Check out Rouen, France, on your next trip. If you’re looking for the top attractions and fun things to do in Rouen, France, then look no further than Rouen, France. Scroll down, and you’ll find our top travel suggestions for Rouen, France, for the best places to visit in Rouen, France. As a Web 3.0 travel startup, Wondrous Drifter has big plans to shake things up in the field.
Table Of Content
- Abbatiale Saint Ouen
- Aître Saint-Maclou
- Butter Tower
- Ceramic Museum
- Church of Saint-Maclou
- Eglise Jeanne d’Arc
- Gill
- Gros Horloge
- Historial Jeanne d’Arc
- Jardin des Plantes
- La Cornaelle
- La Maison Auzou
- Musée des Beaux-Arts
- Musée Flaubert et d’Histoire de la Médecine
- Musée Le Secq des Tournelles
- Notre Dame Cathedral
- Palais de Justice
- Place du Vieux Marché
- Vieux Rouen
- Panorama XXL
- Explore Europe
Abbatiale Saint Ouen
You can’t say your Rouen itinerary is the best if this place is not included!
The massive dimensions and the Gothic architecture of Abbatiale never fail to impress each tourist that visits the destination.
It was constructed in the 14th century to serve as a church for the Benedictine monastery. It’s completely vacant today, making it the ideal spot for rest and reflection.
Its 14th-century stained glass windows bring color into the vast interior area.
When you visit the upper floor, you will witness the famous Cavaillé-Coll Organ, with 5,000 pipes and four keyboards. It is widely regarded as one of the most beautiful in the world.
You should also visit the Portail des Marmousets, located in the abbey’s south transept and features magnificent sculptures depicting Saint Ouen’s life.
This place is too stunning to be missed! Spend a couple of hours and witness the beauty this place holds.
Address: Pl. du Général de Gaulle, 76000 Rouen, France
Aître Saint-Maclou
An unusual tourist destination.
The Aître Saint-Maclou is a medieval structure that has been designated as a Historic Monument.
The site’s history may be traced back to the “Black Death” plague of 1348, which claimed the lives of a third of the town’s residents.
The houses surrounding the graveyard served as the ossuary. The area, now a lovely courtyard, was initially used for burials.
The structure galleries are decorated with gruesome images of bones, skulls, gravedigger tools, and things associated with funeral rites.
In the masonry, a cat’s skeleton was discovered. Cats (especially the black ones) were thought to be evil spirits throughout the Middle Ages. The cat would have been trapped inside (while still alive) to protect from bad luck.
Would you dare to visit this creepy tourist attraction? It would be a marvelous and unforgettable experience if you did!
Don’t miss the chance to visit this unique attraction while traveling around Rouen!
Address: 186 Rue Martainville, 76000 Rouen, France
Butter Tower
Hit two birds with one stone.
Rouen Cathedral is a famous landmark and a tourist attraction in Rouen. It has three unique towers, the most spectacular of which is the Butter Tower.
The construction of the tower began in 1485. Still, it was not finished until 1506 and was inaugurated in 1507 by Georges d’Amboise, Archbishop of Rouen.
Decorated with sculptures, pinnacles, and gargoyles, the exquisite design is a sight to behold!
The name of this tower is taken from a story that dates back to the Middle Ages.
Butter was forbidden to be eaten during Lent, but in exchange for huge gifts to the cathedral to help fund the tower’s construction, Pope Innocent VIII would allow the parishioners to eat butter.
It is indeed a tourist spot inside a tourist spot.
When you visit the Rouen Cathedral, visit the tower and be stunned by yourself!
Address: Rouen, France
Ceramic Museum
Are you a fan of beautiful teacups and teapots? This museum is your spot!
The Museum of Ceramics, housed in the beautiful Hôtel d’Hocqueville, features a fine collection of faience and porcelain.
The attraction is designated as a “Musée de France” and displays the ancient treasures of Rouen’s famed potteries.
This museum focuses mainly on the history and production of Rouen’s ceramics from the 16th to the 18th centuries.
Overall, there are about 6,000 artifacts on display, showcasing the skill and craftsmanship of local artisans, as well as pieces by Jacques-Émile Ruhlmann, an art deco designer.
Exhibits feature beautiful Sèvres porcelain artifacts from the 19th and 20th centuries, manufactured by the ateliers of France’s famous Manufacture de Sèvres.
Rococo chinoiserie, exquisite faience sculptures, and lovely ceremonial dinnerware sets are also displayed.
The artifacts on display are so beautiful that you’d be hopeful that there are available replicas you can bring home.
Be careful as you explore this fragile tourist attraction!
Address: 1 Rue Faucon, 76000 Rouen, France
Church of Saint-Maclou
Gothic churches have always been and will always be a part of a perfect Frances itinerary.
This attraction is the first gothic church on the list you need to see!
This is one of the best examples of Flamboyant Gothic architecture. It was built in 1437 and dedicated to Saint-Malo.
The church is made up of a mix of different architectural styles, from the Gothic stairs to the Baroque confessionals.
In 1348, there was a plague that killed three-quarters of this parish. The local cemetery was considered too small, so this eerie-looking ossuary was built around a courtyard.
The remains were removed in the 1700s, but carvings of skulls and bones may still be seen in the building’s timbers.
You will notice five arched porches that highlight the beautiful exterior, creating a striking entry to the church when you visit.
The porches are surrounded by Renaissance-era wooden doors with beautifully carved Biblical images.
Set aside an hour or two to visit this amazing Gothic attraction!
Address: Rouen, France
Eglise Jeanne d’Arc
A complete opposite of the famous Gothic churches
This remarkably modern chapel allows visitors to appreciate Joan of Arc’s invincible spirit, who spent her final days in Rouen.
The Joan of Arc Church, designed by Louis Arretche and completed in 1979, is located on the historical Place de Vieux, Rouen’s first market square. This is where Joan of Arc was burned at stake for committing heresy.
The Eglise Jeanne d’Arc was given a distinctive design to commemorate the renowned saint.
The flames of the stake are represented by the shape of the church’s roof.
The inside of the church is graced with magnificent Renaissance stained-glass windows.
The brightly colored stained-glass windows in the Joan of Arc Church were recovered from a neighboring church that was damaged during World War Two. Fortunately, the windows were hidden deep in the ground.
More than a dozen Renaissance-era stained-glass windows represent Christ’s life from childhood to his crucifixion and resurrection, in addition to scenes from the stories of Saints Peter, Anne, and Anthony of Padua.
This modern church provides an uplifting environment for spiritual reflection and contemplation.
Visit and pay your respects at this beautiful and historic religious attraction.
Address: Place du Vieux Marché, 76000 Rouen, France
Gill
This is not just a restaurant. It’s an attraction.
Gill is a two-star Michelin restaurant led by native Norman chef Gilles Tournadre. The latter concentrates on fresh seafood from the nearby Normandy coast.
Tournadre is influenced by Japan, where he travels yearly to re-inspire him and prepares fish in various ways, like seared, raw, grilled, and roasted.
Roasted lobster Brittany-style, turbot fish cooked in apple cider, and local oysters done two ways are among the specialties of this famous restaurant.
Gilles Tournadre’s commitment to creating traditional cuisine that considers exceptional ingredients.
Also, he attracts customers through simplicity and is highlighted by the Chef’s “signature dishes,” which continue to be star players on the menu.
This is a great spot to spend a romantic date night with your partner and a place to have the ultimate fine dining experience.
Make a reservation now and have a great Michelin dining experience!
Address: 8-9 Quai de la Bourse, 76000 Rouen, France
Gros Horloge
Check what time is it in France’s oldest timepiece.
Located just south of the Palais de Justice, the Gros Horlodge is a medieval astronomical clock.
The Gros-Horloge, which dates back to 1389 and is situated in the center of a Renaissance arch, is the oldest timepiece in France.
This 2.5-meter-diameter golden sun is represented by the 24 beams that shoot out against a blue background abundantly filled with stars on the facade.
J.M. W. Turner, a British painter, painted a famous artwork of Gros Horloge during a trip in 1832.
Originally built in 1389 as a defensive structure, the clock’s bell tower now serves an entirely different role.
In addition to keeping the residents on schedule, the clock also serves as an eye-catching ornamental feature.
You will see this stunning clock halfway along with one of the best shopping places in Rouen, the Rue du Dros Horloge.
This spot is worthy of your TIME! Check this out during your Rouen journey.
Address: Rue du Gros Horloge, 76000 Rouen, France
Historial Jeanne d’Arc
Learn about the eventful life of a French historical icon
The Joan of Arc Museum is built in the magnificent archbishop’s palace, which was established during the Medieval Period.
Joan of Arc was prosecuted at Rouen’s Episcopal Palace in 1431, so it’s only fitting that a museum dedicated to her life be housed in this ancient structure.
The Historial Jeanne d’Arc is a multimedia presentation commemorating her life.
The 45-minute multimedia presentation is broken into seven portions, each with 20 actors performing and reenacting the trial based on real transcripts.
It’s one of the most popular Rouen attractions, lasting almost an hour and including an entertaining and educational display of sound and light throughout the palace’s various chambers and halls.
This is the place to go if you’ve ever been curious about the iconic saint and would like to understand more not only about her gruesome death but also her life and impact on French society.
Check out this spot and learn a thing or two about the famous French saint.
Address: 7 Rue Saint-Romain, 76000 Rouen, France
Jardin des Plantes
Relax and unwind in this beautiful garden if your mind gets loaded with mind-blowing historical attractions and museums.
Rouen’s main park, located just south of the old town, is a popular destination for families, but it also has scientific value, as it houses flora from five continents.
Wisteria irises, rhododendrons, and camellias feature a riot of color in the spring. The rose gardens bloom in the summer, while fall delivers the beautiful reds and oranges.
If you visit in the winter, life goes on inside the garden’s greenhouses, where tropical plants grow all year.
The Jardin des Plantes comprises eleven distinct gardens, each with its own personality and style.
You can wander around the ecological garden, the alpine garden, the rock garden, the rose garden, the maze, and countless more attractions while you’re here.
This is a great spot to enjoy a fun picnic day with your family and friends.
Address: 57 Rue Cuvier, 75005 Paris, France
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La Cornaelle
A trip to France wouldn’t be complete without eating crepes!
La Cornaelle in Rouen serves customers some of the city’s greatest crepes at a reasonable price.
This cafe is ideal if you’re seeking a cozy creperie to spend a relaxed afternoon.
Their French cuisine features authentically prepared traditional dishes for you to enjoy.
Whenever you need a sweet treat, their delicious crepes and ice cream are just what you’re looking for.
Some of their most popular menu options are their beautifully cooked vegan and vegetarian dinners.
This cafe also has a large assortment of gluten-free options for you to pick from.
It’s no surprise that this shop is so popular because it makes it as easy as possible for customers to enjoy a stress-free dining experience.
It’s a wonderful place to spend time with your friends over a hot cup of cocoa or coffee.
Make a reservation now and experience authentic French crepe!
Address: Rue Eau de Robec 174, 76000 Rouen, France
La Maison Auzou
A haven for the sweet tooths.
La Maison Auzou, a tiny chain of businesses run by a multigenerational family, makes delectable chocolates, macarons, and other sweets.
Located at 163 rue du Gros Horloge, Auzou’s first shop in Rouen is named after the “Tears of Joan of Arc.” There’s also one at 69 rue des Carmes devoted to “Macarons de la grandmère Auzou.”
You must visit the third shop located at 9 Ruelle du coin des Saules in Val-De-Reuil. This boutique workshop offers exclusive pricing.
The apple jelly pastry with chocolate ganache and local apple liqueur Calvados, the chocolate-covered grilled almonds, and cocoa-dusted pralines are some of the best on the menu.
The salted butter caramel and apple macaron from an old Normandy recipe are also some of the must-try products of La Maison.
For many years, La Maison has been a partner of the Rouen Tourism Office. Their guides are delighted to make a pit stop in front of the Historical Monument at 163 rue du Gros Horloge!
You will be warmly welcomed with the specialty “Tear of Joan of Arc.”
Visit and experience the sweetness of French chocolate at La Maison Auzou!
Address: 163 rue du Gros Horloge, Rouen
Musée des Beaux-Arts
Witness one of the most important art museums in France.
This outstanding fine arts museum is known for the range and depth of artistic movements represented in its collections.
It was in 1801 that Rouen’s world-class fine arts museum was founded after the valuable treasures stolen from churches and noble mansions during the Revolution were declared public property.
The museum has a vast collection of paintings, sculptures, sketches, and objets d’art that date from the 15th century to the twenty-first century, among other things.
While you’re there, you’ll get the opportunity to see works by some of the finest artists the world has ever known, like Renoir, Picasso, Caravaggio, and Monet.
Works by artists Alfred Sisley, Paul Delaroche, Eugène Delacroix, Anton van Dyck are also on display. So make sure not to miss out on this opportunity!
A museum date will never be a bad idea, so take her with you your loved one to appreciate each artwork.
Address: Esplanade Marcel-Duchamp, Rouen
Musée Flaubert et d’Histoire de la Médecine
Have you ever seen a medical museum?
It is very rare to know someone who has been in a museum with medicinal artifacts.
This attraction, housed in the former Hôtel-Dieu hospital, is located in the birthplace of the 19th-century author Gustave Flaubert and has a medical and literary focus.
Among the artifacts on display are a collection of 200 antique medicinal jars, mummified skulls of two political agitators who were executed in the 1700s, and military surgery kits.
A leech perch, a 6-seater sickbed, and an 18th-century delivery mannequin are among France’s most unusual medical collections.
Reconstructions have added a lot of character to the museum. You’ll see a 19th-century apothecary, dental clinic, and cabinet of curiosities.
The garden of medicinal plants is the final stop on your trip to this museum.
Include this in your itinerary and have a one-of-a-kind medical museum experience.
Address: 51, rue de Lecat, 76000 Rouen, France
Musée Le Secq des Tournelles
If you can’t get enough of the unique museums in Rouen, check this out for more!
The Musée Le Secq des Tournelles is one of Rouen’s most unusual attractions.
It houses a collection of ancient wrought ironwork in the former Saint Laurent Church, which was built in the Gothic style.
It may take a few moments to realize what you’re looking at once you’ve entered: Henri Secq Tournelles acquired centuries’ worth of ironwork and left it in the museum in the 1920s.
This renowned ironwork is displayed in the church’s gothic arch and in glass cabinets.
This may sound dull, but the truth is it is a collection of railings, scientific apparatus, jewelry, and door knockers that have been transformed from meaningless to spectacular.
The church itself dates from the 15th century and features stunning stained-glass windows that are well worth looking at.
Make sure to stop by to witness the uniqueness of this museum!
Address: 2 Rue Jacques Villon, 76000 Rouen, France
Notre Dame Cathedral
An eye-catching religious destination.
The Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Rouen is in the city’s heart, so it’s hard to miss. If you enjoy Gothic architecture, it’s also one of the favorite features of Rouen.
At the end of the 1870s, the cathedral at Rouen held the record for the world’s tallest structure for four years.
The cathedral’s construction began in the 13th century, but it was not completed until the 16th.
This fusion of eras has resulted in a lovely, flowing structure that, despite WWII damage, still has many of its original stained-glass windows.
The façade of the building is a show-stopper, and it was the inspiration for some of the masterpieces of impressionist artist Claude Monet.
This magnificent structure contains the graves of several historical figures, including Richard the Lionheart and early Norman rulers such as Rollo and William I.
You need to visit this spot regardless of your religion! It is too incredible for you to miss out.
Address: Place de la Cathédrale, 76000 Rouen, France
Palais de Justice
Be amazed by the largest gothic civic building in France!
The Palais de Justice, a magnificent example of medieval civilian architecture, is home to the Rouen Law Courts and served as the meeting site for the Parliament of Normandy for many years.
Rouen’s largest gothic civic structure, built to house the Normandy Exchequer in 1499, is located in the ancient Jewish neighborhood.
Gothic-style gargoyles and ornate spires are seen on the roof of this sandy-colored building, as well as a balustrade.
There is visible evidence of bomb destruction from the liberation of Rouen during World War II, which has been preserved as a memorial.
Even though the building is not available to the public, you will still be impressed by the elaborate craftsmanship on the facade.
The remnants of a fine stone building were discovered beneath the courtyard of the Palais de Justice during a restoration in 1976.
The facade makes a great background for your Instagram photos! Visit this place and be stunned with your own eyes!
Address: 10 Bd du Palais, 75001 Paris, France
Place du Vieux Marché
A street filled with history.
This square, also known as Old Market Square, is located at the west end of the Rue du Cros-Horloge and was originally used as a Middle Ages execution ground.
The Place du Vieux-Marché is a well-known street with a terrible history. Joan of Arc was burned alive at this exact location.
It is now a lively district and one of Rouen’s must-see attractions. It’s full of lovely half-timbered cottages, including La Couronne, France’s oldest auberge or inn.
There are also numerous small restaurants serving traditional cuisine, as well as cafés where you may relax and take in the sights.
There are a lot of tourists and curious minds drawn to the square’s enormous complex.
Musée Jeanne-d’Arc, a museum that chronicles the historical occurrence, has been created to honor this French hero, along with a lovely chapel.
This street is worth a visit! Don’t miss this in your Rouen itinerary.
Address: Place du Vieux-Marché, Rouen, France, 76000
Vieux Rouen
You will never stop taking pictures every step of the way in this historical monument-filled village.
The old city walls of Rouen were demolished in the 18th century and replaced by wide boulevards that nevertheless define the city’s historical boundaries.
This area of Rouen is home to 227 officially recognized historical landmarks, ranking it as the sixth most significant in all of France.
More than 2,000 timber-framed houses can be found in Vieux Rouen, which dates back to the 1200s, and the more crooked they are, the more lovely they seem to be.
Rue Saint-Amand, Rue Abbé-de-l’Épée, Rue Étoupée, and Rue Damiette are only four of the many streets where you may witness the oldest architecture.
This is a great spot to enjoy walking tours because of the numerous spots to visit. It’s such a unique place that you won’t want to miss during your Rouen trip.
Address: Vieux Rouen, France
Panorama XXL
Get an extra dose of history from a different perspective.
The final spot on the list does not have an ancient facade but exhibits ancient cities all over the world.
The Seine quays have been revitalized in recent years, and Panorama XXL is one of the new attractions.
This spot is exactly what the name implies: a gigantic, 360° panoramic artwork that is changed every few months for a new display.
The artist Yadegar Asisi created these ultra-realistic panoramas of historical cities, which were projected onto a massive spherical screen.
In 2015, the theme was medieval Rome, and in 2016, the focus was on Rouen during the gothic period.
Although it is a small attraction, you will spend a significant amount of time admiring the amazing detail of the image.
This is another unique spot that the Rouen offers, and you should not miss it.
Book a ticket now and have a mind-blowing viewing experience!
Still undecided on visiting Rouen, France? Hop over to why visit Rouen France at least once in your lifetime here.
Address: Rouen, France
