What to do in Rouen

Activities, attractions and tours

A cobblestone street with historic buildings and an archway.
A cobblestone street lined with historic buildings, a cathedral in the distance, and a motorcycle parked on the side.
A cathedral interior with high arched windows, stone columns, and wooden pews.
A cobblestone street with outdoor seating and illuminated storefronts.
A street sign for 'Bar Brasserie' and a building with a red awning.

Rouen Attractions

Let Expedia help you experience the best that Rouen has to offer! If you’re looking for fun itinerary ideas, we can provide you with a list of the top sightseeing attractions, as well as helping you to find unmissable activities. Whether you’re travelling with your family, planning a romantic trip with your loved one, or visiting on business, we’ll make it easy to plan an unforgettable holiday that checks all the boxes.

Activities and Tours

Rouen is crammed with must-see places to visit and things to do. We can help you decide where to stay, and make it a breeze to explore the surrounding areas with our guides on where to go, what to see and when to see it. No matter how long your stay, it’s easy to find places of interest in Rouen to make sure that you enjoy your experience to the fullest and don’t miss a thing. Leave the local knowledge to us and leave the hassle behind.

If you’re planning a visit, why not check out our handy guides to places of interest in the area? You can browse lists of things to do, learn about the most popular attractions, and get help with planning the details of your trip. Expedia makes it easy for you to check out all the top sights.

Rouen Attractions

Expedia has something for everyone, so whether you’re planning to get active on a summer holiday, put a spring in your step with a romantic rendezvous, or pamper yourself with a leisurely winter trip, you’ll find plenty of attractions to keep you entertained. In addition to scheduling local tours, booking reservations and scoring advance event tickets, Expedia makes it easy to book your flight, hotel and rental car in advance, all on one consolidated travel itinerary, making for hassle-free travel and freeing you up to explore the sights of Rouen.

Looking for things to do can be time consuming, but we can take the hassle out of planning your holiday. Whether you’re looking to get active in the great outdoors, sample the cuisine or catch up with the vibrant local culture, our guides to Rouen attractions ensure that you’ll have a successful trip, whatever the season.

Things to do

Rouen audioguidal stroll

Rouen audioguidal stroll

CA $15
per adult
Rouen audioguidal stroll
Small Group Guided Tour of the Secret History of Rouen

Small Group Guided Tour of the Secret History of Rouen

CA $130
per adult
Small Group Guided Tour of the Secret History of Rouen
Rouen audio guided tour

Rouen audio-guided tour

CA $11
per traveller
100% of travellers recommend
Rouen audio-guided tour
Rouen : Museum Immersive Viking Experience

Rouen : Museum Immersive Viking Experience

CA $26
per adult
Rouen : Museum Immersive Viking Experience
Rouen Must-see Attractions Walking Tour With A Guide

Rouen Must-see Attractions Walking Tour With A Guide

CA $65
per adult
Rouen Must-see Attractions Walking Tour With A Guide
Best Intro to Rouen in 2 hours with a Local

Best Intro to Rouen in 2 hours with a Local

CA $128
per adult
Best Intro to Rouen in 2 hours with a Local
Rouen Christmas track game to do original activity with family

Unusual track game on Christmas markets in Rouen

CA $63
per traveller
Unusual track game on Christmas markets in Rouen
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Top places to visit

1. Rouen Cathedral

Visit the Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Rouen (Rouen Cathedral) to marvel at its Gothic grandeur, admire magnificent sculptures and stained-glass windows and visit the vaults of famous kings. The beautiful cathedral dates back to the 12th century and stands on the site of a former 4th-century church. French impressionist Claude Monet immortalized the Gothic cathedral in his famous Rouen Cathedral Series.
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A historic cathedral with twin spires and intricate stonework.

2. Tour Jeanne d'Arc

A visit to the Tour Jeanne d’Arc (Joan of Arc Tower) is a journey through centuries of Rouen and Normandy history. Learn about the trials and imprisonment of French heroine Joan of Arc, and the tower’s involvement in World War II. The Tour Jeanne d’Arc is the former keep and the last remaining part of Rouen Castle, built in 1204 by King Philippe Auguste of France.
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A cobblestone street lined with parked cars and historic buildings, including a tower with a conical roof.

3. Gros Horloge

Gros Horloge is an antique clock and major landmark of Rouen, which adorns an archway on the picturesque Rue de Gros Horloge. Admire the clock’s lavish astronomical design and gilded art work. Wander along Rue de Gros Horloge to spot historic buildings, visit major city attractions, enjoy some shopping and relax at one of many cafés.
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Ornate architectural details with a prominent clock and decorative carvings.

4. Saint-Ouen Church

In a city blessed with architectural masterpieces, the Église Saint-Ouen (Saint-Ouen Church) stands out as one of Rouen’s finest. Admire the Gothic façade, intricate stained-glass windows and magnificent organ. The Église Saint-Ouen started life as an abbey of the Benedictine Order and has architectural features that date back to the 1300s. It was here in 1431 that officials condemned Joan of Arc to be burned at the stake if she did not renounce. Compare this site to depictions you’ve seen in film and television versions of the story.
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A cathedral interior with tall columns, stained glass windows, and ornate woodwork.

5. Musée des Beaux-Arts

Musée des Beaux-Arts de Rouen (Museum of Fine Arts) has one of France’s finest collections of impressionist art in addition to extensive displays of drawing, landscapes, portraits and sculptures. Admire the work of revered artists such as Anton van Dyck, Claude Monet and Peter Paul Rubens. The Musée des Beaux-Arts dates back to the end of the 1700s, when a public collection first started to be formed.
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A museum exhibit with illuminated artwork and furniture.

6. Rue Eau de Robec

Rouen’s compact old town is easy to explore on foot and one of its highlights is the charming Rue Eau de Robec. This picturesque street is known for its charming, old-world atmosphere, which it gains from its tall, timber-framed Norman buildings. Wander along the pedestrianized section of the road to enjoy a quiet stroll through the historic heart of the city, where there has been minimal tourism development. The street has a museum, a children’s carousel and several restaurants.
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A narrow street lined with colorful half-timbered buildings, a café, and hanging flower baskets.

Recommended things to do in Rouen

Number of things to do
35
Cheapest thing to do on Expedia
Rouen Audio guided walking tour 1h45 and 27 audio comments: CA $10
Top 5 things to do
Half-day tours
With kids

What to do in Rouen

Stay near popular Rouen attractions

A historic cathedral with twin spires and intricate stonework.

Rouen Cathedral

9.4/10 (578 reviews)
Gaze in awe at this striking Gothic cathedral, which is home to towering spires, elaborate artwork and tombs of famous kings.
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Where to stay in Rouen

Find the best Rouen areas and neighborhoods for the activities you enjoy most. Learn more about Rouen
Learn more about Rouen
A historic town square with half-timbered buildings, a church spire, and a sign for "Rue Eau de Robec."

Rouen City Centre

Historic sites, museums, and art galleries are just a few things travelers like about Rouen City Centre. Sights like Musée des Beaux-Arts and Gros Horloge are spots to explore, and you can get around the greater Rouen area at Palais de Justice Tram Station.
A detailed mural with a celestial theme, featuring a large golden 'A' and a scene with a chariot pulled by horses.

Quartier Vieux Marché-Cathédrale

Historic sites, museums, and art galleries are just a few things travelers like about Quartier Vieux Marché-Cathédrale. Sights like Gros Horloge and Musée des Beaux-Arts are spots to explore, and you can get around the greater Rouen area at Palais de Justice Tram Station.
A riverside cityscape with historic buildings, a prominent church tower, and a bridge.

Centre Ville Rive Gauche

Shopping, restaurants, and historic sites highlight some of the notable features of Centre Ville Rive Gauche. Make a stop by Saint Sever while you're exploring.
A historic clock tower with intricate designs and a large clock face, set in an urban street with traditional architecture.
Photo by Victor Arregui
Open Photo by Victor Arregui

Quartier Saint-Marc - Croix de Pierre - Saint-Nicaise

Historic sites, bars, and river views highlight some of the noteworthy features of Quartier Saint-Marc - Croix de Pierre - Saint-Nicaise. Make a stop by Rue Eau de Robec or Aitre St. Maclou while you're exploring the neighborhood.

Quartier Pasteur

River views, historic sites, and coffeehouses are some highlights of Quartier Pasteur. Make a stop by Flaubert Museum and the History of Medicine or Kindarena while you're exploring.

 

Looking for fun things to do nearby? Check things to do near me to find and book the best things to do, fun activities, and top attractions wherever you happen to be.

 

 

Day trip destinations from Rouen

A Gothic cathedral with two spires and a large rose window.

Saint-Etienne-du-Rouvray

A historic church with a tall spire surrounded by residential buildings and trees.

Mont-Saint-Aignan

A cityscape with a river, a bridge, and a prominent tower.

Sotteville-les-Rouen

Frequently asked questions

Is Rouen worth visiting?
Renowned for its walking trails and views, finding fun things to do in Rouen is simple. Don't forget to add Rouen Cathedral to your trip itinerary while here.
How do I spend a day in Rouen?
Joan of Arc Historial and Normandie Karting are two awesome places to begin your sightseeing adventures. Remember to explore the dining and shopping options in Rouen while you're here too.
What is the top tourist attraction in Rouen?
You can't go home without visiting Rouen Cathedral, rated the top tourist attraction in Rouen.
Is three days enough to stay in Rouen?
Three days will give you enough time to tick off the leading city attractions, like Rouen Cathedral, Joan of Arc Historial and Rouen Opera House. The average stay in Rouen is two days. If you feel the urge to extend your getaway, Vernon isn't far away.
Is Rouen a walkable city?
That comes down to what you want to see and do in Rouen. Several key sights, like Rouen Cathedral and Joan of Arc Historial, are accessible on foot. If you're up for a wander through some of Rouen's best neighbourhoods, Rouen City Centre is 0.48 kilometres away from downtown, while Quartier Vieux Marché-Cathédrale is 0.16 kilometres away from the centre and also within walking distance.
What are some activities to do in Rouen with kids?
Whether you're vacationing with young explorers or playful teenagers, an itinerary filled with cool activities makes all the difference. Check out our recommendations for what to do in Rouen with kids.

What to do in Rouen for adults?
Whether you're an avid foodie, culture enthusiast or fan of Mother Nature, there are lots of things to do in Rouen for adults including Rouen Expo Park and Rue du Gros-Horloge.
Are there free things to do in Rouen?
In Rouen, Rouen Cathedral is a popular spot for anyone planning to enjoy the city without reaching for their wallet. Also, stroll around the green spaces and other neighbourhoods, and ask for recommendations from a local tour guide. It's a simple way to discover the best free things to do in Rouen.

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