Rouen's Seine River port handles cruise ships and commercial traffic. The airport (Rouen Vallée de Seine) has limited flights.

The historic center is very walkable, with most attractions within the pedestrianized old town. The Métrobus (tram and bus network) covers the wider city. Bicycle rental is available through the Lovélo scheme.

• Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Rouen — a masterpiece of Gothic architecture with the tallest church tower in France

• Gros-Horloge — a 14th-century astronomical clock spanning a street

• Musée des Beaux-Arts — one of France's finest art museums, with works by Monet, Caravaggio, and Velázquez

• Historial Jeanne d'Arc — an immersive museum about Joan of Arc in the archbishop's palace

• Église Saint-Maclou — a Flamboyant Gothic church

• Aître Saint-Maclou — a 16th-century plague cemetery with carved wooden galleries

• Climb the cathedral tower for panoramic views

• Walk the Rue du Gros-Horloge and the medieval streets of the old town

• Visit the Saturday market at Place Saint-Marc — one of the largest in Normandy

• Take a Seine river cruise

• Explore the modern Joan of Arc church (Église Sainte-Jeanne-d'Arc)

Rouen's food scene is among the best in Normandy. Canard à la rouennaise is the signature dish. The old town has many restaurants ranging from Michelin-starred to casual crêperies and bistros.

The old town has a lively bar scene, especially around Rue de la République and the Place du Vieux-Marché. Cider and Calvados are traditional, but the city also has craft breweries and wine bars.

Rouen has accommodation from budget hotels near the train station to boutique hotels in half-timbered buildings in the old town. Business hotels are well represented.

Rouen is a shopping destination with department stores, boutiques, and galleries. Local specialties include Rouen duck (canard à la rouennaise), cider, and Calvados. The Saturday market is excellent.

• Giverny and Monet's Gardens — 65 km southeast
• Honfleur — 60 km west
• Étretat and the Alabaster Coast — 60 km northwest
• Dieppe — 60 km north
• Les Andelys and Château Gaillard — 40 km east
• Paris — about 1.5 hours by train